Summer Scholars Research Program
Boost your research skills, stand out among the competition, and gain insider knowledge during the summer before you start your DVM program. Connect with peers to explore new opportunities and build meaningful relationships for the future.
About The Program
If you are looking to get a head start on your DVM career, boost your research skills, stand out among the competition, and gain insider knowledge, the summer before you matriculate, apply now for the second cohort of the Veterinary Summer Scholars Research Program (VSSRP). Connect with peers and build meaningful relationships, all while exploring new opportunities within the field of veterinary medicine.
Our 10-week program includes a stipend of $6,500 and an additional travel allowance to support students in presenting their work at the annual Veterinary Summer Symposium, hosted by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). Students are matched with mentors of their choice from leading research teams across the university to receive hands-on experience conducting experiments. The didactic component allows participants to learn about different research topics in a team-based learning environment.
Previous students found the skills learned during VSSRP valuable, citing the benefits such as the ability “to read and understand scientific papers” and “know how to write an abstract and work in a TBL group.” Additionally, the opportunity to start school early "was really beneficial to meet some fellow students and get comfortable with faculty members prior to the start of school.” Click the link below to watch a clip featuring some of our previous students.
For questions about our VSSRP, please contact our Assistant Dean for Research, Dr. Samarpita Sengupta.
The Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program, Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), and the American Pet Products Association (APPA) partially fund the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Summer Scholars Research Program.
Our Mentors
Our distinguished faculty mentors represent nine departments, colleges, and centers across the university. They offer a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, allowing for deeper connections based on lived experiences while creating an engaged and supportive community for our students. Half of our faculty are first-generation college students, while one-third are women with a STEM degree. In collaboration with their laboratory teams, mentors provide our students with invaluable first-hand knowledge and experience as they help guide them through meaningful research projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participating in the Veterinary Summer Scholars Research Program offers numerous benefits.
- Incoming DVM students receive mentored intensive hands-on research experience and a competitive stipend and travel allowance.
- Participating students have unique opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Team-based learning allows students to get comfortable with the DVM curriculum, and early start allows adjustment to Tucson.
- Sense of connection and belonging fostered before the beginning of the DVM curriculum.
Our Veterinary Summer Scholars Research Program is open to incoming first-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students. All interested candidates should submit their application for the program by the designated deadline for their respective matriculation year. To begin the application process, click the link below.
Applications for the Veterinary Summer Scholars Research Program open in February and close around mid-April.
When completing the application, students will indicate their top three preferred mentors. After the application period closes, participants will be matched with a mentor who is closest to their preferences and will be notified of their pairing by early May at the latest.
You don't need any research experience. Laboratory work and didactics will provide students with enough opportunities to learn about research and how to conduct it.
In addition, students with extensive research experience have also found the program helpful in extending their skills and learning more about team-based learning.
Students with and without previous research experience are highly encouraged to apply.
No. The program is designed for in-person attendance and cannot accommodate remote work. However, a stipend is included to help cover the cost of living expenses over the summer.
Before starting the VSSRP, students must move to Tucson and find housing. All participants will be required to register for a one-credit course. After matching, students should contact their mentors to start any necessary training to set up in the laboratory, such as basic laboratory safety and human research regulations.
The Veterinary Summer Scholars Research Program is a hands-on educational opportunity the summer before matriculation in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. Students should generally expect the following during their experience:
- Students are expected to spend 40 hours a week total work, including time in labs and didactics.
- Students are expected to complete pre-work in a timely manner and contribute to in-class team activity.
- Students are encouraged to participate in team building events and social events.
- Students are expected to present their work at National AAVMC Veterinary Scholars Symposium, and CVM Research Day. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of other presentation opportunities such as the U of A UROC (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference) symposium.