Each summer, a group of curious, motivated veterinary students arrives at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine ready to ask big questions—and start finding answers. 

Through the Summer Scholars Program, these students dive into research projects that explore the frontiers of veterinary, animal, and human health. In the lab, in the field, and in the classroom, they gain firsthand experience with the scientific process and with the many ways research drives progress in medicine. 

This year’s cohort will join a tradition that’s more than three decades strong. The Veterinary Scholars Program was first launched by Merck Merial (now Boehringer Ingelheim) to expand the pipeline of veterinary researchers and introduce students to career paths beyond clinical practice. The U of M was among the earliest partner institutions, and today, the program has grown to include every U.S. veterinary college, as well as seven international schools.

Funding from Boehringer Ingelheim supports a number of students each year, and is matched or supplemented by the National Institutes of Health, the Morris Animal Foundation, CVM itself, various donors (Tilstra Foundation Fund, Van Sloun Foundation Fund, and the Skadron Family Oncology Scholarship), and individual research labs. Selected students are matched with projects proposed by research faculty from CVM and other Health Sciences schools as well as the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources. They spend 12 weeks conducting original research, and along the way, they take part in seminars, field trips, and skill-building workshops that hone their critical thinking, communication, and scientific literacy.

This summer’s program will culminate at the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Symposium, held August 7–9 in Spokane, Wash., where students will present their work alongside peers from across the country.

“As the new director of the CVM Research Training Programs, I look forward to getting to know our 2025 veterinary summer scholars and learning about their research experiences,” notes Bruce Walcheck, the CVM professor who leads the program. “I hope to see that spark of excitement that has motivated a number of other summer scholars to pursue a research direction in their careers."

As the summer kicks off, our newest cohort of researchers-in-training is eager to get started. 

“This summer, I am working on improving the welfare of non-human primates used in research,” describes Ellie Lindauer, a first-year student in the dual DVM/MPH program who will be mentored by Melanie Graham. “I am getting to work with a species I have never worked with before and focusing on a topic that I am extremely passionate about, which is what makes this program so special.”

The students recognize the value of the program’s focus on both educational advancement and professional development. 

"I'm excited to be a part of the Summer Scholars Program because I hope to specialize in radiology, and I believe this experience will give me a competitive edge when it comes time to apply for internships and residencies,” notes Abigail Clanton, a first-year DVM student working with Casey Johnson. “I'm looking forward to gaining hands-on research experience that will strengthen my understanding of imaging and deepen my appreciation for the role research plays in advancing veterinary medicine."

Some students are returning to the program to build on experience they gained in previous summers. Second-year DVM student Emily Banks notes, “This is the second year I have decided to work with Amy Kinsley and focus on invasive pathogens that impact amphibians and aquatic ecosystems. I hope to continue this work post graduation from veterinary school and make a difference in our community and wildlife conservation.”

CVM is proud to introduce the 2025 Summer Scholars: Kat Velez, Emma Prybylski, Emily Banks, Regina Kurandina, Ashton Amann, Matt Bermudez, Lauren Wolfrath, Mary Holmes, Andrea Pacheco Soto, Callista (Callie) Hohenhaus, Saniya Keeton, Daniela Salinas, Rachel Cheung, Jacob Sternbach, Abigail Clanton, Timothy Magdall, Sophie Ramirez, Rachel Kendrick-Schwartz, Eleanor (Ellie) Lindauer, Katia Bastunskaya, and Mikayla Schlosser.

We can’t wait to see what they discover.