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Ten Kansas State University veterinary medicine students are
experiencing the world of professional research during the National Institutes of
Health-funded Summer Research Program. K-State's department of anatomy and
physiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine is hosting the program for the fourth
consecutive year.
The program began in May and concludes in
mid-August, said Dr. Frank Blecha, program coordinator and distinguished professor and
head of anatomy and physiology. He said the program's main goal is to provide the students
with an opportunity to explore the possibilities of a career in intensive research.
"We're trying to expose vet students who don't have any
research experience to a modern academic-research setting," Blecha said. "In
particular, the program exposes veterinary students to critical thinking processes
inherent in creative research activities, methodologies involved in research endeavors,
and ethical issues pertinent to biomedical research."
Students have been paired with a professor and are covering a wide
range of topics related to research in animal-health sciences, including
electrophysiology, microcirculation, cardiovascular physiology, clinical studies, ethics,
designing and conducting experiments at the bench, in the clinic and in the field. They
will also be exposed to the process of obtaining research funding and career pathways for
doctors of veterinary medicine.
The criteria for being accepted into the program is very strict and
students must have completed at least one year of the doctor of veterinary medicine
program, have an outstanding academic record, and have excellent letters of
recommendation, Blecha said.
"We are looking for individuals who are curious about intensive
research," Blecha added. "Once the students get in and see what is involved with
the research process, some get excited and are interested in moving down a career path
leading to research. Others find out that this just isn't what they want to do."
At the conclusion of the program the students will present their
work at a symposium and banquet. And according to Blecha, they may also have an
opportunity to expose their research to a broader audience. "In the past the
students' work has resulted in several national and international presentations at
scientific meetings and in scientific publications," he said.
Prepared by Jason Nicol. For more information contact Frank Blecha
at 785-587-9544.
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