About the Program
 The objectives of the MUVRSP are to expose veterinary students to research career opportunities through a mentored research experience and develop a much-needed community of veterinary research scientists.
For additional veterinary student research opportunities, see the Merial Veterinary Scholars and National and Canadian Research Opportunities for Veterinary Students web sites.
Application Deadline: February 3, 2012
Eligibility: Students who have:
- completed at least one year of Veterinary School or have been accepted into Veterinary School
- are interested in exploring research
- maintained a GPA of 2.5 or better
- have not previously participated in a Veterinary Research Scholars Summer Program
- are not currently enrolled in a DVM/PhD or DVM/MS program
Stipend:
For MU student 8-week program - $3600
For out of state or prevet/ag scholars 10-week program - $4500
Program duration, students from the University of Missouri: Project development and implementation, mentor meetings and a weekly "Foundations in Veterinary Research and Discovery" course will begin in March of 2012. Full-time research activity will occur during the summer break from July-August.
Program duration, students from other Veterinary Colleges: The program schedule is flexible with a 10 week minimum requirement.
Program description: The MUVRSP will include:
- an intensive research experience to include state-of-the-art experimental methodology.
- weekly topics course that gives a broad exposure to biomedical sciences.
- social events to foster interaction and sense of community.
- an opportunity to attend and present at the National Merial Symposium at Colorado State University.
- interactive field trips and social events with scholars of the Kansas State and Oklahoma State Veterinary Research Scholars Programs
- field trips to local and regional research institutions
 Mentor Selection: Participating mentors and a description of their research are listed here. As part of the application, scholars select three mentors with whom they would like to work. Scholars are highly encouraged to consider all mentors (get beyond your comfort zone) and contact prospective mentors to discuss opportunities in their laboratories. An advisory committee will assign scholars to laboratories. MU scholars will meet with mentors no less than weekly beginning in March. Out-of-state scholars should contact mentors to begin project planning no later than one month prior to their start date.
Research Opportunities in St. Louis and Kansas City: See mentor list for more information or contact Dr. Franklin at (573) 882-6623 or franklinc@missouri.edu with questions.
Related Programs: Summer Fellowship in Laboratory Animal Medicine and Comparative Medicine
Research - click here for details
Foundations in Veterinary Research and Discovery: This formal course will meet weekly from March through June and include discussions and interactive sessions on experimental design, data presentation and analysis, poster preparation, planning for a research career to include meetings with a panel of post-DVM graduate students, responsible conduct of research, visit to an industry research farm, laboratory tours and social outings.
MU / KSU / OSU project: Scholars from the MU, Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University programs will meet for a networking outing.
Scholar Expectations: Scholars will be expected to commit full-time to the program, perform a hypothesis-based research project, participate in the "Foundations in Veterinary Research and Discovery" course (out of state scholars will begin participation upon arrival) and present results of experiments at the MU 2013 Phi Zeta Research day (MU scholars). Scholars will also have the opportunity to attend and present their project at the 2012 National Merial Symposium at Colorado State University in early August (dates TBD). On completion of the training program, scholars will have been exposed to careers in research and obtained the necessary information to pursue a science-related career.
Time Line:
Feb 3
Deadline for applications
February
Scholar selection and orientation meeting
March-June
Foundations in Veterinary Research and Discovery course meets weekly for 1-3 hours
Weekly mentor/scholar meetings to outline project/goals and begin research
April/May
Welcome out of state scholars social gathering.
May 4
Attend 2012 Phi Zeta Research Day
May 13
MU scholar research outlines due; outlines discussed in small group sessions as part of Foundations course
Out of state scholar outlines due two weeks after their arrival
June 29
Full-time in laboratory begins (MU scholars)
July
MU / KSU / OSU Veterinary Research Scholars Program joint meeting / social.
August (Dates TBD)
Attend National Merial Symposium at the Colorado State University
May, 2013
MU scholars presentations at 2013 Phi Zeta Research Day
Application: (Application Deadline is February 3rd, 2012) To apply, complete online form. Selection criteria include demonstration of passion and commitment to exploring research, academic credentials, and references. Individuals with no prior research experience are highly encouraged to apply and explore!
Need more information? Please contact Dr. Craig Franklin at (573) 882-6623 or franklinc@missouri.edu |
