Published 8/28/2024
Students in the Veterinary Research Scholars Program at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine recently attended the 2024 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Symposium. The annual symposium provides students an opportunity to present their research and network with students and animal health researchers from across the United States. This year’s symposium took place in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Mizzou Veterinary Research Scholars Program (VRSP) is aimed at exposing veterinary students to research career opportunities through a mentored experience. Ultimately, the VRSP is designed to educate and inspire a much-needed community of future research scientists.
Through the VRSP, students investigate, design and conduct research projects that focus on a variety of topics. Planning begins in the spring, where students learn and prepare for their projects that are primarily conducted and completed during the summer months. During those early sessions, students form relationships with their mentors who assist them through the entire process.
CVM program director Craig Franklin, DVM, PhD, professor emeritus in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, stated that 22 Mizzou scholars presented the research they pursued during their time in the program. When not presenting, students have an opportunity to review and network with peers from across the country. The symposium also included a keynote presentation, as well as breakout sessions focused on a variety of topics.
This was the first Veterinary Scholars Symposium for second-year CVM student, Millie Mayo. While she has attended a few veterinary conferences in the past, this was the first that completely concentrated on research. Mayo, who presented research focused on heart failure, says the symposium gave her the ability to find a new perspective on her area of study. “I had the opportunity to talk with students who are also studying heart failure,” said Mayo. “Their discoveries helped support my research and inspired me to investigate different pathways. The symposium also showed me how many different research opportunities are out there. Having the opportunity to present my work and represent the CVM was truly an honor.”
Amanda Kujiraoka, a third-year student at the CVM, also attended the symposium. Beginning as an undergraduate student, Kujiraoka is a four-year participant in the VRSP. She spoke on the impact that the program has had on her research journey. “I think the VRSP is my research journey,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be a vet, but I had no idea what field of veterinary medicine I wanted to go into. I applied for this position because I thought it would look good on my vet school application and I honestly thought I’d do one summer of research and move on. I also wasn’t planning on applying to Mizzou for vet school. Almost 4 years later, I’m still here. I fell in love with the CVM through the VRSP. Now I’m applying for lab animal externships and considering pursuing a residency in comparative medicine. So, this has really been a career-defining experience for me.”
By Nick Childress