College of Veterinary Medicine: Application and Sponsors Research

The 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim application period opens on January 7, 2025. All applications are due by February 10, 2025.

Boehringer Ingelheim Program Mission:

The mission of the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program (BIVSRP) is to provide an opportunity for veterinary schools to expose first, second and third year veterinary students to biomedical research through a scholar internship program.  By providing a supportive research environment in an established laboratory together with seminars and discussion groups on careers in science, it is hoped that students will consider the pursuit of a career in biomedical research as one of their options after completing their veterinary degree. This program is funded in part by Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s learning objectives include: to understand and follow responsible conduct in research, to instruct students in research methodology and acquire relevant technical skills, to gain experience in interpretation and dissemination of results, and to Expose students to research career and training pathways. For more information on the Boehringer Ingelheim VSP, visit their website here.

Expectations and support:

Each scholar receives a stipend of $6,500 for full-time involvement in research during the program.

Scholars are expected to attend all group training opportunities offered by the program (workshops and field trips) and present a poster at the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Symposium (VSS) scheduled at the end of the summer. Registration fees, travel costs and poster preparation will be covered.

Individual projects should enable the student to formulate a testable hypothesis, identify specific objectives, conduct research, interpret data and present their findings in the form of an abstract and/or poster.  Demonstration of the use of biomedical research skills in specialty fields (e.g. Pathology, Toxicology, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Pharmacology, Clinical, and Imaging) is desirable.

Application process:

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:

This program is especially relevant to students interested in exploring biomedical research. Students without prior research experience are encouraged to apply. Mentors are limited to one application and must therefore select the trainee that they will support through this mechanism. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Students must have completed at least one year of a DVM curriculum, be currently enrolled, and in good academic standing at their University.
• Students must commit to attending all training opportunities, including the VSS.
• One position may be filled by a student from another veterinary school as long as they can accommodate the WesternU CVM VSRP start and end dates; this student must meet the same requirements as WesternU students, demonstrate English proficiency, and have an established working relationship with one of the WesternU CVM VSRP research mentors, as evidenced by the grant application (see selection criteria).
• WesternU will welcome students in the European programs as long as they meet the criteria for eligibility.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

• Complete the Online Veterinary Summer Research Program Application
• A list of BI mentors is provided in an orientation session prior to the application period. Students should refer to the VSRP resource center link provided via email for more information. Alternatively, the information for the current mentors for this mechanism may be accessed by WesternU students here: 2024 BIVSP Resource Center. External students interested in applying should contact CVM Research.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Student applications will be sent to corresponding mentors who will rank applicants.
• Students’ project rankings will be matched with mentors’ rankings of applicants to finalize the pairing of scholars and mentors.

Questions, or issues with the application, should be directed to the CVM Office for Research (cvmresearch@westernu.edu).

This program will not be available in 2025. Please check back in August 2025 for updates on future opportunities.

USDA AHDR Program Mission:

The purpose of the USDA Animal Health and Disease Research Program is to promote animal health research at accredited state veterinary schools or colleges or agricultural experiment stations. It is designed to improve global food security, reduce the incidence of food-borne illness, improve the health of livestock, and protect agricultural health.

Expectations and support:

• Each student research scholar receives a stipend of $6,500 for full-time involvement in the program.
• Student research scholars are expected to attend all group training opportunities offered by the program (workshops and field trips) and present a poster at the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Symposium (VSS). Registration fees, travel costs and poster preparation will be covered.
• Individual projects should enable the student research scholar to formulate a testable hypothesis, identify specific objectives, conduct research, interpret data and present their findings in the form of an abstract and/or poster.
• Demonstration of the use of biomedical research skills in specialty fields (e.g. Pathology, Toxicology, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Pharmacology, Clinical, and Imaging) is desirable.

Application process:

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:

Students without prior research experience are encouraged to apply. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Students must have completed at least one year of a DVM curriculum, be currently enrolled, and in good academic standing at their University.
• Students must commit to attending all training opportunities, including the BI-NIH Symposium.
• WesternU will welcome students in the European programs as long as they meet the criteria for eligibility.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

• Complete the Online Veterinary Summer Research Program Application by the deadline

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Student applications will be sent to corresponding mentors who will rank applicants.
• Students’ project rankings will be matched with mentors’ rankings of applicants to finalize the pairing of scholars and mentors.
• Notification by first week of March during the application year.

