Kaylin Bettings Position/Title: MSc Student email: [email protected] Phone: Office: LinkedIn

Academic:

I am currently enrolled as a coursework, Master of Science student in Dr. Wendy Pearson’s equine physiology lab. I graduated with distinction from my Bachelor of Science with a major in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph in 2021. In my final year of my undergraduate degree, I took two courses with Dr. Pearson. During these courses I developed an interest for equine physiology, and decided I wanted to learn more about this area of research. I delved into articles on nutraceutical use in horses during my spare time, and decided I wanted to be part of this research. This led me to where I am today, working amongst all the students in Dr. Pearson’s lab. 

I am part of the structured water project with two other M.S.c students. Under the advisement of Dr. Pearson, Lola Jung, Madeline Boast, and I will be researching how a structured water product could help hydrate horses. Structured water molecules can occur naturally or be man-made, and the molecules tend to have a smaller and more consistent angle than regular water (Lindinger and Northrop, 2020). Therefore, we are investigating if the structured water will allow for a greater bioavailability to cells, increasing hydration. This will be done by running an unharmful small current between two electrodes placed on either end of a horse. In addition, the structure and retention of water between the joints will also be studied to determine local effects of structured water. Once structured water has been studied for improving hydration, there is potential to better hydrate horses. This would be beneficial to the racing industry or other equine athletes, to deter dehydration under extreme disciplines.

About me:

Ever since I was young, I wanted to live in the country and be surrounded by animals such as horses, pigs, cows, and dogs. I started to work in the agricultural and veterinary industry, in places such as vet clinics, dairy farms, and horse stables. While working in these facilities I discovered that I would like to pursue a career that involved animals. Ultimately, this is what motivated me to take the steps to get to where I am now.

Outside of school, I love to read and go on nature walks or hikes to get away from a computer screen. I also love to spend time with my friends, family, dogs and my chinchilla Nimbus.