AVMA News: Budding researchers gather at Veterinary Scholars Symposium
More than 550 veterinary students from around the world gathered in early August in Puerto Rico for the 34th annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium. Participants presented results from weeks of mentored research and celebrated the achievements of two symposium participants, according to a story from AVMA News.
The symposium is the culmination of the 2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program, which was created to introduce veterinary students to biomedical research and expose them to potential careers outside the examination room.
Research
Every year, leading researchers from across academia, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health work with program participants on original research relevant to animal and human health in such fields of study as emerging infectious diseases, toxicology, oncology and chronic diseases, as well as advances in conservation and sustainable agriculture.
Each VSS participant is assigned a mentor and a laboratory to conduct a hypothesis-driven research project. The project is typically conducted over a 10- to 12-week period during the summer.
Participants summarize their research findings and work over the course of the summer on a poster, which they present to biomedical researchers, industry experts, and public health officials as well as other veterinary students at the symposium.
"These students will soon be on the front lines of monitoring and protecting animals and humans from tomorrow's emerging diseases and increasing the efficiency and sustainability of our livestock industry as well as increasing the lifespan and quality of life for pets," Caroline Belmont, head of U.S. Animal Health Innovation for Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a statement. "That is why we are continuing to invest in their growth, to offer hands-on learning opportunities such as the Veterinary Scholars Program, so that they can gain the experience and perspective needed to spark innovation and practical solutions to future societal needs."
Nearly 6,000 students have received stipends from Boehringer Ingelheim to conduct research since the program started in 1989.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) awarded a total of $30,000 to five veterinary students to attend the Veterinary Scholars Program: Kimaya Bakhle, Cornell University; Caitlyn L. Burke, Mississippi State University; Amelia Corona, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Emma Marshall, University of California-Davis; and Meagan Rockow, Colorado State University.
Read the AVMA News story, learn more about research awards for graduate veterinarians Kimaya Bakhle, Cornell University, and Dr. Anna M. Hassebroek, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
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