WSU veterinary student Ammasie Allred earns international theriogenology honor

Washington State University veterinary student Ammasie Allred has been named a 2026 Nandi Scholar, earning one of two $5,000 international awards recognizing final-year veterinary students who demonstrate exceptional promise in theriogenology, leadership, and scholarly excellence.

Awarded annually by the Theriogenology Foundation, the highly competitive Nandi Scholarship honors students pursuing excellence in animal reproductive medicine. Allred is the sixth WSU student to receive the award in the past six years, highlighting the College of Veterinary Medicine's nationally recognized strength in reproductive medicine within its DVM program.

"Theriogenology has been a significant part of my veterinary journey," Allred said. "I absolutely love reproductive medicine, and being awarded this scholarship shows that my dedication to the specialty has been recognized and appreciated by others, which is incredibly rewarding. It's fulfilling to love what you do and also be recognized for it."

After graduating on May 10, Allred will move to California's Central Valley to pursue food-animal practice with an emphasis on theriogenology and herd health. She also hopes to become a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, though she has not yet decided whether to pursue a traditional residency or an alternate pathway.

The scholarship funding will primarily help Allred reduce her educational debt, and she also plans to use part of the award to attend the Society for Theriogenology's annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Allred recognized several mentors at WSU who helped shape her career path. She highlighted Dr. Salman Waqas, an assistant professor in comparative theriogenology, as instrumental in developing her hands-on clinical skills, deepening her understanding of reproductive medicine, and encouraging her to pursue advanced training in the specialty. She also credited Dr. Michela Ciccarelli, an assistant professor in comparative theriogenology, with inspiring her early interest and involvement in the field.

"They have been extremely supportive throughout my veterinary education and pursuits in theriogenology," she said. "I am so grateful for their support and for all of the practical skills they have taught me."

In addition, Allred expressed appreciation for Professor Emeritus Dr. Ahmed Tibary, whose depth of knowledge and broad perspective left a lasting impression on her training. She further acknowledged Dr. Melissa Holahan of Caprine & Ewe Veterinary Consulting for providing valuable guidance during her initial experience with laparoscopic artificial insemination procedures, further strengthening her practical expertise.

Allred added that she sees veterinarians as playing an important role in working collaboratively with breeders, even in a field that can be controversial.

"If we turn clients away because we don't believe in their breeding practices, we remove ourselves from the equation," she said. "We no longer have the relationship or standing to make a difference in the lives of those animals."