September 18, 2023
Summer veterinary research program recognizes mentors and students
The Veterinary Research Scholars Program, or VRSP, for Kansas State University veterinary students completed another successful summer term. Twenty-one students collaborated with research mentors inside and outside the College of Veterinary Medicine. The group included a few visiting scholars from other veterinary colleges and countries.
"In this program, veterinary students are paired with experienced research faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine, across the K-State campus and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to gain hands-on experience with veterinary research," said Kate KuKanich, professor of small animal internal medicine and director of the Veterinary Research Scholars Program. "Scholars also participate in interactive journal clubs, workshops, and tours to learn about research ethics, how to present research findings and veterinary career opportunities."
KuKanich said the objective of the Veterinary Research Scholars Program is to introduce veterinary students to biomedical research through an engaging summer experience and to encourage talented veterinary professional students to enter veterinary careers involving research.
"At the end of the summer, scholars presented their research posters for K-State faculty and research colleagues, students, alumni, and corporate friends and donors," KuKanich said. "We were delighted to present two mentoring awards this year, thanks to our award sponsor, Elanco. These awards are special because mentors are nominated by their veterinary scholars, and each year we have such wonderful mentors in our program. This year's recipients were Dr. Stephanie Hall, who was nominated by Danielle Lopez, and Dr. Phillip Shults, who mentored Amanda Fideldy."
The mentoring award includes a $1,000 stipend for the recipient.
"Mentoring a student with as much curiosity and work ethic as Danielle made my job very easy," Hall said. "Thank you to Dr. KuKanish and Elanco for the opportunity."
"I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the VRSP as it is a unique opportunity for veterinary students to gain exposure to almost every aspect of research," Shults said. "I am honored to be chosen for the mentor award this year and will continue to strive to ensure the students benefit and grow from the experience."
Student projects this year included studies on incorporating sustainability metrics in beef industry research, treatment options for canine urinary tract infections, analysis of liver abscesses in cattle, prevalence of parasites in Kansas birds and more.
In addition to K-State students, the Veterinary Research Scholars Program and USDA hosted three veterinary students from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, a veterinary student from the University of Veterinary Sciences Brno in the Czech Republic and a veterinary student from St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies. In addition to mentors from the College of Veterinary Medicine, other mentors included scientists from the USDA and K-State College of Agriculture in its entomology department.
The Veterinary Research Scholars Program culminated with the scholars attending the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. The scholars shared research posters with other veterinary scholars from across the globe.