Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer Research Training Program

The Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) at Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) offers a unique opportunity for first- and second-year veterinary students to gain hands-on summer research experience in veterinary and biomedical sciences. Since 1995, the program has paired students with faculty mentors to conduct individual research projects, which are presented at OSU's annual research day.

Program Details

• Duration: 10 to 12 weeks
• Stipend: $541.67/week (totaling $6,500) for the 12-week program
• Travel and Accommodation: Covered for the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium (NVSS) meeting
• Research Areas: Infectious diseases, cancer biology, cardiovascular & respiratory physiology, disease epidemiology & bioinformatics, neurobiology & immunology, large and small animal medicine, toxicology & pharmacology, and exotic animal research

Objectives

• Enhance research skills in veterinary science and biomedical research
• Professional development through exposure to workshops and discussion of careers in veterinary research, academia, and industry

Eligibility

• First- and second-year DVM students in good academic standing
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application
• Not on academic probation
• Agreement to all expectations and conditions associated with the SRTP award

Application Information

• Application Portal Opens: February 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
• Required Documents:
  • A curriculum vitae (education, work details, and research experience)
  • A one-page 'statement of purpose/essay' describing motivation for interest in summer research training participation

Selection Process

• Students are ranked based on GPA (50%, average of undergraduate and current DVM GPA) and a personal research statement/essay (50%)
• Top-ranked students are matched with their first-preference mentor

Expectations from SRTP Students

• Salary and NVSS Travel Support: Receive a total amount of $6,500 in salary and have airfare, hotel accommodation, and registration fee to attend NVSS covered
• Full-Time Commitment: Dedicate full-time effort to the project for the entire award period
• Research Duration: Conduct research full-time for 1012 weeks
• Weekly Work Hours: Dedicate 40 hours/week to project-related activities
• Mandatory Attendance: Participate in weekly workshops, poster presentations, and the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium (NVSS)

Expectations from SRTP Mentors

• Interview Process: Discuss potential projects and clearly communicate expectations during the interview
• Matching and Agreement: Acknowledge the student's placement in the lab for the summer program
• Prior Training Expectations: Provide all necessary training to carry out the proposed project
• Required Compliance Approvals: Complete all necessary IRB, IBC, or IACUC paperwork before the start of the summer program
• Funding and Supplies: Ensure sufficient funds for necessary supplies and reagents for the summer project
• Defined Project: Design a well-defined hypothesis-driven project that can be completed within 10 weeks

Other Opportunities

• AVMA/AVMF 2nd Opportunity Summer Research Stipend
• FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship
• Morris Animal Foundation- Veterinary Student Scholars
• Hoveida Family Foundation Research Scholarship
• CGS/IDEXX Veterinary Student Summer Scholar Award
• Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIPBR) For Veterinary Medical Students at NH
• Kennedy Krieger Institute: James A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program
• AAVMC- CIVME grant

US Veterinary Colleges with Summer Research Opportunities

• Colorado State University
• Cornell University
• Iowa State University
• Kansas State University
• Louisiana State University
• Michigan State University
• Mississippi State University
• North Carolina State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Oregon State University
• Purdue University
• Texas A & M University
• The Ohio State University
• Tufts University
• Tuskegee University
• University of California Davis
• University of Florida
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Georgia
• University of Minnesota
• University of Pennsylvania
• Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
• Washington State University
• Western University