Veterinary college's summer program opens doors for aspiring researchers
Undergraduate students got a taste of innovative veterinary research this summer at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
The 10-week internship, part of Virginia Tech's Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program, gave students hands-on research experience and insight into graduate school.
Diverse research experiences
The program paired students with faculty mentors on research projects spanning different areas of veterinary medicine.
Two students worked with Audrey Ruple, associate professor in quantitative epidemiology and the Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics, on the Dog Aging Project, analyzing one of the largest canine health and aging databases.
Another intern aided Joanne Tuohy, assistant professor in surgical oncology at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, in studying an innovative ultrasound treatment for cancer pain in dogs.
A fourth student worked in the Cytopathology Research Laboratory developing a methodology for identification of tumoral melanoma cells using mass spectrometry, under the guidance of Priscila Serpa, research assistant professor of clinical pathology.
"It wasn't about some things to check off the box or some busy work," said Marilyn Ortega, assistant director of belonging and strategic initiatives at the veterinary college. "They were actually fully involved in the research projects."
Beyond the lab
While research was central to the experience, the program offered much more. Students took part in clinical days throughout the veterinary college, gaining exposure to various specialties. Weekly programming helped students navigate the graduate school admissions process and develop professional skills.
For many participants, the program exceeded expectations and opened their eyes to new possibilities in veterinary medicine.
"It was cool to see how much people care about their dogs and how much they're willing to write notes about dogs and their lives," said Kat Shannon of Long Island, New York, who worked on the Dog Aging Project and is currently enrolled at Loyola University Maryland.
Another student, Basem Huneidi of Fairfax, a rising sophomore at Virginia Tech, appreciated the program's comprehensive nature:
"I heard it was just a summer internship, but it was way more than that,” Huneidi said. “We had research on specific days, and we could spend time in the hospital on Wednesdays. My favorite part of the process was our resume reviews with the faculty. I've changed my resume to align with my goals.”
The experience even sparked unexpected interests for some.
"It really opened my eyes to know there's much more to being a vet than you would think,” Shannon said. “It's not just cats and dogs. I loved working with the large animals, which surprised me."
Student growth and prospects
For Ortega, watching the students' transformation was particularly rewarding. She recalled their first nervousness about giving research presentations.
"It was great because it really showcased their drive to pursue graduate studies," Ortega said. “I was excited to see their transformation.”
By the program's end, students confidently presented their work to a large audience of faculty and staff.
The program aims to foster a sense of belonging and encourage students to consider the veterinary college for graduate studies. For many, the experience boosted their confidence and broadened their perspectives on veterinary medicine.
"It's made me feel more confident about going to grad school or even vet school," said Shannon. "It's a very overwhelming process, and I feel like I know much more about it now."
From a smaller school, Shannon found the welcoming atmosphere particularly impactful. "When I first came here, I was so overwhelmed by how big it was in everything, and I was super nervous about it. It's been just so nice and helpful. It really surprised me, so I'd recommend it to everyone."
As Ortega looks forward to next year's program, she is excited about its impact on students' futures. "These students were great," she said. “Ten weeks flew by quickly, and they've been awesome. I'm eager to see where they go, and I hope they return here."
