Three Cal Poly Pomona students have been awarded scholarships from the Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) for their essays on the fundamental role that humane and responsible animal research plays in the advancement of human and animal health.

The recipients were:
First place ($500): Catherine Runion, a senior who will graduate in December with a degree in animal and veterinary science.
Second place ($250): Megan Ducey-Hardos, a senior, who is majoring in animal health science.
Third place ($100): Fiona Lair, a senior who is pursuing her bachelor's degree in animal science.

"It is critical the next generation understand the vital role humane and responsible animal research plays in both human and animal medicine," says Paul McKellips, executive vice president at FBR. "Catherine, Megan and Fiona have each demonstrated an excellent grasp of how lab animal research leads to new treatments, therapies and cures for people and animals, and an exceptional ability to communicate that fact."

The winning essays will be published in the spring 2013 issue of FBR's semiannual magazine, ResearchSaves. In addition to awarding scholarships, FBR donated a CurVet Rat Training Simulator, which animal science students can use to learn humane and ethical handling practices of rodents without the use of live animals.

For more information about the 2012 Animal Research Essay Contest or the winners, visit www.fbresearch.org and https://www.cpp.edu/~agri/our-college/news.shtml.