Research performed at the College covers an array of interests pertinent to animal and public health, and includes both basic and applied projects. Collectively, faculty commit at least one third of their time to research activity and research scholarship is considered an important prerequisite for career advancement of most faculty. The College makes significant investments in research infrastructure, such as laboratory space, state-of-the-art equipment, and technical support, and in intramural seed grants designed to generate preliminary data necessary for acquisition of extramural grants. This emphasis on research is consistent with the missions of our Land Grant university and reflects the high priority that the College places on studying and solving animal and human healthcare challenges.
Particular emphasis is placed on the development of animal models to study human diseases, and on interdisciplinary research involving collaborations within the College as well as with research faculty in other colleges and institutions. Trained in comparative biology, our veterinary scientists are able to work with colleagues trained in other disciplines to explore solutions to complex biological problems using integrated approaches, such as those involving the interfaces between biosciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and engineering.
Such collaborations are considered essential for the education of doctoral students, many of whom enroll in the interdepartmental Molecular and Cell Biology program. In addition to providing research laboratory experiences for undergraduate students from other colleges on campus, the College supports research experiences for veterinary students, including the Merck Merial Veterinary Scholars program. These programs provide an opportunity for veterinarians in training to explore career opportunities in research and development as well as in academia, and insure that College research activities are intimately integrated with and supportive of our educational programs.
While faculty are given the academic freedom to explore any research interest pertinent to biomedical sciences and veterinary education, the College seeks to develop several areas of research emphasis. Working collaboratively to create a critical mass of expertise and research resources, these signature areas compete successfully for extramural funding of over $100,000 per year, support high-quality graduate education, and serve as the foundation upon which the College is building a reputation for research excellence.
