For a second year, Texas Tech and the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources are continuing efforts to train students with an interest in working at the $1.25 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. NBAF is a biosafety level 4 research laboratory with the specific technical skillset required to develop and implement USDA scientific programs at the facility.

The NBAF Laboratorian Training Program housed at Texas Tech currently is now recruiting students to apply for the second of two cohorts. Christy Bratcher, Associate Dean for Research within Davis College, leads the training effort thanks to a $500,000 grant awarded last year from the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service. The program was funded for two years, and trains 10 students per year.

“This is a unique opportunity to partner with a multitude of agencies in workforce development training of students to provide them with a skillset beyond what they are receiving in their traditional degree program,” Bratcher said. “I'm excited to begin the selection process again.”

Students in the program learn the basics of high-containment facilities, laboratory procedures, animal handling and the promotion of safe work practices, including the use of personal protective equipment in a high-containment environment.

The one-year training program takes place over three semesters. In the spring, students will enroll in an online course module through Texas Tech focused on understanding the high-containment environment, animal care and use and basic diagnostic procedures.

Then, in the summer, there will be an eight-week, in-person training course at laboratories and animal facilities within the Texas Tech University System and the USDA Agricultural Research Services facilities in Lubbock.

“The ARS' Livestock Issues Research Unit is excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Davis College in preparing students for potential careers working in the field of animal diseases,” said Jeff Carroll, research leader with the USDA-ARS. “There is a significant need for talented and well-trained individuals to work in this field, and the Livestock Issues Research Unit has the capabilities to assist with the training and future success of these individuals.”

The program is open to undergraduates in their junior or senior year at the time of application, Bratcher noted. The applicaiton deadline is 11:59 p.m. CT on Wednesday (Nov. 30). Student training sessions will conclude next fall with an online seminar series focused on analyzing and interpreting scientific data.

CONTACT: Christy Bratcher, Associate Dean for Research, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or christy.bratcher@ttu.edu 

1018NM22/ Editor's Note: For more information, visit Davis College's NBAF Laboratorian Training Program page