The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently named Jennifer Hughes, a sophomore at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, a recipient of the 2003 graduate fellowship award.
According to the Department of Homeland Security Web site, Director Tom Ridge wrote that the fellowship program is intended to “produce talented and experienced scientists and engineers that will play vital roles in securing America against terrorism.”
Because of her studies on how veterinarians can help protect national security, Hughes was one of only 50 graduate students nationwide to receive this award.
Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. John Thomson said, “It was a very select group of people chosen and very competitive, which makes it a very high honor and it will provide a tremendous opportunity for her. It is also great for the College to have someone of that stature associated with it.”
Hughes previously studied in Botswana under a study abroad program from the National Security Agency of the Department of Defense. She said the experience taught her a great deal.
“Initially, working under the Department of Defense was pretty much just a source of funding for me,” Hughes said. “But while I was in Botswana, Sept. 11 occurred and that kind of made me think about what I could do to help fight terrorism. I began considering the ways that vets could help the nation’s security because environmental issues are matters of national security as well.”
Hughes said she knew her ideas would match the award criteria upon hearing about the fellowship award offered by the Department of Homeland Security.
The fellowship, which covers the costs of full tuition and fees, as well as a monthly stipend, is renewable for up to three years. This will give Hughes the opportunity to work toward both her master’s degree, and her veterinarian degree at the same time.
Hughes says that she has wanted work as a veterinarian since she was a little girl, but being chosen for this award has broadened her goals for the future.
“I’ve always gotten along well with animals, so I wanted to be a doctor to help animals. Obviously my goals have expanded since then, to include national security, but still I just want to help animals,” Hughes said.
She hopes someday to make an impact on the United States and its protection against worldwide diseases.
“Veterinarians everywhere need to be educated and prepared, because a disease such as hoof and mouth (disease) could potentially spread to the United States,” Hughes said.
“I have thought about working with the Department of Wildlife and the Department of Homeland Security, but my first step will be to obtain a residency to specialize in wildlife pathology and expand my veterinary knowledge. And maybe someday become a specialist on vaccinations and prevention in disease.”
Thomson has served as a mentor for Hughes during her two years in the veterinary program. She credits him with being major factor toward her success.
“Dean Thomson has really supported me in the area of international issues and getting me into the program. He is my mentor and the one person who has had the greatest impact on me since I began vet school,” Hughes said.
Thomson said he was quite proud of Hughes’ accomplishments.
“I was thrilled that she was chosen,” he said. “She is a very determined, bright, hard working student.”