Summer veterinary research program pairs experienced mentors with students

Third-year veterinary student Kayleigh Corless nominated her research mentor, Robert Larson, professor of production medicine, for the VRSP mentor award.

The 2025 session of the Veterinary Research Scholars Program, or VRSP, enlisted 16 veterinary students who collaborated with research mentors in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

"In this program, veterinary students are paired with experienced research faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine," 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."

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 this year's mentoring award with thanks to our award sponsor, Vetoquinol. 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 recipient is Dr. Robert Larson, who was nominated by Kayleigh Corless."

Student projects this year included studies such as the development of antimicrobial treatments for canine urinary tract infections, assessing the effect of barn sanitation methods for controlling potential E. coli outbreaks and measuring influenza type A prevalence in ruminant and feline species, plus more than a dozen other research projects.

After the Veterinary Research Scholars Program concluded, scholars attended the Veterinary Scholars Symposium being held Aug. 7-9 in Spokane, Washington, co-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.