Program Details

The Veterinary Investigation & Leadership Program (VILP) is a 10-week summer program designed to provide incoming Cornell DVM students and current veterinary students with a rigorous and rewarding exposure to biomedical research at the highest level of inquiry, as well as to motivate students to pursue studies on research problems relevant to veterinary medicine. While Cornell DVM students are encouraged to apply, a limited number of spaces are also reserved for external veterinary students.

In addition to a hands‐on research experience in their mentor's laboratory, it is expected that students will participate in all associated lab activities and VILP specific sessions and events. Students lacking a background in research, but displaying enthusiasm and curiosity, are especially encouraged to apply.

Stipend support of $6,500 will be awarded to successful candidates. The program will run from June 2, 2025, through August 10, 2025. All program participants will be required to present their scientific poster at the Veterinary Scholars Symposium (VSS) to be held in Spokane, Washington August 7-9, 2025   Partial support is provided by Boehringer Ingelheim. 

Faculty Mentor Selection

A list of previous mentors can be viewed on the VILP Mentors webpage. All faculty members at the Cornell’s CVM are eligible to mentor a VILP trainee and are asked to submit a project proposal, thus students are not restricted to any participating faculty list. The Program Co-Directors, Drs. Paula Cohen & Robert Weiss will assist with identifying the appropriate faculty/student match. Learn about previous research projects conducted as part of the Veterinary Investigator Program HERE

Program Components

• An intensive research experience including state-of-the-art experimental methodology.
• Special critical reasoning sessions are designed to allow students to solve a research problem.
• Weekly lunch seminar series that is designed to cover current and emerging research techniques. 
• Professional ethics and introduction to grant writing sessions.
• Laboratory exploration with other students in the program.
• Social events foster interaction and a sense of community.
• Career path panel discussion.
• Formal oral presentations to CVM community at the closure of the program.
• Attendance and presentation at the Veterinary Scholar Symposium
  • A more detailed description of the program components can be found HERE

Application Information

The application for the Summer 2025 Program

The deadline for domestic and international applicants was January 15, 2025. All materials including references must be submitted by the application deadline. Please note that recommenders are not notified through the system until the application is submitted. We recommend submitting your application prior to January 15th.

International applicants are recommended to put in their applications as early as possible in order to allow time to arrange for any required immigration documentation.

Application Forms

A complete Program Application Consists of:

Submitted by the Applicant:

• The Completed Application 
• A copy of your resume or curriculum vitae
• Academic Transcripts from all academic institutions attended

Submitted by the Mentor/ Recommender:

• Letters of Recommendation and Mentor Evaluations from at least two (2) recommenders able to evaluate your aptitude and motivation for undertaking research. Reference emails do not get sent out until your application is fully submitted. All references must be received by the application deadline.

It is important that references be carefully selected. The individual writing a letter in support of your application (referee) should be able to comment on your qualifications for a career in your chosen field of study. ​At least two references, but no more than three can be included in your application.  If referees will be submitting their letters electronically, please ensure that they are submitted prior to the application deadline. You will need to complete the recommender contact form (above).

Application Review Process

The VILP Advisory Committee reviews the student applications with respect to academic performance, references, level of commitment, interest, and drive.  Applicants with no prior research experience are encouraged to apply. In addition, based on the faculty research proposals submitted, the Advisory Committee will make two faculty mentor suggestions for each successful student applicant. Mentors will be contacted with student application materials for confirmation of willingness to accept student as a trainee. Students whose applications are funded will be notified as soon as possible.

Need More Information?   

Questions regarding the Cornell Veterinary Investigator Program should be directed to Cicily Strong Hughes