Summer 2026
All applications must be submitted by midnight on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Eligibility
First- and second-year professional veterinary students in good academic standing are eligible. The program’s mission is to introduce veterinary students to research and research careers. Most positions will be reserved for those without experience beyond undergraduate research. Veterinary students who are currently enrolled in thesis MS or PhD programs are encouraged to apply to participate in, but cannot be funded by, the VMSRTP.
If in doubt regarding your eligibility, contact Dr. Dana Gaddy and Dr. Tracy Vemulapalli.
Mentor Selection
Students will select a mentor for the summer program before applying. See the list of potential mentors. One informational lunch in the fall is devoted to discussions about selecting a mentor. Program Directors will also meet with all potential applicants to assist in mentor selection.
Selection Criteria
The applications will be reviewed and evaluated on a competitive basis by a Selection Committee. Factors that will be considered are:
- academic performance
- probable research project (clarity of hypothesis and significance; students’ demonstrated understanding of the project)
- statements of motivation and expectations
- a recommendation from your proposed faculty mentor (the directors will email mentors for their recommendation after all applications have been submitted)
FAQ
Some of the projects are in West Texas or in the field. Can I rank those projects in my selections if I am a student in College Station?
Yes. Students can come here from elsewhere, and Texas A&M College Station students can go there or to other programs, provided students are prepared to find a place to live in the corresponding location.
Am I allowed to take any time off during the program?
The paid program runs for 13 weeks, with full-time 40 hr/week activities beginning with program Orientation approximately one week after the end of classes in May, and continuing through to the VMSRTP Research Symposium at the end of July and attendance at the national Veterinary Scholars Symposium. There is no “vacation” time planned within the summer program. While scheduling is typically coordinated between you and your faculty mentor, needing to be absent from your duties for specific reasons can sometimes be approved. Requests for such time off must be made to both your mentor and the program directors for potential approval well in advance of scheduling such time off. Please note that attendance at the program Orientation in May and the VMSRTP Research Symposium in late July is mandatory for all participants.
Do I have to attend the Texas A&M VMBS Research Day (end of July) to present my oral presentation on my project?
Yes, and you must also participate in the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium (NVSS), either by traveling to the NVSS or participating in a virtual program.
Can I have a job in addition to being in the program?
Texas A&M University considers this a full-time job. You need to discuss this with your mentor and probably one of the program coordinators. It might work for some projects and not for others.
How much are we paid, and how often are we paid?
Students receive a stipend of $7,197 for the 13-week program. Your stipend is a bi-weekly paycheck.
I was in the program last year. Can I be in it again?
Yes, we encourage students to participate in the program again. Funds can be provided from the program, or students can secure funding from project-relevant funding sources (Example: Morris Animal Foundation or Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR)).
Is there an expectation that participants should consider a research career?
We only ask that you be open to the possibility of a research-related career. Some students become interested in research after this experience. Many do not. Some graduate, go into practice for a few years, and then decide to get involved in research areas. Some are not interested in their own project but get excited about other possibilities. Consider it an opportunity to explore options. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact one of the program coordinators.
