Cornell Research Fellow
Cornell offers a unique environment for graduate studies, combining the strengths of a research-oriented veterinary college with internationally-recognized research programs in the physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences. Opportunities for cutting-edge research span the spectrum of biomedical sciences. However, areas of special strength include cancer biology, medical genetics, infectious diseases and reproductive studies.
Recognition of the importance of training veterinarians in scientific research and acknowledgement of the significant body of knowledge that veterinarians bring to research programs provide the impetus behind the Cornell Research Fellowship. Through this Fellowship, the College expresses its commitment to providing educational opportunities to veterinarians who aspire to a PhD degree.
This Fellowship is reserved for holders of the DVM (or equivalent) degree who wish to obtain their PhD at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It provides three years of funding at a stipend rate that is competitive and based on the education and level of experience of the successful applicant.
Application Information :
DVM graduates who are interested in applying to a Graduate Field must follow the application procedures specific to the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBS). In addition to the application requirements of the BBS Program, the applicant must submit the following materials:
- Cornell Research Fellow application (pdf)
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- One copy each of up to three of applicant's most significant publications
The deadline for all portions of the application is December 1.
The supplemental application, curriculum vitae, and publications can be sent directly to:
Graduate Education Coordinator
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Office of Graduate Education
Schurman Hall S3-016, Box 38
Ithaca, New York 14853-2602
DVM Graduate Admissions Timeline
All DVM graduate applications will be reviewed in mid-December. The recommendations of the Admissions Committees will be forwarded to the Veterinary Research Training Oversight Committee for further consideration and funding determination. The recommendations of this committee will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education for final review.
Domestic applicants being considered for admission will be asked to attend an Interview /Recruitment Event in early February. All applicants will be notified of outcomes by early March. Successful candidates are not obligated to accept an offer before April 15, as agreed upon by the Council of Graduate Schools' Resolution but, if possible, are encouraged to do so earlier so wait-listed applicants can be informed of final decisions as early as possible.
Admissions decisions will reflect the College's academic and research missions and its commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Application Evaluation:
The following criteria will be considered in evaluating DVM graduate applicants:
- Academic record
- Undergraduate and DVM grade point averages
- Completed courses
- Research and work experience
- Career goal / Rationale
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE score
- TOEFL score (if relevant)
Fellowship Requirements:
The Cornell Research Fellow recipient will be required to fulfill the requirements of the BBS Program (see Program of Study page [provide link]):
- Laboratory Rotations: All incoming students are required to rotate through three (3) faculty laboratories
- Teaching Experience: All BBS students are required to act as Teaching Assistants for one semester in their second or third year of study. The nature of the teaching assignment will vary according to the background of the student.
- Research Training Proposal: In addition, all Cornell Research Fellows are required to submit an individual research training proposal to an external sponsor by the second year anniversary of their enrollment in the Graduate School. This proposal must include financial support and must be endorsed by the student’s Special Committee Chair and Department/Unit Chair of record.
DVM graduate students who are ineligible to submit a research training application because of citizenship restrictions are required to prepare a research proposal by the specified anniversary date. The adequacy of the proposal will be determined by the student’s Special Committee and the Department/Unit Chair of record. Indication that the requirement has been fulfilled must be filed with the College of Veterinary Medicine Office of Graduate Education.
