Summer Scholars Program

 Update (12/3/11): Opportunities available now! Applications are due Monday, February 6, 2012. Prior to applying, please review the Program Details for more information and application instructions.

Now in its eleventh year, the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Summer Scholars Program has the goal of giving first and second year veterinary students the opportunity to participate in a variety of research projects related to veterinary, animal, and human health initiatives. Through this experiential learning, students will gain an appreciation of biomedical and veterinary research careers and see firsthand how research contributes to advances in health care and veterinary practice. This opportunity is available to University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine students, as well as veterinary students from other veterinary colleges.

The strength of this program lies in the research expertise of our faculty and the opportunities available for students in their laboratories. This is enhanced further by our collaborative endeavors with the other colleges in the Academic Health Center (Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health and Nursing) as well as our close ties to the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Biological Sciences.

In 2011, twelve students were funded. This year, the number of positions and research areas available will be determined by funding from the following sources: 

• Merial Limited (up to four positions)
• The College of Veterinary Medicine (up to four positions)
• National Institutes of Health T-35 Training Grant (five positions)
• The Morris Animal Foundation (one position, pending)
• The Skadron Family Oncology Scholarship (one position)

A Great Program with Major Benefits

• Gain firsthand experience in research planning and implementation, data evaluation and working effectively in an active research lab
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Develop communication and critical thinking skills
• Develop an understanding of clinical and basic research as a potential career path
• Receive a $4,500 stipend
• Attend the Merial Summer Research Symposium at the University of Colorado in August 2012

For more information on applying to one of numerous summer research programs offered by veterinary schools across this country, check out the Research Opportunities for Veterinary Students web page.