Frequently Asked Questions

2027 program dates will be announced soon.

For reference, the 2026 program began on May 26 at 8:30 a.m. with an orientation session and concluded on August 4 (August 9 for DVM students). *Individual end dates may vary if make-up time is required or for DVM students attending the national symposium. 

Regular participation is expected for the full duration of the Summer Research Program. If time away is necessary, students may take up to one week off with mentor approval and must notify the Office of Research at least two weeks in advance. Any missed time must be made up in coordination with your mentor and the Office of Research.

Consistent participation is important to ensure you have adequate time to complete a meaningful research project. Please note that time off is not permitted during the first or last week of the program.

Dr. Susan Mendrysa and Dr. Adam Kimbrough, professors and co-directors of the program, will match students with available research mentors based on the research projects available and each student's stated research interests. Students may identify a project or area of interest in your application; however, while preferences will be considered, a specific project or mentor cannot be guaranteed.

Once matched, students will will work directly with their mentor to finalize the project and establish research goals that can be accomplished during the Summer Research Program. 

Students typically work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although schedules may vary based on the research project and arrangements made with the research mentor. Some projects may require occasional evening or weekend work. The university is closed for Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Several special events are planned throughout the Summer Research Program, including an outdoor summer social, a joint symposium with University of Illinois summer research fellows, and a pharmaceutical company visit. Some events may provide opportunities for students to present their research and connect with fellow students and research mentors. 

Event dates and additional details are shared when the program begins.

There is no general dress code for the Summer Research Program. Students should wear attire appropriate for their research environment and follow all laboratory, safety, and PPE requirements for the assigned research area. Research mentors may provide additional guidance based on the work being performed.

All students are expected to prepare an abstract and poster based on their summer research project, working closely with their research mentor throughout the process. Posters will be presented to PVM in an end of program poster presentation and during a pharmaceutical company visit. Undergraduate students will also have an opportunity to present at a campus-wide symposium.

DVM students are required to submit an abstract and present their poster at the National Boehringer Ingelheim Symposium and at PVM Research Day the following year. 

Housing is not provided through the Summer Research Program. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodations, and summer subleases or shared housing with other students may be options.

Selected fellows will receive information about local housing options and contact information for other program participants. Additional resources are available through Purdue Off-Campus Housing and Purdue Summer Residential Housing.

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Purdue. Bus transportation is available from the Indianapolis, Chicago, and West Lafayette airports to campus. The summer stipend is intended to help cover travel expenses; separate travel funding is not provided. 

The summer stipend is paid in two lump-sum installments, rather than through biweekly or monthly payroll. The first installment is paid near the beginning of the program, with the second paid later in the program. Students will receive payment certification forms that must be completed and returned before payment can be processed.

Students should plan accordingly for expenses throughout the program, including housing, living expenses, and transportation.

Students who bring a car may purchase a Purdue parking permit for an additional fee. Parking on campus is limited, so students may also use Purdue’s campus bus system for transportation around campus.

Additional information is available through Purdue Campus Transit and Purdue Parking.

A variety of dining options are available on campus and at nearby restaurants. The Continuum Café in the College of Veterinary Medicine offers reasonably priced breakfast and lunch options Monday through Friday. Students staying in Purdue residence halls may also have the option to purchase a meal plan or dining package. Lunch is provided during the weekly Wednesday seminars.

Students will receive a Purdue University email account and internet access for research-related activities. The email account is available only for the duration of the Summer Research Program.

The National Boehringer Ingelheim/NIH symposium is available to veterinary students who have completed their first or second year and are participating in the Summer Research Program for the first time. Airfare and hotel expenses are provided for eligible students. Additional information will be shared during the program.