Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a mentor?
Please see How Do I Find a Research Mentor?
When is the application due and when will I be notified about admission?
Applications are due February 1, and award notices will be sent by the end of that month.
Are students outside of Penn Vet eligible for funding?
Yes. Students from schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, Canada and Europe may apply, and in fact funds are earmarked especially for external candidates.
How many students are funded?
Usually 18-22 students are admitted, depending on available funding. In past years this has represented 75-90% of the applicant pool.
What sort of research is supported?
Any type of reearch is supported: basic, clinical or translational. However, the research should be experimental in nature, and should be addressing specific questions.
Can I work off the Penn campus?
Research must be performed with a Penn faculty mentor. Research can be done off campus only if it is part of a formal collaboration between a Penn faculty member and the external host.
Will I earn course credits?
Yes, you can earn up to 8 graded course credits for your research. Paperwork must be filed promptly in the Dean’s Office.
Is research experience required?
No research experience is required. In fact, students with an interest in research but no experience are encouraged to apply.
Will I be paid for my research?
Yes, there is $5,500 stipend for your three months of research. This is taxable income.
Will I have an opportunity to interact with other research fellows?
Yes, there are a variety of opportunities to interact with other students in the Program, including weekly seminars, fireside chats, a national symposium and an end-of-summer barbeque.
Will I be expected to present my work?
Students will present their work in several formats. Oral presentations will be made to other research scholars during July’s weekly meetings, and posters will be presented at the National Merck-Merial-NIH Veterinary Scholars Symposium in August. Additionally, each student will prepare a scientific paper to be submitted in early September, which will be considered for the Penn Vet Student Research Day competition.
When and where is the national meeting? Is travel funded?
In 2009 the Merck-Merial-NIH Veterinary Scholars Symposium will be held August 6-8 at North Carolina State University. Travel is fully funded for any research fellow who wishes to attend. Attendance is strongly encouraged.
Is there time for vacation during the Program?
Vacation time is arranged between scholar and mentor and is an issue best addressed before work begins in June. It is expected that the student will arrange with his or her mentor for vacation ranging from 10-14 days.