Student Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out what types of research projects are going on at RUSVM?
The research department has three research notice boards around campus (outside Classrooms 1 and 2 and the Exam Center). On those boards, you can find posters that list all of the research projects. The Projects section of the Research website also lists the current research projects. You can also contact Dr. Don Thrall, Associate Dean for Research, dthrall@rossvet.edu.kn.
What are the eligibility requirements to be a Research Assistant or to earn Special Topics in Research Elective credits?
Research Assistants will earn a monetary stipend and Special Topics in Research Elective students will earn academic credit on their transcript. A 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average is required for these positions. Therefore only second semester students can apply and be considered.
How do I find out about research presentations going on at RUSVM?
Everyone is welcome to attend periodic seminars, highlights and presentations by RUSVM or visiting researchers. Research presentations are announced in Vet Views, Vet Bytes, weekly announcements, class announcements, the research notice boards and bulletin boards.
How do I get involved in a research project at RUSVM?
If you find a specific project you would like to work on, you can contact the principal investigator (PI) directly. The PI is listed on the Projects section of the Research website and on the posters on the research notice boards. Alternatively, you can contact Dr. Don Thrall, Associate Dean for Research, dthrall@rossvet.edu.kn to find out if any positions are open. Research assistants and special topics in research elective credit positions are filled the first week of the semester, or over breaks, as needed. From time to time, a PI will advertise for one or several research assistant positions. There are also opportunities to get involved with research outside of RUSVM. Please see Off-Campus Opportunities below.
Do I need to have research experience to get involved?
That may depend on the project. Some PIs may require some background in research. Alternatively, they may require or request someone with a background handling certain animals (i.e. horses, donkeys, etc.). However, for the most part, students are trained by the PI to perform the tasks required.
Do I have to get involved in a research project that is just starting out or is there a way to work on an established project?
You can get involved in research at almost any stage. The PI will have specific tasks and ways to get students involved either in data collection, analysis, or even writing up and presenting.
On-Campus Opportunities
Special Topics in Research Elective Credit
Earn credit while doing research with an RUSVM faculty member. Learn more about the Special Topics in Research Electives here Full details or by contacting Dr. Don Thrall.
Research Assistant
RUSVM students are eligible to work as research assistants on many of the projects on campus. Learn more about the Research Assistant program here Full Details. Additionally, students can contact the PI of the project they desire to work with or Dr. Don Thrall. For a complete list of projects, click on the "Projects" link on the left side bar.
Research Volunteers
Research Volunteers (RV) have no specified time commitment to a project and will likely not have a focused personal project on which to work. There is no stipend and no expectation of presentation of results at a RUSVM forum. The RV position is designed to allow students to observe certain aspects of how research is conducted.
St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN)
Sea turtle research in St. Kitts. The St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN) will be accepting applications from individuals to be a research assistant or team leader in the field during the leatherback nesting season (March 1, 2013 - July 14, 2013) starting January 15, 2013. Full details
Off-Campus Opportunities
Research Semester Away
RUSVM students may take a semester off to work on research projects at other institutions. Learn more about the Research Semester Away program here Full details.
NC State Veterinary Scholars Program - Summer Research Internship.
The objective of the Veterinary Scholars Program is to provide veterinary students with mentored research experiences in biomedical laboratories located within NC State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Opportunities
As the acknowledged leader in global public health issues, WHO is committed to building future leaders in public health. WHO's Internship Programme provides a wide range of opportunities for students to gain insight into the work of WHO. Every year a limited number of places for internships are available. Dr François Meslin, veterinarian and staff member of the World Health Organization's Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases, has confirmed RUSVM veterinary students can apply for a WHO internship.
Alltech Young Scientist Award
The Alltech Young Scientist Award represents an excellent opportunity for vet students to display an interest in research and animal health on a global stage. Students must submit a scientific paper based on a topic including, but not limited to, animal feed technologies, agricultural developments or agriculture management. The deadline for submission of papers is December 31, 2012. The finals for the competition are held at Alltech’s International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium in Lexington, Kentucky in May 2013. The winners of the undergraduate and graduate Young Scientist Awards will receive a scholarship of $10,000 USD and a trophy of recognition. Students that are interested in entering and need further advice can contact Dr. Jenny Moffett. Please visit http://www.alltechyoungscientist.com for further information.
Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars & Fellows
The Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars Program (FICRS) offers a one-year clinical research training experience to advanced standing students in US schools of medicine, public health, osteopathy, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, optometry, nutrition and pharmacy. FICRS is an opportunity for highly motivated individuals to experience mentored research training at top-ranked NIH-funded research centers in developing countries throughout Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. The call for applications is announced in mid-summer with a deadline in early December.
The mission of the Merial Veterinary Scholars Program is to expose veterinary students in their first or second year of veterinary school to biomedical research and career opportunities in research. Through a supportive, mentored research experience in an established laboratory and through seminars and discussion groups on careers in science, it is hoped that veterinary students will gain an insight on career opportunities in biomedical research. The Merial Veterinary Scholars Program culminates in a national symposium where veterinary students participating in the program gather from all over the U.S. and Canada to present their research findings and share experiences from their various programs. Presentations by and networking opportunities with invited veterinary scientists, researchers and faculty members are also part of the national symposium program. View the RUSVM Merial Veterinary Scholars Program for information specific to RUSVM.
American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP) Fellowships
