Purpose
From its beginning, it has been the aim of Phi Zeta to stand for constant advancement of the veterinary profession, higher educational requirements, and high scholarship. The objective of the society is to recognize and promote scholarship and research in matters pertaining to the welfare and diseases of animals.

Manuscript Award
The annual Phi Zeta manuscript competition is designed to recognize and promote scholarship and research related to the welfare and diseases of animals. There are two categories:
- basic research
- clinical research
The University of Tennessee Phi Chapter is entitled to submit one article in each category to compete for the national awards.
2019 Phi Chapter Winners
Mohamed A. Abouelkhair (with David A. Bemis & Stephen A. Kania). Characterization of recombinant wild-type and nontoxigenic protein A from Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Published in Virulence.
Tena Ursini (with Amelse, Elkheanany, Odoi, Carter-Arnold, Adair and Dhar). Retrospective analysis of local injection site adverse reactions associated with 230 allogenic administrations of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in 164 horses. Published in Equine Veterinary Journal.
Student Award
The Tennessee (Phi) Chapter of Phi Zeta presents a certificate and $250 to a senior veterinary professional student in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement.
2019 Winner
Ms. Courtney Holscher
Award for Excellence in Animal Health Research
During the Comparative & Experimental Medicine Research Symposium, the Phi Chapter provides a certificate and $250 for one presentation that represents Phi Zeta’s goal to excel in scholarship and research in matters pertaining to the welfare and diseases of animals.
2018 Winner
Ms. Megan Miller
Phi Chapter Officers
Current
- Dr. India Lane – President
- Dr. Carla Sommardahl – Secretary/Treasurer