The University of Minnesota 2026 Veterinary Summer Scholars spent 12 weeks stepping into the world of discovery and innovation, mastering hands-on techniques, and glimpsing the futures they may one day shape. 

The program concluded earlier this month at the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Symposium, held Aug. 6–8 in Raleigh, N.C., where students joined national peers and an audience of more than 800 people to share discoveries spanning biomedical, agricultural and ecosystem health.

“Sustaining a robust pipeline of new scientists is essential for the future of veterinary medicine and health discovery,” says Alonso Guedes, College of Veterinary Medicine associate dean for research. “Programs like Summer Scholars provide students with early exposure to the scientific process, empowering them to see how scientific research directly informs clinical and public health practice.”

Unlocking canine immune cell secrets

Supported by a gift from the Skadron Family Foundation, second-year student Cora Leonard was mentored in the lab of Professor Bruce Wacheck, who also serves as the director of research training programs. Her project focused on canine neutrophils—immune cells that serve as the body's first line of defense but are notoriously difficult to keep alive outside the body in order to study them.

Leonard evaluated how three key receptors (CD64, CD11b, and CD4) are expressed on canine neutrophils, seeking ways human cancer therapies might be adapted for dogs. Her work highlighted the unusual presence of CD4, a receptor primarily expressed by T-cells, and the expression of CD64, a receptor that links them to antibodies attached to pathogens and cancer cells.

“It felt really cool to be on that project and realize, 'This is the first time this has ever been done,'” says Leonard, noting the experience opened her eyes to incorporating lab or wildlife research into her future clinical career.

Solving joint disease

Supported by a training grant from the National Institutes of Health, second-year student Timothy Kim joined Associate Professor Ferenc Toth’s team to study osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)—a painful joint disorder affecting young humans and animals where bone fragments detach within the joint.

By studying how the disease progresses in pigs, Kim explored whether low-impact exercise could promote joint healing. The work was equal parts high-tech and hands-on, requiring Kim to assist in surgeries, perform 3D MRI segmentations, and patiently coax skittish piglets onto treadmills using treats.

“It taught me so much about how to think like a researcher because there are so many variables you have to consider,” says Kim, who plans to pursue small animal surgery.

Presenting on the national stage

Beyond their individual labs, scholars engaged in weekly professional development seminars. The summer culminated in Raleigh, where scholars showcased their poster presentations.

“To get down there and have my poster hung up—and realize all that summer work came together—was really cool,” Leonard says.

Kim echoed the excitement of exchanging ideas with peers nationwide. “Presenting the work we’ve been doing was really fun, especially knowing the details well enough to confidently answer questions,” he says. 

Wherever their futures take them, the 2026 cohort leaves with sharper critical thinking, new professional networks, and a deeper appreciation for scientific discovery. “Our scholars bring energy and fresh perspectives to complex health challenges. They showcase what the future of veterinary science holds, and we couldn’t be prouder of how they represented CVM on the national stage,” noted Walcheck. “Funding is critical to the success of our program, and we will be spending our time before next summer writing grants and seeking donations to increase student participation in Veterinary Summer Scholars."