Questions, or issues with the application, should be directed to the CVM Office for Research (cvmresearch@westernu.edu).

Please check back soon for 2025 opportunities.

USDA ARS BI Scholar Program:

An agreement between Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) – as part of the BI Veterinary Scholars Program – an opportunity for scholars interested in conducting research in production animals/livestock. This is a unique opportunity, and is not to be confused with the USDA AHDR or the BI individual programs. Only up to 2 students per institution may be selected, with 12 total students selected nationally.

Expectations and support:

• The selected student research scholar receives a stipend of $7,500 for the summer (monthly stipend + costs associated with travel), with an additional $1,000 in travel assistance to travel to and from the VSS.
• Selected student(s) will spend the summer program (10-12 weeks) at one of nine USDA facilities around the country where a mentor and a research project will be assigned.
• After spending the summer conducting research and learning from USDA scientists, students will attend and present their work at the annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium (VSS)

Application process:

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:

• Only US citizens are eligible to apply
• Applicants must be in good standing with their veterinary school

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

A complete application package must be submitted to CVM Research (cvmresearch@westernu.edu) by the deadline.

• When the application period is open, an application package will be offered. This package includes instructions, deadlines, and proposed USDA ARS BI projects from potential mentors.

Questions, or issues with the application, should be directed to the CVM Office for Research (cvmresearch@westernu.edu).

Applications for this opportunity are due to the MAF Fluxx system by February 12, 2025 (by 4:59pm EST). All applications must be approved internally before submission– contact the WesternU CVM OFR for more information.

Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding nearly $167 million in more than 3,000 critical animal health studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org. Morris Animal Foundation is seeking applications for its esteemed Veterinary Student Scholar (VSS) program. This program allows veterinary students to engage in mentor-guided research and inspires them to explore fulfilling careers in animal health science.

Students are selected by their institution based on their academic standing, endorsement from a responsible mentor, and a proposed research project consistent with the Foundation’s guidelines. All research projects must comply with the Foundation’s Health Study Policy for Animals Involved in Research and must have Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval if live animals (including client-owned animals) are involved in the project. The program allows each institution to nominate and submit two student project applications annually. All projects must be fully approved internally by the WesternU CVM Office for Research (well in advance of the external deadline) before submission via the MAF Fluxx system. 

Expectations & Support:

• Selected students will receive a stipend of $5,500 for a research project starting within six months of the award notification (in late April). Scholar must be engaged full-time in research for a 10-week to 11-week period.
• Scholars are expected to attend all group training opportunities (scheduled workshops and field trips) offered by the program.
• Scholars must present a poster at the annual Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholar Symposium (VSS). Registration fees, travel costs and poster preparation will be covered.
• Individual projects should enable the student to formulate a testable hypothesis, identify specific objectives, conduct research, interpret data and present their findings in the form of an abstract and/or poster.
• Demonstration of the use of biomedical research skills in specialty fields (e.g. Pathology, Toxicology, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Pharmacology, Clinical, and Imaging) is desirable.

Application Process:

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:

Students must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible for this opportunity:

• Have completed at least one year of a DVM curriculum
• Be currently enrolled, and in good academic standing at their University
• Students must commit to attending training opportunities, including the BI-NIH Symposium.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

Students applying for the MAF-VSRP should review VSS Guidelines document (link below) before filling out and submitting the VSS Proposal and returning it to the the CVM Office of Research by the application deadline to complete the application process:

1. Have proposal approved and selected by WesternU CVM OFR for submission to MAF
2. Follow all VSS-MAF Guidelines
3. Use the VSS-MAF Proposal Template

Useful resources:

• VSS-MAF Rubric

SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications for the WesternU, Morris Animal Foundation VSS will be reviewed and scored by a CVM Selection committee based on impact, scientific merit, feasibility, academic standing, and mentoring. If fewer than 3 applications are received, selection may be up to the discretion of the WesternU CVM Associate Dean for Research.

