Educational Programs
The Department of Veterinary Sciences plays a vital role in helping to develop an appreciation for and an understanding of biomedical research by offering teachers, regional youth and the public a unique avenue to actively participate in the research process.
Our formal education programs provide opportunities for individuals to dramatically increase their content knowledge in the sciences; access to scientists, veterinarians and other career role models in the sciences to both educators and students; practical hands-on student activities that coordinate with national science standards and curricular frameworks; and professional development for employees.
Additional programs dedicated to promoting scientific literacy in the basic and applied research areas are being developed by the staff and scientists. The general information below about our current programs is outlined according to the target audience.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
R25 Resident Education Program
An NIH/NCRR grant provides funding for a resident educational program to provide participants with in-depth training in the clinical care and management of nonhuman primates including Old World monkeys, New World monkeys and Great Apes. The curriculum will provide the participant resident with didactic instruction and experience in basic primatology, clinical medicine and surgery, and pathobiology of disease with an emphasis on clinical care, colony management, behavioral management and professional development in a biomedical research environment. For more information about the program and how to apply, please visit the Contact Information page.
Behavioral Science Internship Programs
Internships of varying lengths are formalized with various academic institutions to provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to assist with on-site primate behavioral research.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Graduate training leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree is available for students in the Department of Veterinary Sciences (DVS) through The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Basic research faculty are available for training graduate students, and the department offers a unique learning environment for research on a large variety of primate species, including chimpanzees, rhesus monkeys, squirrel monkeys and owl monkeys.
Veterinary Extern Program
Externships are offered to veterinary students with a career interest in nonhuman primates in biomedical research. Students rotate through the chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, squirrel monkey and owl monkey resource areas and receive training in primate medicine, surgery, behavioral management, and use in research. Each student is assigned a faculty veterinarian mentor to guide the student through his or her externship. This program attracts veterinary students from across the United States.
Veterinary School Lab Animal Resident Program
The department is affiliated with the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Laboratory Animal Medicine resident program. Students rotate through the Keeling Center for a unique experience working with large animals, rodents, and four species of primates in an active research environment. Faculty also serve as mentors to non-senior veterinary students who rotate through on a short-term basis.
Secondary School Programs
Student Internship Program
In the interest of providing local area high school seniors an opportunity to develop work skills, explore careers and receive mentorship from scientists, a non-paid educational internship experience is available on a competitive basis. Students work at the DVS in one of four areas (behavioral studies, veterinary services, laboratory services and business administration) for one to two semesters (minimum of 9 hours per week).
Outreach Programs
Primate Training and Enrichment Workshop
A 4.5-day program developed at the DVS for professionals working with primates is taught at the DVS once a year. The workshop includes lectures, demonstrations and hands-on opportunities.
Learn more about the workshop and download applications:
Primate Training and Enrichment Workshop
DVS Community Open House
The DVS provides an opportunity for the local community and students to tour the facility and interact with faculty scientists and staff at our annual Open House.
Employee Education Programs
AALAS Certification
In the interest of improving animal care personnel's job knowledge, potential for regular promotion and career development, DVS offers the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification training programs. Certification is required for animal caregivers at the Animal Technician I level and above.
Guest Lecturers and Seminars in the DVS Continuing Education Series
Guest lecturers are invited to address various topics of interest. Professional and/or technical personnel visiting our facilities are often requested to make a presentation to our personnel on their particular animal resources or research area.
DVS Visiting Scientists Lecture Series
In this program a limited number of nationally known scientists are invited to visit our facility and present a special seminar on their area of expertise for our personnel and invited guests.
Journal Club
Faculty, students and research staff participate in a journal club to keep up to date on the latest developments in the field of basic biomedical research.
Animal Care and Use Training
All personnel working with animals are required to complete the approved training program of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Continuing Education Program
A continuing education program open to all employees and invited guests includes topics on safety, special interest, supervisor and computer training. Online educational programs are available through the MD Anderson intranet.