Training veterinary students for careers in research

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The National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health, has funded training grants that will provide a 12-month, mentored research experience for selected veterinary students.

Seven veterinary schools received the new T32 training grants—not to be confused with the traditional T32 grants—for veterinary students interested in animal-oriented, hypothesis-based research. The traditional T32 provided support to graduate veterinarians with one year of experience.

The new program's objective is to prepare interested students to pursue careers in high-quality research and to compete successfully for research funding. It is anticipated that students completing the program will have a better understanding of career options available to them and what is required to establish a successful research career.

Recruitment for the program is not limited to veterinary students at the seven schools that received the grants. The program will support students only after they have completed at least one year of the veterinary curriculum. Students must be willing to commit 12 months full time to this program. Variations exist among the research experiences created by the funded schools. Some, for example, involve dual-degree programs. Application deadlines vary.

The schools receiving grants and the corresponding program directors are: Cornell University—Mark Roberson, PhD, (607) 253-3469; University of Florida—Dr. Charles Courtney, (352) 392-4700, Ext. 5111; Kansas State University—Dr. Lisa Freeman, (785) 532-4542; Michigan State University—Dr. John C. Baker, (517) 432-2388; The Ohio State University—Dr. Michael Lairmore, (614) 292-4489; Tufts University—Robert Bridges, PhD, (508) 839-7985; and University of Wisconsin-Madison—Dr. Dale Bjorling, (608) 263-4808.