Three of our signature research programs in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology are briefly summarized below. Individual faculty members may be contacted based on their research interests for a more comprehensive explanation of these and other research programs in the department. Research interests of faculty members may be found under “Faculty Research Interests”. We offer the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology. These programs are focused on both veterinary and human physiology and pharmacology utilizing the unique aspects of each species to enhance our insights and understandings into basic processes in all other species. The Master of Science program requires approximately 36 hours of post-baccalaureate training and the Ph.D. program requires 96 hours. A minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for Ph.D. students who have already completed a masters degree or a DVM or MD at a US institution. We adjust the core course requirements for these students on a case by case basis, taking into consideration their previous course work. The Ph.D. provides a more liberal program because it is based on the student’s previous training and on the student’s interests. The masters program is more restricted because there are, by university regulations, a number of hours of required course work. Students in our graduate programs complete a core curriculum which includes one year of systems physiology and molecular and cell biology along with one year of statistics in research. A qualifying examination in basic physiology must be taken and passed (normally following completion of the first year’s study) in order to progress within the graduate program. For full admission to the Graduate College, applicants must have a satisfactory grade point ratio and Graduate Record Examination test scores. Prior to admission to our graduate program, students are required to identify a faculty mentor who is willing to work with them in their degree program. A copy of the university graduate catalog can be obtained from the Texas A&M University Bookstore, Drawer B-9, College Station, TX 77844. Graduate applications are available from:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Texas A&M University
P.O. Box 30014
College Station, TX 77842-3014

And upon completion should be returned to that same office.

More information on our graduate programs may be obtained from individual faculty members or by contacting our graduate advisor:

Dr. Jeremy Wasser
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-4466
979/862-4655 (phone)
979/845-6544 (FAX)
jwasser@cvm.tamu.edu

Reproductive Physiology: Research in reproductive physiology is focused on understanding the requirements for normal embryonic development, in addition to the development and application of animal biotechnology. Specific research projects involve experiments designed to improve the efficiency of nuclear transplantation (cloning) which can be used to produce genetically identical animals and/or transgenic animals. Other research projects are focused on improving methods for producing mammalian embryos in vitro. The Reproductive Sciences Laboratory consists of approximately 1500 sq ft of space composed of a fully equipped tissue culture room, embryo micromanipulation room, ovary/oocyte/embryo/sperm processing room, medium preparation room, and molecular biology room. Additional space located in adjacent rooms is available for offices and conferences. A large assortment of laboratory equipment is available including 3 micromanipulation stations, 8 dissecting microscopes, 6 CO₂ incubators, 2 tissue culture hoods, PCR machine, 2 image analysis systems, electrofusion machine, video camera equipment, refrigerators, freezers, liquid nitrogen storage tanks, and 3 computers. Funding for research is provided by the National Institutes of Health, Texas Coordinating Board of Higher Education, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Morris Animal Foundation, and private industry. Research interests of individual reproductive physiology faculty members may be found under “Faculty Research Interests”.

Cardiovascular Physiology: The Cardiovascular Physiology and Applied Physics Facility is located in a 10,000 sq ft freestanding facility. This facility contains operating rooms for both acute and chronic sterile surgeries, recovery rooms, treatment rooms, as well as animal housing facilities for both acute and chronic animals ranging from small species to dogs. Surgical facilities for larger animals are also available at our Veterinary Medical Park Research Facility. Individual laboratories are supported by a common-use machine shop, tissue culture facility, and molecular biology laboratory. State of the art instrumentation for evaluating cardiac function and hemodynamic parameters as well as the tools of molecular biology are available within the facility. Imaging via nuclear magnetic resonance and echocardiography is also available. Instrumentation for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for biological purposes is also available to our investigators. Close collaborative relationships exist with the institutions in the world’s largest medical center in Houston, Texas. Funding from the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and numerous other sources exists for studies of cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology. The use of comparative physiology techniques allows us to address traditional problems in veterinary medicine while utilizing animal models of human pathologies to seek cures for diseases common to all species. Research interests of individual cardiovascular faculty members may be found under “Faculty Research Interests”.

GRADUATE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES
Michael E. DeBakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Science and Biomedical Devices

The Michael E. DeBakey Institute announces the inauguration of the DeBakey Scholars Program for studies leading to the Ph.D. in Comparative Physiology and Pharmacology.  This program provides unique opportunities to train with interdisciplinary research faculty with expertise in the cardiac and vascular sciences, from molecular/cellular to organ/animal levels, with a common focus on cardiovascular pathophysiology.  Scholarships are available for predoctoral students with a background in the life sciences or bioengineering, Ph.D./D.V.M candidates, and individuals with M.D. or D.V.M degrees seeking advanced training in cardiovascular research.  DeBakey Scholars will receive a competitive stipend (18K+/year) and comprehensive health benefits.  For more information visit http://debakeyinstitute.tamu.edu or contact glaine@tamu.edu.