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| Cayo Santiago (Click image to enlarge) |
Where did your 'Research Semester Away' take place?
Libette: "My 'Research Semester-Away' took place at the Caribbean Primate Research Center (CPRC) in Puerto Rico."
When was your 'Research Semester Away'? Which semester were you in?
Libette: "I chose to do it after the completion of 4th semester (May 2006 Semester). I felt that this would be a good time because during my experience at CPRC, I was able to apply what I had learned."
How was this arranged?
Libette: "Through my former contacts at CPRC, the 'Research Semester Away' was arranged. Once CPRC approved that I could go, I completed a form for a 'semester away' and submitted it to Dr Gyimah. I developed a work plan with Dr Gonzalez at CPRC and Dr Krecek."
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| Cayo Santiago Sign (Click image to enlarge) |
What were some of your personal accomplishments during your 'Research Semester Away'?
Libette: "Working with the monkeys gave me great experience and knowledge about lab animal research. This experience allowed me to realize that I want to do this for life and that was a great accomplishment for me."
What did you do during your time at CPCR?
Libette: "I was actively working with 4 of the ongoing research projects at the center. The majority of my time focused on a cognitive bias experiment that studied stress anticipation in Rhesus macaque monkeys."
What motivated you to choose this research institution? Why?
Libette: "I had worked at CPRC for a year as a Veterinary Technician and wanted to return to enrich my knowledge about lab animal research. This also gave me the opportunity to gain some hands-on experience working with the monkeys."
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| Monkey and Green Iguana (Click image to enlarge) |
What is your overall impression of your experience?
Libette: "It was great, very great! It gave me the opportunity to learn more about primate and lab animal research, as well as the administrative side. I learned about the protocols of the Institutional Animal Care and Usage Committee (IACUC), and the steps to writing and applying for grants and data collection. This experience helped me solidify my career choice to pursue Lab Animal Veterinary Medicine."
Would you recommend this research institution to other students wanting to do a 'Research Semester Away'?
Libette: "Definitely! I feel the best time to go is at the end of your 4th or 5th semester. The time spent at CPRC will allow you to use the information you have learned throughout your time at RUSVM and apply it from a clinical standpoint. CPRC is a great research facility that offers valuable experience in a research setting."