MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A sophomore College of Veterinary Medicine student at Mississippi State University is one of only 50 students nationwide to receive a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Fellowship award.

Jennifer Marie Hughes of Olive Branch competed with about 1,500 other graduate applicants nationwide in this first year of the highly competitive award program.

"This is a recognition of the quality of students we have at MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine," said Dr. John Thomson, dean of the CVM. "Jennifer is a good ambassador of our college, and she represents the quality of our students."

A review panel of three experts in the field of homeland security determined Hughes' potential for professional contribution to the mission of the homeland security department. She plans to study the importance of veterinarians to national defense.

"Jennifer wanted to have a more global impact as a veterinarian, and this opportunity goes well with her intentions as a doctor of veterinary medicine," Thomson said. "She wanted to use veterinary medicine to serve animals, humans and the environment, and this fellowship will help her do that."

The fellowship award is being administered by the Oak Ridge (Tenn.) Institute for Science and Education in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The award includes a monthly stipend, full payment of tuition and fees, and placement in a required eight- to 10-week internship during the summer of 2004.

After graduation, students are encouraged to consider employment offers from the Department of Homeland Security, state and local operational offices, DHS-affiliated laboratories and facilities, or DHS-related university positions.

Hughes previously studied the economics and conservation of African mammals during a stay in Botswana.

With this fellowship, she will now turn her attention to how veterinarians can help to prevent terrorist attacks, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and promote recovery efforts from attacks that occur.

Hughes said she is honored to receive this prestigious fellowship, which will allow her to earn a master's degree and a veterinary degree simultaneously. The fellowship provides a maximum tenure of three years, with renewal after the first year dependent upon satisfactory academic progress, a demonstrated commitment to the objectives of the program and endorsement by Hughes' faculty adviser.

Contact: Dr. John Thomson, (662) 325-1131