Dr. Melissa Leonard 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award Recipient

Melissa Leonard, DVM, DACVP, is a PhD candidate in Immunology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and is a recipient of the 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians for her current research focused on examining the molecular mechanisms underlying T cell migration and effector function during influenza infection. This national recognition reflects Leonard’s outstanding contributions to research and the strength of Ohio State's research community.

Following time spent in clinical practice as a veterinarian, Leonard was inspired to pursue a career in veterinary pathology and biomedical research due to a strong interest in understanding disease pathogenesis and mechanisms. The goal of her research is to promote the development of new therapeutics that benefit both human and animal health.

The Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians reinforces Boehringer Ingelheim's mission to promote research in veterinary medicine/biomedical sciences, and to reward students who have excelled in their graduate or residency programs. The award recognizes graduate veterinarians who have completed or will soon complete a PhD program or are in their final one to two years of completing residency training in the field of veterinary medicine.