The overall goal of the research component of the training program is to expose the trainee to hypothesis-based research and state-of-the-art biomedical methodology and rigor culminating in a first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This is accomplished through a mentor relationship with an established scientist and full participation in a research project. Specific objectives include the instruction of trainees in the principles of experimental design, statistics, data collection, grant writing, the preparation of manuscripts, and the ethical principles of research, including animal experimentation and the humane care and use of laboratory animals.
ADVANCED DEGREES
Trainees are strongly encouraged to pursue an M.S. degree in Comparative Medicine, which is attainable in a three-year period. Ph.D. opportunities are available but commonly take a total of 5 to 7 years to complete, and additional financial support is needed. PhD degrees are obtained through the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program or the Department of Pathology. The length of the UW laboratory animal training program and funding is 3 years. The research mentor will have the primary responsibility for identifying funding for trainees continuing their research or pursuing a Ph.D. degree beyond the third year of training.
RESEARCH AREAS
Our faculty have research programs in inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, vitamins A and D, gnotobiotics, cancer metastasis, B and T cell biology, metabolism, imaging, aging, innate immunity, embryonic stem cell development, laboratory animal medicine, and comparative pathology. To view our research resources, please go here.