Aphis has developed a graduate training program, the aphis nbaf scientist training program (nstp), to support development of a growing workforce with the required subject matter expertise in foreign…

Aphis has developed a graduate training program, the aphis nbaf scientist training program (nstp), to support development of a growing workforce with the required subject matter expertise in foreign animal diseases and BSL-4 agents to fill critical roles at the new national agro and BIO-defense facility (nbaf) in manhattan, KS. Through cooperative agreements with selected universities, nstp fellows will receive full tuition and supplementary support to complete a MS, PHD or DVM/PHD program in target laboratory-based fields of study: microbiology, virology, molecular biology, diagnostics, bioinformatics, etc. Aphis will work with partner universities and laboratories to ensure the fellows' research projects address specific fads and capability needs. Recipients may communicate progress via biannual progress reports, student annual participation in any nstp symposia or scientific meetings, publication of project data in peer reviewed journals and conference of the target degree. Upon successful completion of the programs, each fellow will be required to fulfill a service commitment at nbaf and/or nvsl dependent on agency needs and timing of degree completion. The purpose of the nstp is to advance the goals of aphis veterinary services, including protection of the united states from adverse animal health events, ongoing monitoring and surveillance of the health and productivity of animal populations, and most importantly, to enhance the health status of our nation's animal populations by anticipating and responding to new or emerging disease threats and managing, controlling or eradicating known diseases. The agreement further supports promotion of our animal health populations, through eradication and control of diseases that could reduce food supplies and make them more costly. The agreement directly supports building a modern workplace with a modern diverse workforce, through workforce and succession planning, diversity and inclusion efforts and technology improvements.