When he came to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to work as a resident and graduate student in our large animal clinic, Keith told me about his interest in the guttural pouch. Like others, I thought it was implausible that a simple tube like the carotid artery could be a significant source of heat exchange. Most biological cooling mechanisms involve networks of small vessels that increase the surface area and present a large area for cooling. However, it was obvious that Keith was not to be deterred, nor was he interested in alternative projects. It is one of my beliefs that if a student is strongly motivated to investigate an area that he or she should be encouraged.
Research is hard work which is often carried out in an isolated environment.
Self-motivation is essential for success and Keith was clearly motivated. He had cajoled others into helping him perform his preliminary experiments at Murdoch, had performed much of the research in his free time, and had developed some interesting supporting evidence. We are very lucky at the College that we have an Equine Health Research Fund supported by direct donation to the College. Where we are often unsuccessful in obtaining money from US based institutions the Equine Health Research Fund has steadily supported work for the benefit of horses and horse owners in western Canada. One of the principles that guides the allocation of money from this fund is that support of graduate students is a high priority.