- Lainey Atwood of North Carolina State University received the 2026 Clinical Practice Scholarship.
- Lynna Li of Cornell University was awarded the 2026 Clinical Research Scholarship.
- The scholarships support veterinary students pursuing careers focused on feline health and wellbeing.
- Recipients were recognized for their commitment to advancing feline medicine through clinical care and research.
- The program reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the pipeline of veterinary professionals dedicated to cats.
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) and EveryCat Health Foundation have announced the recipients of their 2026 veterinary student scholarships, recognizing two future veterinarians committed to advancing feline medicine through clinical practice and research.
Lainey Atwood, a fourth-year veterinary student at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the Clinical Practice Scholarship, while Lynna Li, a fourth-year student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, was selected for the Clinical Research Scholarship.
Supporting the Future of Feline Care
The annual scholarship program is designed to encourage veterinary students pursuing careers dedicated to improving feline health outcomes and expanding access to cat-focused veterinary expertise.
According to FelineVMA CEO Heather O’Steen, the recipients demonstrated a strong commitment to feline education and the advancement of Cat Friendly care. The organizations said the scholarships recognize students whose career goals align with improving clinical outcomes and elevating standards of care for cats.
Clinical Practice Scholarship Supports Interest in Integrative Medicine
Atwood plans to pursue a career in small animal medicine with a particular focus on feline health and integrative care approaches.
In addition to her veterinary studies, she volunteers with Operation Catnip and has expressed an interest in supporting shelters, rescue organizations, and underserved feline populations. Her long-term goals include advancing understanding of integrative therapies that may complement traditional veterinary medicine while improving quality of life for feline patients.
She also hopes to participate in high-volume spay and neuter initiatives and expand access to veterinary services for cats in need.
Research Scholarship Highlights Comparative Medicine and Academia
Li’s academic interests center on internal medicine, comparative medicine, and translational research.
During veterinary school, she worked as a student technician on Cornell’s Internal Medicine Service and conducted research in a tumor immunology laboratory that uses companion animals as models for human breast cancer. Her work helped strengthen her interest in bridging veterinary and human medicine through research.
Following graduation, Li plans to complete a rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City before pursuing board certification in internal medicine and a career that combines clinical practice, research, and academia.
Building the Future Veterinary Workforce
EveryCat Health Foundation President and CEO Jackie Ott Jaakola said the scholarship recipients exemplify both academic excellence and a commitment to advancing feline wellbeing.
The scholarship program is part of a broader effort by FelineVMA and EveryCat Health Foundation to support veterinary education and encourage more students to pursue careers focused on feline medicine.
EveryCat Health Foundation, which exclusively funds feline health research, reports awarding more than $10 million in grants since 1968 to support cat health studies worldwide. FelineVMA supports veterinary professionals through feline-focused education, practice guidelines, and Cat Friendly programs designed to improve the veterinary experience and standard of care for cats.
For more information, visit www.everycat.org and www.catvets.com.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
