PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The BRITE Veterinary Student Program provides DVM students interested in research with a subsidized, in-depth mentored research experience. The opportunity can be used to gain research experience, to obtain an MS or MPH, or to jump-start a DVM/PhD program.

The BRITE veterinary student program is designed to expose DVM students to hypothesis-driven research activities, methodologies involved in design and execution of laboratory experiments and ethical issues pertinent to biomedical research, at a formative stage of their veterinary education.

BRITE veterinary students are given a unique opportunity to utilize the rigorous didactic basic science training obtained during the first two years of the professional curriculum in pursuit of a research problem relevant to human and animal health.
Multiple curricular formats are possible:

BRITE veterinary students can easily obtain a M.S. degree after the 12 month, mentored research experience without detracting from their bench experience with excessive course requirements:

Sample Program of Study

We expect a majority of BRITE students to choose a combined D.V.M./M.S. program. However, as indicated, BRITE students have the additional options of performing non-degree research in pursuit of a D.V.M. degree with honors in research, a D.V.M./M.P.H., or using BRITE to initiate a Ph.D. program.

For the training period (August 1, 200X-May 10, 200X), BRITE Veterinary Students Receive:

Students participating in the BRITE program will be encouraged to present their research at Phi Zeta Day and to publish their results in a peer-reviewed journal.

PARTICIPATING RESEARCH MENTORS

Faculty members representing seven departments/units at Kansas State University have agreed to participate in the BRITE veterinary student program. Their names and research interests are listed below. Students may seek training experiences with additional faculty members at Kansas State University or other institutions, if prior approvals are obtained from the proposed research mentor, the BRITE program directors (Drs. Blecha and Freeman), and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Freeman is available to facilitate laboratory placement for interested students.