Hegg and Colleagues Receive Prestigious T35 Grant to Advance Veterinary Education and Biomedical Research

September 12, 2023

IIT-affiliated faculty member Dr. Colleen Hegg, along with her colleague Dr. Sri Sreevatsan, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being awarded a highly coveted T35 grant. This press release originally appeared on MSU Pharmacology and Toxicology Department website at: https://phmtox.msu.edu/news/hegg-t35-grant.aspx. 

Dr. Colleen Hegg, an accomplished researcher and educator in veterinary medicine, along with her colleague Dr. Sri Sreevatsan, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being awarded a highly coveted T35 grant. This "Short-term Biomedical Research Training Program for Veterinary Students" grant reflects her dedication to advancing veterinary education and biomedical research. Dr. Hegg's achievement is poised to have a far-reaching impact on veterinary students and the broader field of biomedical research.

The impact of Dr. Hegg and Dr. Sreevatsan’s T35 grant on veterinary students and the field of biomedical research is substantial and multifaceted. Firstly, this grant will provide invaluable opportunities for veterinary students to engage in short-term, hands-on biomedical research experiences. Through this program, students will gain practical insights into cutting-edge research techniques, the latest developments in biomedical science, and the intricacies of translational medicine. This hands-on training will equip them with essential skills and knowledge, making them better-prepared future veterinarians and researchers.

Furthermore, the T35 grant will foster collaboration between faculty in veterinary medicine and the biomedical research departments. Exposing veterinary students to the world of biomedical research will bridge the gap between these two fields, creating a synergy that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. This cross-disciplinary approach has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of animal diseases and even contribute to advancements in human medicine.

As veterinary students participate in this training program, they will not only contribute to ongoing research projects but may also initiate new studies. This could result in innovative solutions to various health challenges affecting animals and humans. For example, investigations into zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans may yield critical insights into preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.

In addition to these immediate benefits, the long-term impact of Dr. Hegg and Dr. Svreevatsan’s T35 grant is equally noteworthy. As the program graduates progress in their careers, they will carry the knowledge and skills acquired through this training, enriching the veterinary and biomedical research communities. Some may pursue advanced degrees, becoming influential themselves. Others may integrate their research experience into clinical practice, offering patients cutting-edge treatments and diagnostics.

As we look to the future, it's clear that Dr. Hegg's dedication and vision will leave a lasting legacy. Her T35 grant serves as a beacon, guiding the way for aspiring veterinary professionals and researchers and setting the stage for transformative advancements in the field of biomedical science. Dr. Colleen Hegg's contributions will continue to resonate, shaping the future of veterinary medicine and biomedical research for generations.