Discovery journal research explores barriers to careers in veterinary medicine
Nov. 3, 2026
By John Lovett
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Danielle Reeves conducted studies following overseas Army National Guard service
- Bumpers College undergraduate research journal published Oct. 27
- Journal topics range from poultry health to cattle nutrition and sheep behavior
(644 words)
Download PHOTO of Discovery journal cover
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A study examining barriers that may discourage minority students from pursuing careers in veterinary medicine headlines the 2026 issue of Discovery, the undergraduate research journal of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
The cover story features the research of Danielle Reeves, a May 2026 honors graduate in animal science with a pre-professional sciences concentration. This year’s journal was published on Oct. 27.
Working with faculty mentor Lauren Rogers, a teaching associate professor and veterinarian in the department of animal science, Reeves surveyed 456 University of Arkansas students to identify factors that influence interest in veterinary medicine.
The study found that while students of all backgrounds reported obstacles to pursuing veterinary careers, minority students were more likely to identify a lack of diverse backgrounds within the profession, limited exposure to veterinary medicine, and financial concerns as significant barriers.
“Understanding what the factors or barriers are associated with minority students’ desire or lack of desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine could help provide information to universities and to the veterinary profession on how to increase recruitment and retention from minority groups,” Reeves wrote in her paper.
Survey results suggested that increasing early exposure to veterinary careers, expanding mentorship opportunities, creating additional scholarship support, and improving outreach to underrepresented communities could help encourage greater participation in the profession.
Reeves said the project was especially meaningful because of her own experiences pursuing a veterinary career while balancing college coursework and military service.
“Conducting research and completing this honors thesis project was something that I was very passionate about,” Reeves said. “I learned so much about different people’s backgrounds and how they affect their career choices, along with learning more about the veterinary medicine field and its demographics.”
Rogers said Reeves was uniquely suited to tackle the question after returning to campus from an overseas deployment with the Army National Guard and beginning work on her honors thesis.
“For me, one of the best parts of this project was seeing Danielle’s passion and vision for the impact she hopes to make within the field of veterinary medicine,” Rogers said. “She is going to become a fantastic veterinarian and community leader.”
The 2026 edition of Discovery also highlights six additional undergraduate research projects addressing poultry and animal science topics, including poultry immune function, water-use efficiency in chickens, cattle nutrition, and feeding behaviors in sheep. The journal provides students with an opportunity to publish faculty-mentored research and gain experience communicating scientific findings to broader audiences.
In her letter as faculty editor, Beth Kegley noted that the journal continues to showcase research with relevance far beyond Arkansas.
“Our cover story this year highlights Danielle Reeves’ investigation into barriers faced by minority students entering the veterinary medical profession,” Kegley wrote. “These results will inform decisions about future education and recruitment efforts to increase the representation of minorities in that profession.”
Jeff Edwards, dean of the Bumpers College, emphasized the role undergraduate research plays in preparing students for future careers.
“A key component of that hands-on learning is research,” Edwards wrote. “Our faculty conduct and complete significant research every year, and leading and sharing those experiences with our students gives them opportunities to learn, lead, and launch careers.”
The projects featured in Discovery were supported by undergraduate research funding opportunities and mentorship from faculty with appointments in the Bumpers College or the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Gail Halleck, managing editor of Discovery since 2010, said the deadline to enter a research project for submission to the next journal is May 6, 2027.
“Every issue has an interesting mix,” Halleck said. “This year really showcases our poultry and animal science majors and some important topics facing these industries, such as vaccines, diet and supplementation, heat stress and barriers to the veterinary medicine profession.”
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
John Lovett
U of A Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 763-5929
jl119@uark.edu