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GOALS:
The aim of the Summer Scholars Program is
to provide veterinary medical students the opportunity
to explore the world of biomedical research, develop and
complete a biomedical research project during the
summer. The intent is to engage students in a creative,
problem-solving research activity and to provide a
learning experience that will lead to the discovery of
new knowledge in an area of their choosing and identify
potential pathways to a career in biomedical research.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Funds from two sources, a
Merck-Merial Foundation grant and a NIH T35 training
grant are used to support students in this program.
Students supported by NIH funds will be chosen from
applications that focus on problems or models important
to human health. Regardless of the source of funding the
Summer Scholars Program is the same and students
participate in the program as one group. The program has
two components. The major activity is focused on the
Scholars mentored, independent research project. Other
group functions include lectures, discussions, social
events and field trips to research institutions in the
area.
Research plans will be developed by students with
faculty mentor input, on any topic of interest to the
student and likely to lead to the discovery of new
information. Example topics are: immunology and
infectious diseases, cancer biology, molecular
epidemiology, experimental studies focused on nutrition
and obesity, pharmacology, environmental toxicology,
mechanisms of pathogenesis, zoonoses, biomechanics,
cardiovascular pathophysiology, and others. The mentor
and other advisors will provide guidance to students and
an assessment of progress. Students will provide at
completion of the study, an oral presentation of their
results to their colleagues and all mentors and a
presentation of results via posters at the annual
Merck-Merial Summer Symposium at Michigan State
University College of Veterinary Medicine and at the LSU
Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day. It is noteworthy that
two Summer scholars won awards at the 2007 LSU Phi Zeta
Research Emphasis Day. LSU Students will receive
elective credit in the curriculum (VMED 5010 or VMED
5463) for successful completion of the program. Students
will be strongly encouraged to work with their mentors
to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals
separately or as a smaller piece of work with their
mentors.
Extra-research program activities for student scholars
will be an integral part of the program, aimed at
expanding the student’s understanding of opportunities
for veterinarians in biomedical research, and at
enhancing the research culture of the student group.
These activities will include:
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An
orientation meeting at the time of award on the aims, organization, and
expectations of the program, and the support available for conducting
research projects.
-
A series
of one-hour lecture/discussions presented by faculty during the initial
week on Experimental Design and Statistical Methods, Ethics in Research,
Responsible Conduct of Research Issues, Animal Welfare Issues,
Authorship, Grantsmanship and Writing, and an introduction to SVM
central service facilities (Tissue and Organ Culture, GeneLab, Electron
Microscopy, FACS, and Analytical Chemistry), an Introduction to Power
Point Presentations, and an Introduction to poster preparation by the
Bio-communications Unit of the SVM.
-
Bi-weekly
(5) one-hour group workshops to report and discuss each student
scholars’ progress.
-
Three to
five scientific presentations and discussions are held with notable
local scientists on contemporary topics such as Stem Cell Biology,
Transgenic Animals in Research, and Modern Vaccinology.
-
Two field
trips are scheduled to regional research centers. These will include the
Tulane National Primate Research Center, and the Pennington Biomedical
Research Center. Presentations of ongoing research activities and the
organizational structure and culture of the institutions are described.
Both are partners with us in this program. Additional trips are planned
to the LSU Center for Emerging Technologies (a biotechnology incubator),
and the LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans.
-
Informal
evening social activities will be held for mentors and student scholars
and their guests, during the first week, and at summer’s end.
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An
additional team building exercise with students and mentors, a float
trip down the Bogachitta River, will be held at mid-summer.
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Presentation of research results will occur orally, at the Symposium,
and at the Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day.
-
Oral
PowerPoint presentation of results at the end of the summer prior to the
symposium. All mentor laboratory personnel will be invited.
-
Exit
interview of student scholars following the Merck-Merial Symposium by Dr
Klei (Director) and Drs. Baker and Taboada (Co-Directors) as well as
available Advisory Committee members.
ELIGIBILITY:
-
Veterinary Medical
students in the 1st and 2nd year classes.
-
Students not
concurrently enrolled in a graduate program such as our DVM/PhD program.
-
The Merck-Merial
program does not allow students to participate for more than one year.
However, students may receive a second year support through the NIH
BREVS program, Morris Animal Foundation, or other extramural support.
-
Preference will be given to students without formal research experience.
STUDENTS FROM ANY COLLEGE OF VETERINARY
MEDICINE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Guidelines for Preparation and Submission of Proposals:
LSU STUDENTS
A total of sixteen awards will be
available. Students are urged to
select a mentor from the lists
provided of Faculty in the SVM,
Hansen’s Disease Center within the
SVM, the Pennington Biomedical
Research Center, or the Tulane
National Primate Research Center. It
may be useful to contact several
potential mentors. Do not limit these
contacts to faculty you have had as
instructors. Mentors who have active
ongoing research programs will be able
to help you develop and conduct your
project. These projects are often a
small part of an ongoing larger study
in the mentor’s laboratory. It should
be clear that the project will be done
by you with help where needed. You
will not be “just a lab helper.” There
is a wide and diverse array of
opportunities. Search the units’ web
sites below and in the attached list
for other potential faculty:
OUR PARTNERS —
See Program Partners
FINDING A MENTOR
If you need
assistance or guidance discuss these further with Drs. Klei (klei@vetmed.lsu.edu,
Baker(dbaker@vetmed.lsu.edu),
Taboada (jtaboada@vetmed.lsu.edu),
or any of the faculty listed as potential mentors.
