Kansas State University student to use Endeavour Research Fellowship to study swine in Australia
Friday, Dec. 2, 2016
MANHATTAN — Pigs may have the chance for a healthier life because of a Kansas State University graduate student who has earned a 2017 Endeavour Research Fellowship from the Australian government.
Roger Cochrane, doctoral student in animal science, Bloomfield, Indiana, earned the fellowship, which is a competitive, merit-based opportunity for students and scholars from across the globe to undertake study, research or professional development in Australia. The Endeavour Research Fellowship provides up to $24,500 for four to six months of research that will benefit both Australia and the applicant's home country.
Cochrane's research will focus on alternatives to antimicrobials in swine. He will study nutritional alternatives for piglets, methods for controlling diseases without antimicrobials, and the digestive physiology of weanling pigs. He will conduct his research at Murdoch University in Murdoch, Australia, from August-December 2017.
"This fellowship will become the connecting link between projects I have completed during my doctoral studies," Cochrane said. "It will broaden my research focus in feed manufacturing and swine nutrition as I move forward in my academic career. The fellowship also will add an international component to my work, which will help me better understand how research is conducted around the world."
Cochrane said one of the primary factors that drew him to apply for the fellowship is the opportunity to work with John Pluske, director of the Animal Research Institute at Murdoch University, who was a Fulbright scholar at Kansas State University in 2014.
"I'm looking forward to learning about antimicrobials, disease and nutrition from such a highly respected researcher," Cochrane said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Cochrane said he also is eager to learn about the differences between U.S. and Australian swine production and feed manufacturing.
"While furthering his research, Roger also will strengthen the collaborative ties K-State has been building with Australian universities," said James Hohenbary, director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. "I congratulate him on earning this award, and I hope that his success will encourage other K-State graduate students to consider applying."
Cochrane also has received the Kansas State University Presidential Doctoral Scholarship, International Ingredient Corporation Pinnacle Award and the Kansas State University Ingredion Outstanding Graduate Student Award.
