2024 Dawn Stewart Memorial Scholarship Winners
Rayann Eaves
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Rayann’s passion for veterinary medicine took root in her childhood, nurtured by a deep connection to agriculture and a supportive family. From an early age, she knew that becoming a veterinarian was her calling. Growing up immersed in 4H and FFA, she developed a strong bond with animals, especially alpacas, which have played a pivotal role in shaping her career path.
The alpaca industry holds a special place in her heart, and it all started with her first alpaca, Spade. This remarkable animal not only taught her confidence but also opened doors to opportunities she never imagined. Since the age of eight, she has been raising and showing alpacas, experiences that have profoundly influenced her understanding and love for these animals. Throughout her journey, she has been fortunate to learn from countless alpaca breeders and veterinarians across the country, further solidifying her commitment to this unique field.
Rayann’s ultimate career goal is to establish her own private veterinary practice, focusing on camelids and other large animals. She also aspires to contribute to the alpaca industry through veterinary research and educational seminars. Her dedication to animal health extends beyond private practice; as a Saul T. Wilson Jr. Scholar, she will also serve as a Veterinary Medical Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, safeguarding the nation’s agricultural industries and public health.
As she prepares to step into her role as a veterinarian, she reflects on the many individuals who have supported her along the way. She is particularly grateful to the alpaca community, which has become like family to her. Rayann extends special thanks to Kerri Harting of Eagle Eye Farms, who started this scholarship in memory of Dawn Stewart, as well as Ernie and Barbara Kellogg of Double “O” Good Alpacas, Bud and Gail Stewart of Rocky Run Alpacas, Donna Higgason of Clearview Alpaca Farm, Susan Audino of Alpaca Green, LLC, Wade Gease, an AOA Judge, and Charlene Payne Schmid of Integrity Alpacas & Fiber, who all played significant roles in her journey.
Additionally, Rayann acknowledges the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, particularly Dr. Avila and Dr. Bellone, for allowing her to participate in camelid genetic research. She is also deeply appreciative of her veterinary mentors, including Dr. Pamela Walker, Dr. Julie Dechant, Dr. Sarah Depenbrock, and Dr. Catherine Krus, who have shared their passion and knowledge of Camelid Medicine with her.
Rayann Eaves is not only a promising veterinarian but also a dedicated member of the alpaca community. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the support of a strong community. As she moves forward, Rayann is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
Nick Morrow
Washington State University, Veterinary Medicine
Nick Morrow’s love for alpacas began in 2014 when he was tasked with caring for a small herd of Huacaya alpacas at a local farm. The owner provided invaluable resources for continued learning, but he found that simply observing the alpacas’ behavior in their pen was the most effective way to understand them. This early experience sparked a passion that led to Nick traveling across the country to teach alpaca behavior and training seminars, as well as conducting private training sessions. He has regularly taught for organizations like the Florida Alpaca Breeders Association and the Intermountain West Alpaca Association.
Since founding his mobile animal care and training business, Hooves, Humps & Horns LLC, in 2018, Nick has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of fascinating species across the United States. While most of his work takes place on private farms, he have also collaborated with public zoological facilities. His clientele primarily includes alpacas, llamas, camels, reindeer, yaks, water buffalo, and zebras, though he have occasionally worked with more exotic animals like moose, bears, and giraffes. Nick’s training focuses on helping owners develop synergistic relationships with their animals while ensuring the animals can be safely handled for veterinary care.
In addition to his focus on behavior and training, Nick has developed a deep interest in alpaca medicine. This passion led him to collaborate with Dr. Charmian Wright, a renowned alpaca veterinarian in Park City, Utah. It is anticipated that after graduating from veterinary school in the spring of 2026, Nick will join Dr. Wright’s practice to continue the legacy she has built over the past 40 years.
Nick’s passion for large animal medicine extends beyond alpacas. He has also created the world’s largest camel gastrointestinal parasite database under Dr. Wright’s guidance. Over the past five years, he has tracked 300 camels across the United States, analyzing 1,185 fecal tests to answer critical scientific questions about parasite prevalence, anthelmintic resistance, and clinical signs associated with parasite loads. His hope is to conduct a similar study on alpacas in the United States, as there is a lack of comprehensive research on alpaca parasites in the country.
Looking ahead, Nick is excited about their future career as a veterinarian. He is eager to wake up each day with the responsibility of helping their community and the surrounding areas care for their animals. His connection with alpacas is profound, as if their souls overlap, and his passion for veterinary medicine feels like a natural calling. Above all else, Nick is committed to honoring the legacy of Dawn Stewart, whose influence has been a guiding force in their journey.
Heather Clawson
The Ohio State University - College of Veterinary Medicine
The first time Heather met an alpaca was during an interview for a position as an alpaca handler and trainer. At the time, she had just begun her studies at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of California - Davis. Although she knew little about alpacas, the prospect of working with these unusual animals seemed like an interesting way to earn money while in school. What started as a part-time job quickly evolved into a passion, altering the course of Heather’s career.
Over the next few years, Heather dedicated her time to working at the alpaca ranch, eventually rising to the role of herd manager. This experience ignited a deep interest in alpacas, leading her to become actively involved in the alpaca breeders and owners community. Her involvement has spanned various aspects of the industry, from working with rural farmers in Peru to attending camelid symposiums and educating new breeders on nutrition and husbandry. Additionally, Heather has participated in alpaca shows, handling responsibilities such as setup, breakdown, showing alpacas, and conducting vet checks for events like the Gold Country Gathering. Inspired by this work, Heather has also bred her own sire, resulting in two beautiful crias. This deep connection to alpacas has earned Heather the affectionate nickname of "Alpaca Princess" among friends.
In 2017, Heather’s commitment to alpaca health and husbandry deepened further when she joined the international team for the Nunoa Project. This team, composed of veterinarians from various fields, worked together to provide sustainable veterinary care to Andean herders. Traveling with a group of pack llamas to remote villages high in the mountains, Heather and her team were welcomed by local farmers who shared their knowledge of traditional herd care methods. In turn, the team taught the farmers how to treat common ailments, creating a valuable exchange of knowledge. Through this experience, Heather gained a profound appreciation for the cultural significance of alpacas and llamas in these communities, where the animals serve as the sole source of income and are vital to the families' livelihoods.
Driven by a desire to further her expertise in alpaca care, Heather chose to attend The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, recognizing Ohio as the alpaca capital of the United States. This decision provided her with numerous opportunities to grow as a professional. Heather now serves as one of the Outreach Chairs for the club and plans to collaborate with local alpaca breeders to host wet labs on wellness, nutrition, and reproduction.
With the support of this scholarship, Heather will have the financial freedom to take externships throughout Ohio, shadowing alpaca veterinarians and learning from the state’s thirty-plus breeders. She also plans to attend alpaca and llama-focused conferences across the country and return to Peru to continue serving the breeding communities that ignited her passion. As she looks toward graduation from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2027, Heather is eager to fill the critical need for veterinarians who specialize in camelid care, ensuring that these unique animals receive the attention and expertise they deserve.