College of Veterinary Medicine

Program Summary

The Veterinary Scholars Summer Research Program provides an opportunity for veterinary and undergraduate students interested in veterinary medicine to explore non-practice careers by engaging in a mentored research project through informal and formal interactions with scientists.

Program Benefits

  • Explore careers in clinical, diagnostic, and basic biomedical research.
  • Work with a faculty mentor to design and conduct a summer research project. (See available mentors and projects)
  • Attend weekly seminars (lunch included) on topics such as:
    • Careers in academia, industry, and government
    • Lab animal medicine
    • Ethics
    • Various research topics 
    • Clinical trials
  • Participate in extracurricular activities such as a trip to a local pharmaceutical company, a meeting with University of Illinois veterinary students, and a fellows picnic.
  • Travel to the Boehringer Ingelheim National Veterinary Scholars Symposium to present your work and meet summer fellows from other colleges (veterinary students only).

Dates

The program is 11 weeks from May 27, 2025 to August 5, 2025 (August 9, 2025 for DVM students).

Salary

Veterinary students earn $6,500 and undergraduate students earn $4,500. 

Apply

Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) February 7, 2025. Apply now!

Questions?

Read our FAQs to find answers to common questions about the program.

I enjoyed getting to the point where I felt like an expert in my topic from all the literature reading, mastering of experimental procedures, abstract writing, poster building, and presentation practice. Going from scratching my head to looking forward to being asked questions about my project is such an empowering experience. I'm leaving a more knowledgeable and confident person, and with a desire to challenge myself in the future with any research project I become passionate about.

Veterinary Scholar Participant

2023