LSU Vet Med students take the national stage at AVMA Conference

In July 2026, LSU Vet Med DVM students represented the school at the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Anaheim, California, taking on roles in student leadership, presenting research, and engaging with veterinary professionals and students from across the country.

From addressing national veterinary leaders and participating in Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) governance to delivering a scientific presentation, the students demonstrated the many ways LSU Vet Med students are contributing to the profession while still earning their veterinary degrees. They returned to LSU with new ideas, professional connections and experiences that will help shape their education, careers and involvement in organized veterinary medicine.

Here, they share what they experienced at the AVMA Convention, what they hope to accomplish in their leadership roles, and where they see their careers taking them.

Shaye Alost

Shaye Alost (Class of 2028), President of LSU Vet Med SAVMA chapter: Attending the AVMA Convention as a veterinary student is an incredibly rewarding and insightful experience because it provides a comprehensive look at the many opportunities available within the veterinary profession. As President of LSU SAVMA, I had the opportunity to attend meetings with SAVMA presidents, presidents-elect, and delegates from veterinary schools across the country. These conversations allow us to exchange ideas and identify new ways to strengthen our SAVMA chapters and better serve our student bodies.

As LSU SAVMA President, I hope to continue strengthening our chapter by increasing student engagement, supporting our student clubs, and expanding professional development opportunities. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as a small-animal general practitioner in Louisiana. I am especially interested in incorporating high-volume spay/neuter services and shelter medicine into my career while pursuing continuing education in advanced soft-tissue and orthopedic procedures. I always look forward to bringing back these new tools/ideas gained from convention back to LSU!

Stephanie Boggiano

Stephanie Boggiano (Class of 2028): Returning to the AVMA Convention as a speaker for a second consecutive year was an incredible honor. While I had the opportunity to present a research poster at last year's conference, this year marked an exciting new milestone: delivering my first 50-minute lecture. Having the opportunity to share my work and speak to an audience of veterinarians, researchers, and students at one of the world's largest veterinary conferences was both a privilege and a rewarding experience that I will always remember.

My presentation, "The SLICK Mutation in Cattle: PRLR Gene Adaptations Saving $1 Billion Annually and Advancing Animal Welfare," explored the role of the PRLR (prolactin receptor) gene in improving heat tolerance in cattle. I discussed the genetic basis of the slick hair phenotype, its impact on animal welfare and productivity, and its potential to help the cattle industry adapt to increasing environmental temperatures. I was especially proud to highlight research and experiences from Puerto Rico, where this work has significant implications for dairy production in tropical climates.

This opportunity would not have been possible without the incredible mentorship of Dr. Jeremy Redmond. I am deeply grateful for the time, guidance, and encouragement he invested in helping me prepare this presentation. His mentorship challenged me to grow not only as a presenter but also as a future veterinarian and researcher. Having someone believe in my potential and support me throughout this process made this experience even more meaningful.

Looking back, I feel incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. Standing on the AVMA stage was a dream come true, and I hope it is only the beginning of many opportunities to share knowledge, contribute to the veterinary profession, and continue advocating for food animal health and welfare.

Brooke Javier

Brooke Javier (Class of 2029), served as SAVMA Junior Delegate in 2026 and is now Senior Delegate: I am so excited to serve as Senior Delegate this year. In this role, I hope to strengthen the connection between our student body and the national SAVMA and help students recognize the many ways SAVMA supports us financially, mentally, academically, and professionally. Attending the AVMA Convention was an incredible experience because I had the opportunity to connect with people at every stage of veterinary medicine, from aspiring veterinarians to those who have retired from the profession. Hearing their stories and seeing everyone come together through a shared love of veterinary medicine reminded me just how impactful and special this profession is. In the future, I hope to become a small animal general practitioner while staying involved with the AVMA and continuing to promote its mission at the state and local levels!

Sophie LeBlanc

Sophie LeBlanc (Class of 2029), President-elect of LSU Vet Med SAVMA: Attending the AVMA Convention was an incredible experience and one of the highlights of my veterinary school journey so far. It gave me the opportunity to connect with veterinary students and professionals from across the country, learn about important topics affecting our profession, and represent LSU Vet Med on a national level. The experience reinforced how valuable organized veterinary medicine is in supporting students and shaping the future of our profession.

I currently serve as LSU SAVMA Chapter President-Elect, and I hope to strengthen student involvement and continue building a supportive community within our school. While I'm currently most interested in small animal internal medicine and neurology, I'm excited to continue exploring all areas of veterinary medicine as I progress through school.

Spencer Stelly

Spencer Stelly (Class of 2027), President of SAVMA National: I was previously the Junior and then Senior Delegate for LSU SAVMA, and I now serve as the national SAVMA President. The AVMA Convention was full of meetings, conversations, learning, and fun. I attended the AVMA Board of Directors meetings, addressed the AVMA House of Delegates as the SAVMA Delegate, spoke at the American Veterinary Medical Foundation Donor Breakfast, and chaired the SAVMA House of Delegates. I also was able to record a podcast for My Veterinary Life with Dr. Annie Chavent and Dr. Jen Brandt on the psychology of mistakes, attend the keynote address by Dr. Mark Penning, share dinner with Louisiana’s AVMA delegation and leadership, and enjoy Disneyland for an evening! I hope my time in SAVMA highlights student advocacy, transparent communication, and One Health initiatives. I am honored each and every day to be trusted to advocate for and on behalf of more than 21,000 veterinary students.

When I graduate, I would like to pursue some mixture of mixed animal general practice, small animal emergency medicine, while staying involved in organized medicine and championing policy, advocacy, and regulatory medicine.