Perspectives on Innovation

I am an American student currently working towards a master’s degree at BOKU (Universität für Bodenkultur/
University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Science) in Vienna. I spent the previous year studying at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. I am enrolled in a two-year scholarship program, entitled the European Master in Animal Breeding and Genetics (EM-ABG). This Erasmus Mundus program gives international students an opportunity to obtain graduate degrees through European universities. Following completion of my degree, I hope to work as a conservation biologist for a zoo, preferably aiding in the design and implementation of breeding programs for endangered species.

Through the Erasmus Mundus program, I have learned to appreciate the impact of cooperation between researchers with various perspectives. In my opinion, this cooperation is also an important aspect of the unique solving opportunities offered through InnoCentive.

I received my undergraduate degree in biology from Cornell University, and my concentration was animal physiology. I drew on my understanding of physiology, and on my practical knowledge of animal care and handling, to solve the Challenge titled “Animal Disease Marker.” The challenge was to describe a non-invasive marker for Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs). I am excited about my idea being put into practice, and benefiting not only the Seeker, but also, on a practical level, veterinarians, and also cats suffering from this condition. 

I am grateful to InnoCentive for giving scientists such as myself the opportunity (and motivation) to step a bit outside of our areas of expertise, and to develop creative solutions for thought-provoking problems on a wide range of topics. I first learned about InnoCentive from a fellow scientist, and I’ve gone on to tell many other people about InnoCentive, recommending that they check out the site. I have submitted a solution for another challenge recently, and I intend to try many more in the future. 

Tags: Animal Breeding, BOKU, FORLs, Genetics, Natural Resources, scientist, Vienna

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