Equine Students Receive Chancellor’s Awards

The 2020 UC Davis Spring Awards ceremony recognized two undergraduate students who conducted research in equine genetics.

Yael (Izzie) Hack, an Animal Science major, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and the Dean Keith Simonton Prize. This award recognizes outstanding undergraduate students for research, scholarship, or creative activity. Hack investigated the genetic cause of Congenital Stationary Night Blindness in a Tennessee Walking Horse under the mentorship of UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory Director Rebecca Bellone. Her work led to a genetic test that is now available to breeders to avoid producing affected horses.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” said Hack. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to equine genetics research, and learn from amazing people at the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.”

Callie Wilcox, an Animal Science major, received the Hanson Family Undergraduate Research Publication Award. This award recognizes publication of outstanding undergraduate research, scholarship, or creative activity with guidance by UC Davis faculty. Wilcox was the primary author of the publication, “Previously Identified Genetic Variants in ADGRL3 Are Not Associated with Risk for Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy Across Breeds” in the journal Genes. She performed her research under the guidance of Center for Equine Health Director Carrie Finno.

“It is a great honor to receive this award, which I could not have done without the mentorship of Dr. Finno, along with the support of graduate students and fellow undergraduate researchers,” says Wilcox. “Being a part of Dr. Finno’s laboratory has been an integral part of my undergraduate career and solidified my passion for animal health and genetics.”

Congratulations Izzie and Callie!