MSU is known for a lot of things: football, the Izzone, partying.

But rarely do people take the time to recognize the faculty members and students researching for new knowledge and innovation.

MSU has a research center for bioterror threats. Animal science and physiology Professor Jose Cibelli is considered an expert in stem-cell research. We are the forerunners in research of the West Nile virus. The university is a leader in fields of dietetics, packaging and supply chain management.

Now finding a possible cure for cancer can be added to the list.

MSU has long been known as one of the top veterinary programs in the country and it's living up to its reputation.

When MSU's new Animal Cancer Care Clinic opens, part of the research that will be done includes treating animals diagnosed with cancer. The goal of the research is to fight the disease and prolong the lives of many animals.

The same methods found to treat animals might translate into ways to treat cancer in humans.

The new center will allow for 15-20 animals to be treated every day. It uses the same technology, such as equipment to perform radiation treatment, as Lansing's Sparrow Hospital uses on humans.

The announcement of the completion of the new center comes after an announcement last week that MSU will receive a $10 million grant for the Center for Microbial Risk Assessment. Researchers there will focus on ways to fight and prevent the spread of infectious diseases by terrorists.

Professor Cibelli was invited to address the United Nations last April for his work regarding the potential benefits of stem-cell research. He also does research in embryonic stem-cell cloning from animals.

MSU has been researching the West Nile virus since 2001, when it first appeared in Michigan.

These sort of breakthroughs help not only the MSU community, but the entire world. Research done here has the potential to help millions of people.

These are the sort of things universities should be known for.

This is what should make us proud to attend MSU.