Research at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine 

In 2006, research assumed a more dynamic role in the mission at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM). The location of RUSVM on the island of St. Kitts and in the Eastern Caribbean region was a major factor in identifying three research themes. These themes are: public health and epidemiology including zoonotic infectious and parasitic diseases; conservation medicine and environmental health; and novel teaching methodologies.

RUSVM researchers address critical issues in public health, epidemiology, marine, and wildlife conservation through a variety of experimental approaches and techniques ranging from basic molecular diagnostics to applied research on the island’s livestock industry and wildlife. The overall goal of RUSVM’s research program is to support solutions to problems of particular importance to the island and to the region. The program is designed to provide opportunities to expose our veterinary students to research and contribute to student education.

To support these areas of research, 16 faculty (Biographies) and supporting staff have been hired with research skills from more than 10 disciplines. Facilities were expanded to include more than 4,000 square feet of laboratory space housing state-of-the-art equipment for surveillance and diagnostics, and pathology and histopathology.
The school’s research activities are supported by a variety of financial sources. To date, more than 35 research projects have been funded both from extramural and intramural grants (Research Projects). All projects support student involvement in research assistant positions and for credits in Special Topics in Research Electives (examples of student participation include: WHO Geneva and Morris Animal Foundation (MAF).

Since 2006, the RUSVM Research Program has published more than 70 original peer review research articles and more than 50 presentations of original research have been given at scientific meetings. Research faculty collaborate with academic and non-academic organizations in many countries across the globe (List,Map). The scope of the school’s research themes are broadened by these relationships with premier biomedical centers and research organizations.

For additional information contact Dr. Rosina (Tammi) Krecek, associate dean for research.

Email: tkrecek@rossvet.edu.kn