Cassandra (Cassie) Bernas is the recipient of the California Thoroughbred Foundation’s 2023 Western University of Health Sciences scholarship. The Foundation awards scholarships to students at Western University as well as to students at the University of California, Davis. Our trustees continue to be inspired and filled with admiration for these extraordinary young people who are training for a life of service to horses.
A third-year veterinary student at Western, Cassie grew up working with off-track Thoroughbreds and showing jumpers. She received her bachelor of science at the University of California, San Diego in biochemistry and completed a master’s degree in marine genetics there. She has collaborated in research under a small animal orthopedic surgeon and presented this work at the National Scholars Symposium, Pac Vet, and Western U’s Research Day.
“This opportunity exposed me to orthopedic surgery and the orthopedic field in general,” Cassie said. “I hope to use this experience to develop a foundation of knowledge that I can apply toward my future as a clinician that continues to produce cutting-edge research for the equine field.” During her veterinary studies, Cassie served as president of the Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She has been an extern at Steinbeck and East County Large Animal Practice and volunteers with local practitioners and rescues. During her fourth year, she plans to extern at Rood and Riddle, Colorado State’s Equine Reproduction Facility, Loomis Basin, Summit Equine, and Bend Equine. “Currently, my family owns four off-the-track Thoroughbreds,” she said. “They have made such a large impact on my life, and I hope to continue to make a positive impact on their industry and lives as well.”