Published: August 11, 2007 01:49 pm            

Nichols takes part in national health program

McAlester resident Ashley Nichols recently participated in a Summer National Institutes of Health Research Program at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. The 12 week research program is designed to give first and second year veterinary students the opportunity to conduct a research project for the summer with mentoring by a Veterinary Center faculty member.

Nichols’ mentor was Dr. Lara Maxwell, assistant orofessor, physiological sciences. The mentors guide the students through all aspects of a research project including experimental design, methodology, data collection and analysis, drawing conclusions and problem solving. Participants worked on projects in either basic or clinical science areas. Nichols’ project focused on body weight, age and sex as it affects a dog’s ability to clear drugs from its system.

“Through their research, our students did an excellent job reflecting the role veterinarians play,” said Dr. Susan Little, professor, pathobiology department, Krull-Ewing Chair in Veterinary Parasitology and coordinator of the program. “We had projects in bioterrorism defense, infectious diseases, and comparative medicine — all areas where veterinarians play an important part.”

The National Institutes of Health and the Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholars Program fund the program. Participants are eligible to attend the National Institutes of Health and Merck-Merial National Veterinary Scholar Symposium in Bethesda, Md.

        

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