Watching the Future
Unfold for 20 Years

Scholars and Leaders

Trainees enter the NIH program with a degree in veterinary medicine, and graduate as PhDs poised to have an impact in academic institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and the biomedical industry—and with a clear understanding of the contributions pathologists can make.

Dr. Yava Jones-Hall, now director of the Research and Diagnostic Histology Laboratories at Texas A&M University, speaks of the important role of pathologists in research.

“The NIH CBSTP program was transformative for my research career,” says Jones-Hall, who was among the first scholars in the program. “I trained with a renowned scientist and learned how to accomplish hypothesis-driven research from protocol design to experiment completion to post-experimental analyses. I gained an appreciation for research beyond the contribution of pathology and—importantly— saw the need for pathologists on the research team.”

A Comparative Perspective, a Collaborative Approach

There is now global awareness of the consequences of a disease’s ability to jump from one species to another—thanks to the virus SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, zoonotic diseases—and animal models of disease—also bring opportunities for scientists to ‘translate’ knowledge and therapies for human diseases. Translational science supports human health by translating knowledge generated in animal models to human disease.

“Our goal is to provide program scholars—and all trainees—the technological and analytical skills they need to become innovative scientists that will generate new knowledge in pathology,” says Agnew. “At MSU, program scholars experience truly collaborative research efforts, which are a fundamental aspect of comparative science.”

Leading scientists collaborating in world-class facilities and state-of-the-art technology—all supported by expert staff—combine to give trainees the experience that prepares them for their NIH research project and subsequent careers as pathologists.

Facilities, Technology, Expertise

The College’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory includes a BSL-3 necropsy suite—built and operated to a biological safety level 3. A BSL-3 laboratory provides high-containment protections for working with highly infectious agents and toxins.

“Having the opportunity to work in a BSL-3 lab was a big plus when I selected MSU,” said Dr. Adrienne Glaser, a current CBSTP scholar. “BSL-3 labs are not available in all universities and since I’m interested in working with infectious diseases—the more infectious, the better!”

Past and Present

Sebastian’s career may often situate her in laboratories today, but it began in a rustic setting.

In July of this year, Glaser will begin her research at Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML), an NIH biomedical research facility in Hamilton, Montana.

Glaser is one of six current MSU CBSTP scholars. Dr. Kerry Goldin, who began the program in July 2019, is already at Rocky Mountain Laboratories, where she works with the Nipah virus. Three scholars have joined labs at the National Cancer Institute— Dr. Zachary Millman—Dr. Steven Hsu, and—Dr. Chaunte Lewis. Dr. Kyleigh Tyler is wrapping up her training at MSU and will join them at the NCI later this year.

Watching scholars learn and grow here, and then during their research at the NIH, is such an important part of my life as a scientist and faculty member,” says Agnew. “I’m reminded that all of what we do as an academic institution—the buildings and scanners, as well as our research and writing manuscripts—is advancing science and contributing to our future.”