Only one approved application will be submitted directly to the Morris Animal Foundation VSS by the mentor and student via the Fluxx system (new accounts must be created as far in advance as possible, as a review and approval process may be required).
Applicants are notified as soon as possible after final approval by the MAF.

Please check back soon for 2025 opportunities.

The AVMA/AVMF believes that by investing in the education of America’s veterinary students, they play a role in ensuring that future veterinarians have the skills and training necessary to treat our pets, safeguard our food supply and protect public health. They make an impact on veterinary students by empowering them to achieve their goals in veterinary medicine and by recognizing and rewarding individuals who have made extraordinary accomplishments in their education. Their goal is to build a relationship with veterinary students that lasts a lifetime.

The AVMA/AVMF 2^nd Opportunity Summer Research Scholarship is intended to provide support for students who have previously conducted a summer research project and are seeking to gain a second summer of research experience. Ideally, student applicants would be continuing their prior research project but that is not an absolute requirement. Students are expected to submit an abstract of their results for presentation at the NIH Veterinary Scholars Symposium.  Nominations are limited to 1 (one) per school. There will be five scholarships awarded in 2024. Students will receive a $6,500 scholarship and an additional $1,000 to supplement travel expenses to the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium.

Expectations and support:

The veterinary research scholar receives a research scholarship of $7,500 plus $1,000 to supplement travel expenses to the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholar Symposium (VSS). Veterinary research scholars must be engaged full-time in research for the duration of the program. Veterinary research scholars are expected to attend all group training opportunities offered by the program and present a poster at the National Scholars-symposium meeting scheduled at the end of the summer. Registration fees, travel costs and poster preparation will be covered.

Application process:

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY:

Students must have previously conducted a summer research project. They should be currently enrolled, and in good academic standing at their University.

Students must commit to attending all training opportunities, including the presentation of a scientific poster at Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholar Symposium (VSS).

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

Year 2 students applying for the 2nd Opportunity AVMA/AVMF scholarship will need to submit an AVMA-AVMF Summer Research Grant Application to the CVM Office of Research to complete the application process. Students and mentors should reach out to the CVM Office for Research for the current year’s application.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Preference will be given to students continuing their previous research project. Applications for the AVMF/AVMA 2nd Opportunity scholarship will be reviewed and scored by a CVM Selection committee, but only one application will be forwarded electronically by the CVM Office of Research to the AVMF/AVMA for national competition.

The scoring of these applications are based on:

• Impact
• Scientific merit
• Feasibility
• Participation in the training program
• Mentoring

Applications for this mechanism are due by Monday, February 10, 2025.

Purpose & Eligibility: The WesternU Part-Time Fellowship provides 1^st and 2^nd year students an opportunity to complete a research project with a mentor during the summer months. This program is ideal for individuals that want a part-time engagement.

Students from all WesternU colleges that are pursuing a professional clinical degree and will enroll for the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible to apply. Previous award recipients are not eligible. Work should be initiated in the summer of 2025 or, if college curriculum does not allow, in the fall semester. Work can be completed as early as August 2025 and needs to be completed by June 2027.

Expectations and Support:

• This fellowship awards successful applicants $3,500, to promote student research.
• A maximum of two students can work jointly on a single application, in which case the money is split between the applicants.
• All funded projects are expected to be presented at a research conference. The presentation can be on the Oregon or Pomona campus at one of the WesternU research symposiums (including college specific research symposiums), or any external local, national, or international meeting. Documentation of a presentation is required in the final report.
• Previous award recipients are not eligible.

Summer Fellows are not required to attend group training sessions that are offered through the WesternU CVM Veterinary Research Scholars Program, but are always welcome to attend.

Application Process: Students should check their WesternU email for updates and instructions from the Office of Research & Biotechnology, and use the following documents as guidance…

• Student Research Application Template
• 2025 Student Research Application Instructions

A pdf electronic copy of the application must be uploaded to the application portal by the deadline. A copy of the application must be sent to your selected mentor, and the CVM Office for Research following your submission.

Students may contact the University Office of Research & Biotechnology (UniversityResearchOffice@westernu.edu) with questions.