Deanna Boner, a Term 7 student at St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, represented SGU at the American Association for Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Convention & Trade Show. The experience blended hands-on clinical learning, professional networking, and national recognition for SGU’s equine student community.
Boner attended the convention in Denver, CO December 6-10, 2025, as president of SGU’s AAEP Student Chapter. The AAEP Annual Convention is the world’s largest continuing education event dedicated to equine practice, drawing thousands of veterinarians. Boner, who is originally from Palm Bay, FL, was selected as one of 144 veterinary students to participate in the two-day Extended Student Program, which is designed to provide students with early exposure to equine clinical skills and career pathways.
“This was my first AAEP convention and I was so excited to attend,” Boner said. “It’s so helpful to be able to participate in events like this while in school because it helps connect you to your ‘why.’ I see people that I look up to in action and imagine myself in their shoes one day. I returned to school with a boost of energy, excited to finish my education.”
During the program, Boner took part in hands-on wet labs focused on key equine skills such as wound suturing, dentistry, and musculoskeletal ultrasound, with instruction led by board-certified specialists. She also participated in the AAEP Student Chapter Presidents Meeting, where she shared perspectives on behalf of SGU, learned more about how the organization supports equine-focused students, and connected with student leaders from other veterinary schools.
Boner also accepted an award on behalf of Michelle Childers, another SGU AAEP Student Chapter member. Childers crafted a video for a social media contest that explained why the students of SGU love equine medicine, containing clips of faculty and students practicing equine medicine. Up against 14 other student chapters, SGU earned first place for Childers’ video and won a $1,000 USD prize. The video was played at the welcome session of the convention to over 4,000 attendees.
Boner noted that SGU’s support made her participation possible and underscored the University’s commitment to student development beyond the classroom.
“I feel honored to be able to represent SGU and grateful that the University can support me in these endeavors,” Boner share. “I am proud to be an SGU student, and this support shows that the SGU is proud to have me as a student.”
Boner was accompanied by Dr. Inga Karasek, associate professor in the Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Department and one of two faculty advisors for SGU’s AAEP Student Chapter along with Dr. Heidi Janicke.
“This is a great opportunity for hands-on and didactic learning, as well as networking for future placements,” Dr. Karasek said. “This convention really makes it exciting to be a future horse doctor.”
Dr. Karasek emphasized the significance of Boner’s participation, noting it marked the first time in many years that an SGU student attended the AAEP convention.
“Deanna has been a cheerleader for equine practice from the beginning of her time at SGU and has encouraged other students to get involved,” Dr. Karasek said.
For Boner, the opportunity carried a strong sense of responsibility.
“I know that my time at events like this is a reflection on SGU, and I don’t take that lightly,” she said. “I’m honored that the University sees in me someone that they can trust to represent them.”
