For some veterinary students, summer is a time to trade the lecture hall for the lab bench. On April 27, the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) officially kicked off its 2026 Summer Scholars Program, welcoming 22 student researchers dedicated to advancing the future of animal and human health.

The cohort—composed of first- and second-year DVM students and two dual-degree students (one DVM/PhD and one DVM/MPH)—represents a new generation of clinician-scientists. Over the next 12 weeks, these scholars will lead original research projects, working side-by-side with faculty mentors to tackle some of the most complex challenges in animal health and disease.

A legacy of discovery

The program is part of a national network originally established to address the growing need for veterinary researchers. As one of the program's founding partners, CVM continues to champion the idea that veterinary expertise is as essential in the laboratory and field as it is in the clinic.

This year’s research efforts are made possible through the generous support of Boehringer Ingelheim, as well as the National Institutes of Health (T35), USDA, Zoetis, CVM, and individual faculty labs. Vital contributions also come from the Tilstra and Van Sloun Foundations and the Skadron Family Oncology Scholarship. Highlighting the power of community support, one scholar's position was made possible by the 2025 Give to the Max Day crowdfunding campaign, where individual donations were matched by the Van Sloun Foundation. Of particular note is that three students have received sponsored awards to support their stipends: two from the Morris Animal Foundation (Madelyn Floyd and Hannah Swanson) and one from Boehringer Ingelheim/USDA Agricultural Research Service (Emma Prybylski).

From the lab to the national stage

The projects pursued by the 2026 cohort reflect the vast scope of modern veterinary medicine. In the realm of clinical innovation, scholars are utilizing advanced MRI techniques to create objective biomarkers for canine intervertebral disc disease, investigating genetic mutations to better treat metabolic conditions in Miniature Schnauzers, and studying how to enhance tumor cell killing by canine leukocytes. Others are looking toward the horizon of public health and agriculture, leveraging AI to monitor biosecurity at swine facilities, tracking multi-species Influenza A trends, and developing "phage biocontrol" platforms to combat antibiotic resistance in poultry.

The reach of this summer's work extends into the natural world as well. Students are currently analyzing disease risks for elk translocation in Minnesota and identifying pathogenic parasites to support conservation efforts at the International Crane Foundation. Through these diverse lenses, the scholars are learning that the scientific process is a vital tool for improving the lives of animals and humans alike.

The program concludes with a trip to North Carolina State University from August 6–8 for the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Symposium. There, the U of M cohort will present their findings to a national audience of peers and professionals.

"Our 2026 scholars are entering the program at a time when the link between animal health and public health has never been more visible," says Bruce Walcheck, CVM professor and director of Research Training Programs. "Watching these students learn and utilize research approaches to test hypotheses and generate new knowledge is the highlight of our summer."

As these 23 students begin their 12-week journey, they carry on a CVM tradition of inquiry that strengthens the bond between medicine and discovery.

The College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to introduce the 2026 Summer Scholars: Rachel Antonutti, Gabby Cattani, Abigail Clanton, Mackenzie Farrell, Madelyn Floyd, Megan Fontana, Tim Kim, Cora Leonard, Viktorie Menna, Emma Prybylski, Miranda Puerta-Curnutt, Elias Rackoff, Kate Richardson, Colleen Ross, Lillian Schmitz, Candace Summers, Jessica Tregidgo, Charles Vaughn, Aneira Watkins, Elise Weir, Erin Wester, Theresa Yu, and Hannah Swanson.

We can’t wait to see what they discover.