Lindsey Ferguson, an undergraduate in zoology, has been working in the lab of Assistant Professor Dr. Pat Chappell, where she is exploring the endocrine regulation of reproduction in corals, and locating hormone receptors in the model anemone Aiptasia pallida.
One of 17 students in the Pre-Veterinary Scholars program, Ferguson’s work with Chappell has been good preparation for her next adventure: spending winter term at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, helping scientists study marine gastropods. “I’m hoping she will also be able to collect some coral samples we don’t currently have in our lab,” says Chappell.
The Pre-Veterinary Scholars Program is a collaboration between the University Honors College (UHC) and the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). It admits students with strong academic abilities and an interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Students work on research with a faculty mentor and are encouraged to write presentations, join hospital rounds, participate in veterinary student clubs, and join volunteer programs in community outreach.
“We created this program to provide mentorship for promising pre-veterinary students, and to enhance recruitment of students with abilities and skills that fit well with the profession of veterinary medicine,” says CVM Dean Sue Tornquist.
