Georgia Veterinary Scholars Program at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Explore a program that will take you on a journey of discovery to the nexus of animal and human research.

The goal of the Georgia Veterinary Scholars Program is to provide veterinary students the opportunity to experience research in some of the most exciting areas of investigation and in very modern laboratories. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to research with emphasis in zoonosis and emerging diseases.

The Georgia Veterinary Scholars Program is co-sponsored by Merck-Merial, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the USDA and NIH through a T35 grant. There were 15 students enrolled for the summer 2007 program. Since establishing our program in 1995, we have provided research experiences to 124 veterinary students from four veterinary schools, including international students. We continually strive to innovate and to move this summer experience to the next level.

The Missions of the Georgia Veterinary Scholars Program are to:

Provide opportunities for veterinary students to become involved in biomedical research.
Enhance awareness of the importance of research in veterinary medicine.
Encourage promising veterinary students to enter a career in biomedical research or advanced studies.

Program goals

The program spans from May to the end of July when veterinary students, after having completed either their first or second year of veterinary school, engage in a research project under the mentorship of research faculty. Students participating in the Georgia Veterinary Scholars Program attend seminars covering a variety of topics related to biomedical research. We conduct site visits to regional facilities that are important sites of biomedical research or research support, such as the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scholars also have the opportunity to discuss current topics related to biomedical science through informal evening gatherings at the homes of faculty members during the "Summer Science" discussion series. The program encourages close interactions with other mentors in the program to enhance understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities of a research career.

Application

Applicants must be veterinary students who have completed their first or second year of a veterinary curriculum within the United States or Canada. Veterinary students who possess an MS or PhD degree or who are currently enrolled in a graduate program should contact program administrators to discuss eligibility. The 2008 application form [PDF] may be downloaded here.

Students are encouraged to clearly state in their application why they are interested in this type of program, their future career goals, and any other pertinent information that may be beneficial in this competitive process.

The completed form needs to be sent electronically or hard copy to:

Melissa R. Farmer
Program Administrative Associate
College of Veterinary Medicine, Room 226
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-7371
Tel: 706.542.5734
Fax: 706.542.8254
GVSPCVM@uga.edu

This page last updated October 23, 2007.