Student involvement in research is one of the core tenets of LMU-CVM’s research efforts. It is important to remember that the knowledge applied in clinical practice today began as someone’s research project. Research drives the discovery of new and improved treatments, diagnostics, and preventive strategies. By engaging in research, you play an active role in advancing animal health and enhancing the well-being of the animals we serve.
The exciting part is that it’s not a one-way street—engaging in research allows you to acquire skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, which are invaluable to any clinician and can give you a competitive edge in your career. Future employers and residency programs look favorably on candidates with experience in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and collaborative team environments.
Research is not just for those considering academia or lab work; it also makes you a better clinician, expands your career options, and allows you to make meaningful contributions to the field of veterinary medicine.
The Student Research Assistant (SRA) Program at LMU-CVM provides veterinary students with the opportunity to participate in research projects at the Harrogate and Ewing campuses. Offering students access to a rich biomedical research environment is a key priority for the school.
Through the program, students gain valuable skills, including:
Students also attend lectures and seminars covering bioethics, research methodologies, career paths in research, and current topics in veterinary science. Mandatory training is provided in biosafety, laboratory best practices, bloodborne pathogens, and chemical hazard safety. In addition, student researchers receive coaching in poster preparation and presentation, and manuscript writing.
SRAs present their findings at local or regional conferences. All students in summer research positions are expected to present their project results at the annual LMU-CVM Phi Zeta Research Day. Depending on their contributions, SRAs may also be invited to co-author resulting publications.
Student research volunteers have no specified time commitment to a project and will not receive any stipend. This position provides students with work experience in a research setting and allows them an opportunity to determine if they would like to pursue further research opportunities.
The University of Kentucky Summer Research Program offers LMU DVM students the opportunity to spend the summer conducting research at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center or the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
This program provides concentrated, hands-on research training under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors. Students work full-time in their host laboratories, gaining experience in every stage of the research process, from formulating a hypothesis and designing experiments to performing bench work, analyzing data, and presenting results in oral, poster, or manuscript formats.
Research areas may include Pathology, Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Reproduction. Students participate fully in lab activities and may present their findings at local or regional conferences, including the LMU-CVM Phi Zeta Research Day.
Information on available projects and positions will be announced at the LMU-CVM Phi Zeta Research Day, with follow-up email reminders sent until all positions are filled.
The Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program (BIVSP) at LMU-CVM offers veterinary students intensive summer research training experience, providing valuable insight into career opportunities in biomedical research. Students conduct full-time research under the guidance of faculty mentors and actively participate in all aspects of their host laboratories. Click here to learn more.
