Summer Veterinary Scholars Program

Take the opportunity to complete your very own mentored research project and learn more about what veterinarians do in research through the Summer Veterinary Scholars Program, integrated across Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (TUCSVM) and the Division of Comparative Medicine at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (DCM-MIT).

Official summer programming will occur from May 28 – August 09, 2025, and cumulate in presenting your research at the Veterinary Scholars Symposium. Research Fellows will receive a stipend consistent with NIH NRSA stipends. While no research experience is required, applicants must have completed one year of veterinary school by the start of the program.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter including details on prior research experience (if any), CV, unofficial veterinary school transcripts and two letters of recommendation via the program's application site.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY. Application deadline is February 6, 2025.

The program is currently not accepting international students based in non-US veterinary schools for the 2025 cohort, however, students with F1 visa status are eligible to apply.

Program Activities

Research Scholars will participate in mentored biomedical research projects in the laboratories of established investigators at either institution, receive broad exposure to research involving infectious disease, microbiome, comparative oncology, cardiovascular disease, toxicology, drug and device development, among others. This new collaborative will leverage the diverse scientific landscape within Massachusetts and provide unique opportunities for students to experience research within the context of academic centers, industry/biotechnology entities and contract research organizations. Importantly, veterinary students will explore alternative career choices in the context of a structured, engaging and supportive program led by veterinary scientists committed to generating trainee enthusiasm and interest in future research pursuits. Our program will expand student understanding of career opportunities for veterinarians in research through career chats featuring veterinarians actively engaged in biomedical research and field trips throughout the Boston metro area.

Veterinary Scholars will be matched with a research mentor based on their research interests and available projects; mentors may be from TUCSVM, DCM-MIT or other faculty associated with each respective university.

Support

This program is supported by NIH T35 OD033655 and the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars program.

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