The Summer Research Program at CVM at MSU
We are pleased to be able to offer a strong mentored summer research program in our college. The program derives its strength and diversity through various funding sources, including a T-35 award from the National Institutes of Health and a grant from the Merck Foundation for the Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholars. In addition, we are proud to have the Witter Fellowship, Feline Health and Wellbeing Center (FHC) Fellowship and the Michigan Animal Health Fund (MAHF) Fellowship of the Michigan Veterinary Association each support one veterinary scholar each year.
Please use the links below to find out more.
Introduction, Eligibility, Application, Environment, Stipend, Timeline
Introduction:
The Summer Research Program is designed to provide a rich research experience to all our veterinary scholars. Each scholar is mentored closely by dedicated faculty. In addition, all scholars participate in collective experiences such as weekly seminars, field trips and other activities to increase their understanding of the scientific process, responsible conduct of research, improve their written and oral communication skills and to gain insight into the wide range of professional paths available to them in academia, government and industry. For a schedule of activities in 2007, see http://cvm.msu.edu/org/rgs/2007SummerResearch.htm. In addition, a substantial portion of the scholars participate in the annual Veterinary Scholar Symposium, which has been traditionally sponsored by Merck-Merial. In 2008, it will take place on our campus at Michigan State University, July 31- August 3, sponsored jointly by Merck-Merial and NIH.
The diversity of our funding sources allows us to offer diverse research experiences and mentors to our students. Our NIH scholars participate in research projects with our NIH funded and other faculty where projects have direct bearing on human health issues. Our Merck-Merial scholars have a wide range of faculty and human or animal-health focused research available to them as mentors, both at the campus at MSU as well as in the colleagues at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids and the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The Witter scholar is selected among MSU students interested in research projects ongoing at the Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory of USDA, adjacent to the MSU campus. The FHC scholar is selected among MSU students specifically interested in feline diseases. The MAHF fellowship allows us the greatest flexibility in the choice of project and mentor.
Eligibility:
All applicants must be DVM students. Interested students from all colleges of veterinary medicine are eligible for both the NIH and Merck-Merial sponsored fellowships. However, US citizenship is required for those applying for support through the NIH program.
Application:
The application process is competitive. In addition to academic performance in their undergraduate and DVM programs, students are evaluated based on standardized test scores, recommendations of faculty, and most importantly, on their personal statement of interest, articulating their goals, strengths and potential for contributions to the program. No prior research experience is needed. Individuals with advanced graduate research degrees are ineligible to participate as NIH or Merck-Merial scholars. Application forms for each programs can be found at their respective links.
Environment:
Michigan State University continues to be a vibrant a place during the summer, with many departments hosting seminars and special programs. Housing arrangements are relatively easy to make. The campus Housing Office provides a great starting place to look for summer housing at http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/summmer_housing.html
In addition, East Lansing has a large number of cultural activities during the summer http://www.elmanac.msu.edu/. We are happy to provide guidance through their relocation process to all out of state students.
Stipend:
All summer research participants receive the same stipend, which is set to match the NIH approved stipend of that year. For 2007, the stipend is $ 5,193 for the 12 week period.
Timeline:
Information Meetings: Two are held during Fall semester.
Applications Due: Jan.14, 2008
Notifications: Feb. 12, 2008
Potential Mentors Indicated: Feb. 29, 2008
Mentor/Mentee Matching: Students interview with several potential mentors and discuss available projects. Once a mutual agreement is reached, the mentor and the student both sign a contract: March 28, 2008.
Students are encouraged to interact with their mentor and research group in advance of the start of the program, to the extent that their schedule permits.
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- Summer Research Program at MSU
updated link 2007 Seminar Schedule
- MSU Veterinary Student Year Long Research Training Program
- Summer Research Opportunities at other Institutions
Important Dates for Summer Research Programs 2008
May 12 to August 3: Program Dates
January 14: Applications for Summer Research Programs Due
February 12: Notification of Acceptance
March: Mentor matching process
May 12: Orientation
Information for Posters:
Posters should be 42 x 48 inches, but can be in either portrait or lanscape format.
For examples, see links below:
Poster Example 1: Landscape format
Poster Example 2: Portrait format
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