Former Summer
Scholars are an important source of information on what to expect, help on
how to find a mentor, and selecting a research topic.
Click here for a list of
potential mentors and
former Summer Scholars.
Deadline for
Proposals
for funding is February 11, 2008.
Students are eligible to apply for
funding on a one-time basis in the
year 2008 for research that can be
accomplished in 12 weeks. Recipients
of awards will be notified by February
29, 2008, to allow early planning,
purchase of supplies and preparation
for summer research projects. Research
projects will be considered for
funding for which work can be done in
a single summer. Students enrolled in
the research elective emphasis area
may submit a continuation plan on
anticipated further work to be done in
separate modules funded by other means
(e.g. a research mentor’s funded
grant) that span up to 2 summers
and/or multiple 2–4 week elective
blocks.
Proposals will be
single spaced, and will comply with the following format:
Title/Abstract Page:
Student Applicant:
Faculty Mentor:
Abstract: (up to 250 words)
Aims
and Objectives: (a brief, clear
statement of specific research
objectives)
Introduction: (up to 1 page to
support the rationale of the research
hypothesis and work plan, with a
review of key literature relating
proposed work to previous and current
work in the field. Include a statement
on relevance to your career goals and
why it is an innovative, original
contribution that will advance animal
health).
Work
plan: (a 1-2 page statement of the
essential work plan and methods that
will be used to attain the stated
objectives and test the hypothesis)
Literature Cited:
Letter of Support: (attach letter
of support from the mentor which
should include the support available
for the student)
Submit
an original and 3 copies of the
proposal, single-spaced, by February
11, 2008, to the Associate Dean for
Research and Advanced Studies,
LSU-SVM. Notification of awards will
be made on or before February 29,
2008.
EVALUATION AND FUNDING OF PROPOSALS:
Grants will be awarded to students
upon the recommendation of a Student
Research Electives Committee composed
of 5 faculty representatives, each an
accomplished researcher with an active
current program, and 3 Ex Officio
members: Dr. T.R. Klei, Program
Director and Associate Dean for
Research and Advanced Studies; Dr.
David Baker, Co-Director and Director
of the Division of Laboratory Animal
Medicine; and Dr. J. Taboada,
Associate Dean for Student and
Academic Affairs. Proposal evaluations
will be based on:
-
Originality and
relevance to the future advancement of animal health
30%
-
Student grade
point average, academic background, and interest in research
20%
-
Feasibility of the
research plan, budget, and value as a learning experience
20%
-
Level of support
and guidance expected to be provided by mentor/advisory committee
20%
-
Potential for
publication of findings in a scientific journal
10%
Funds to support successful proposals will be placed in an
account for expenditure by students according to a budget approved by the
advisory committee for summer stipends ($5,000) and $400 for such items as
supplies and operating expenses. The latter will depend on the program and
needs. It is expected that a majority of the cost of research will be
supported by the mentors. Funds will not be provided for travel, capital
expenses, or graduate, post-doctoral or residency stipends. Intellectual
property rights for results of these studies will be assigned following
LSU guidelines. A supplement of $500 will be provided for LSU students
electing to work at the TNPRC for the purposes of travel or living
expenses.
NON LSU STUDENTS: GUIDELINES FOR
PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS and SELECTION:
Proposals — At least two qualified students from other
veterinary colleges are being sought to bring regional diversity to our
program. The application process is as described for LSU students with the
exception that additional assistance will be provided in identifying a
mentor and potential project and research proposals will be written after
selection which will be based on the criteria below.
Unique aspects of
our program are the LSU Equine Health Studies Program, the Tulane National
Primate Research Center, and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, an
internationally recognized center of nutritional research focusing on
obesity. You are encouraged to contact Dr. T.R. Klei, Associate Dean for
Research for more information,
klei@vetmed.lsu.edu. A $1000 supplement to aid in relocation will
be provided.
Selection of Non-LSU Students — Students not at LSU are
directed to supply their CVM GPA, class standing, a brief description of
their interest in research and its potential relevance to their career
goals, their potential areas of research interest and interest in specific
mentors identified on our web site, if any. Special assistance is given to
students via e-mail and telephone to formulate the application, and in the
selection of potential mentors. Selection criteria used to guide the
Advisory Committee include; 1. Student grade point average, ranking in
their class, academic background, interest in research, and relevance to
their career goals 2. Feasibility of the potential research projects, and
value as a learning experience, 3. Level of support and guidance expected
to be provided by their mentor.
Deadline for
Proposals
for funding is February 11, 2008. Students are eligible to apply for
funding on a one-time basis in the year 2008 for research that can be
accomplished in 12 weeks. Recipients of awards will be notified by
February 29, 2008 to allow early planning, purchase of supplies and
preparation for summer research projects. Research projects will be
considered for funding for which work can be done in a single summer.
Students enrolled in the research elective emphasis area may submit a
continuation plan on anticipated further work to be done in separate
modules funded by other means (e.g. a research mentor’s funded grant) that
span up to 2 summers and/or multiple 2-4 week elective blocks.
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