Recipient Organization
TUFTS UNIVERSITY
200 WESTBORO ROAD
N. GRAFTON,MA 01536
Performing Department
Biomedical Sciences
Non Technical Summary
There is a crucial need for veterinarians with research training to participate in academic as well as corporate based research in the fields of animal and human health. Veterinarians trained in this century need to acquire the scientific skills and technical training together with the conceptual framework to participate both as independent researchers and collaborators to meet the projected national research needs in biomedical sciences. This training experience is designed (1) to make a foundation for career involvement in research and (2) to stimulate intellectual growth and productivity within our academic environment.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The objective of this Master of Science program is to provide bright, and highly-motivated veterinary students with a one year, in-depth research experience in a productive and active research setting. Training will involve the use of animal models to develop skills at hypothesis-based, biomedical research. Over a five year period, our aim is to train ten students (2/year). Our long-term objective is to make this research training experience an effective launching pad for career involvement in biomedical research for Tufts' graduates. The success of the program will be evaluated by determining the number and quality of trainees that integrate health science research into their professional careers.
Project Methods
Applicants will be actively recruited from incoming and existing veterinary classes at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine with an effort to insure minority student participation. Participants receive 12 months of consecutive research training following completion of their second year of veterinary school. The training is specifically designed to be integrated into a Master of Science degree program (DVM/MS). This program includes limited course work and complementary seminars. Program faculty consists of 12 NIH supported faculty members from both our basic and clinical departments. Using animal models, program faculty will provide intensive laboratory training in the research areas of infectious diseases, reproductive biology, digestive diseases, neuroscience and behavior, nutrition, and respiratory physiology.