Officially launched in April 2000, a few students from the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine have traveled to Washington, D.C., to study at the Conservation and Research Center within the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park. Some of the most renowned conservation scientists in the world work at the CRC, which strives to preserve endangered species and their habitats.

Dr. James W. Carpenter, a professor of exotic animal, wildlife and zoo animal medicine at KSU, said he was approached by the CRC, which was looking for masters students who were interested in assisting with projects at the CRC.

Carpenter, who along with KSU professor Peter Chenoweth coordinates the partnership, said there is growing interest among veterinary students in rare and exotic animals. Because K-State is recognized as having one of the top veterinary colleges in the nation, the partnership was a natural fit.

"We were just thrilled and excited to consider the relationship because it's such a benefit for our students," Carpenter said. "It's a great opportunity. It's a major commitment, but it's a very unique training experience that we think will open up a lot of doors for them."

Students who wish to pursue a master's degree by working during the summer and who are interested in participating in the program apply during their freshman year of college. A committee then selects one vet student who would then travel to the CRC to work on a research project two summers in a row. K-State envisions two students will be at the CRC each summer.

When the students have completed the program, they will be prepared to continue in the field of wildlife, become a zoo veterinarian or pursue another advanced degree.

"And even if they decide to go into private practice, they will still have made an important contribution to endangered species," Carpenter said.

Money to fund the partnership has come almost exclusively from a single, private donor -- Louise Averill, of Mission Hills. So far, three students have participated with the program. Tanya Moeller, who will be a senior next year, is studying elephant hormones and why so few captive elephants reproduce. Michelle Iseman, who will be a sophomore, is studying stress of captive leopards. Copper Aitken-Palmer, who will be a junior, is studying reproduction in endangered cats.

"This is a great opportunity for KSU vet students to become involved in conservation at an internationally known institution," Aitken-Palmer said in an e-mail. "It allows these students to gain direct experience in endangered species conservation through mentoring by top senior scientists at the Smithsonian Institution's Conservation Research Center."

Dr. David Wildt, who is a senior scientist and is head of the department of reproductive sciences at CRC, approached K-State officials about establishing the partnership. Wildt says he makes it part of his mission to travel to universities to talk to students about alternative careers in conservation.

"I'm always surprised at the number of vet students who don't know there is life beyond simply doing clinical medicine," Wildt said. "As sort of being a good bio-citizen, we try to devote some of our time to go to universities and talk to students -- especially vet students -- about bio-medicine issues, wildlife conservation and how to get involved.

"We feel compelled to produce the next generation of conservation biologists. The only way we can do that is through partnerships with outstanding universities. We're very pleased with this model we've developed with Kansas State University."

Wildt also praised the quality of the students who have come from KSU.

"These kids are doing very well and we're really impressed with the quality of work they've done for us," Wildt said. "What they already have from their experiences at K-State is a terrific work ethic -- because all vet students who survive have a tremendous work ethic -- they have a great background in biology, and they all have a tremendous love of animals.

"For them, it's a tremendous amount of work and I have a great deal of respect for them. But in the end, I think it will be a great benefit for them. They're going to be very marketable in the conservation field when the graduate."