2026 ACVP Award Recipients

Distinguished Member

Fabio Del Piero,
DVM PhD DACVP

Dr. Del Piero, Professor of Pathology at Louisiana State University, has built an internationally recognized career in diagnostic pathology, research, teaching, and service. His scholarly contributions include more than 180 peer-reviewed publications, four textbooks, numerous book chapters, and invited presentations across six continents, with particular expertise in comparative pathology, infectious diseases, and zoonotic disease pathogenesis. A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Del Piero has trained dozens of veterinary pathology residents and graduate trainees, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in academia, diagnostics, and industry.

Matthew Wallig,
DVM PhD DACVP

Dr. Wallig is a widely respected educator, researcher, mentor, and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Over a distinguished career, he has taught thousands of veterinary students, mentored more than 50 pathology residents, and helped shape veterinary pathology through his leadership in residency training and professional development. His pioneering research in toxicologic and nutritional pathology has resulted in more than 200 publications. As co-editor of the internationally renowned Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology and Fundamentals of Toxicologic Pathology, he has helped define the field and educate pathologists around the world.

Mid-Career Excellence

Kevin Esch,
DVM MPH PhD DACVP

Dr. Esch, Executive Vice President and President of Research and Development at Zoetis, has built a distinguished career spanning pharmaceutical development, scientific research, leadership, and professional service. He has contributed to the development and approval of numerous veterinary therapeutics and authored more than 25 scientific publications, book chapters, and abstracts. A dedicated mentor to students, residents, and early-career professionals, Dr. Esch has also served ACVP in a leadership capacity as Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors. Through his expertise and vision, he has advanced animal health and elevated the impact of veterinary pathology across industry and research.

Katherine Hughes,
BSc (Hons) BVSc PhD
FRCPath FRCVS DACVP

Dr. Hughes, Professor of Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at the University of Cambridge, has made significant contributions to veterinary pathology through her research, teaching, mentorship, and professional service. Her scholarship has advanced comparative pathology, mammary gland biology, and rabbit and hare pathology, while her research program has secured competitive funding and produced an extensive body of scholarly work. A dedicated educator and mentor, she has trained residents, mentored students, and provided leadership within ACVP and the British Society of Veterinary Pathology.

Jey Koehler,
DVM PhD DACVP

Dr. Koehler, Professor at Auburn University, serves as section chief of surgical pathology and supervisor of the histopathology core laboratory. Her professional interests include veterinary neuropathology, comparative oncology, and pathology education, and her research has advanced the understanding and classification of canine brain tumors through numerous peer-reviewed publications. A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Koehler has trained veterinary students, residents, and future ACVP Diplomates. Her service to the profession includes leadership in ACVP educational programming and, as president of the Davis-Thompson Foundation, expanding access to veterinary pathology education worldwide.

Charles and Sharron Capen Scholarship in Experimental Veterinary Pathology

Kate Sarkan, DVM

Dr. Sarkan earned her DVM from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and is completing a combined pathology residency and PhD training program at The Ohio State University. Her research examines the association between feline plasma cell pododermatitis and glomerular disease, with a focus on better characterizing the presentation and broader significance of this potentially underdiagnosed condition. Through her advanced training and research, she is contributing to a greater understanding of feline disease and its diagnosis while preparing for a career in veterinary pathology.

Harold W. Casey Scholarship

Alexandra Reddy, DVM

Dr. Reddy earned her DVM as valedictorian of the Class of 2024 at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and is completing a combined anatomic pathology residency and PhD program at the college. Her research uses genomic sequencing to investigate the molecular epidemiology and transmission of bovine leukosis virus, with additional work in pathogen surveillance and characterization. She has further developed her expertise through diagnostic service, comparative and zoological pathology training, veterinary instruction, and mentorship. Through her combined research, diagnostic, and teaching experience, she is preparing for a career in academic veterinary pathology focused on service, collaborative research, and educating future veterinary pathologists.

The Linda Munson Scholarship for
Wildlife Pathology Research

Megan Colburn, DVM DACVP

Dr. Colburn earned her DVM from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is completing her PhD through the university’s Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. Her research investigates the pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions associated with experimental and natural Emydomyces testavorans infection in chelonians. Combining her training in veterinary pathology and ecology with a focus on wildlife conservation, she is working to advance the understanding of disease in wild animal populations.

William Inskeep II Scholarship

Jesse Cole

Jesse Cole earned his PhD in pathology from Colorado State University and is completing the DVM portion of the university’s combined DVM/PhD program. His research examines chronic wasting disease prion biology, with a focus on vertical transmission, improved diagnostic detection, and extracellular vesicles as potential blood-borne prion carriers. He has further developed his expertise through experimental pathology research, diagnostic laboratory work, advanced pathology coursework, and a wildlife pathology externship. Through his combined scientific and veterinary training, he is building a strong foundation for an anatomic pathology residency and a career as a veterinary pathologist.

Alexandra Kaloss

Alexandra Kaloss earned her PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences from Virginia Tech and is completing her DVM through the dual DVM/PhD program at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research examines vascular remodeling following ischemic stroke, with additional work focused on vascular aging. She has further developed her interests in anatomic and diagnostic pathology through research collaborations, clinical rotations, and leadership in the ACVP-recognized student pathology club. Through her combined scientific and veterinary training, she is building experience in anatomic pathology, diagnostic investigation, and research focused on disease mechanisms.