USDA Scholars Application | Veterinary Scholars Program
USDA Scholars Application
Boehringer Ingelheim and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) joined forces in 2021 to offer veterinary students the opportunity to research diseases that could affect livestock and public health. Follow the application instructions below to apply.
About the Program
This program is made possible by funding provided by the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Boehringer Ingelheim and USDA ARS. They entered into a 5-year agreement (2021-2026) to provide training opportunities to 12 veterinary students per year to conduct summer research in one of nine USDA ARS animal health research facilities. The goals of this program are to:
- Provide students with opportunities to conduct research in livestock infectious diseases
- Raise awareness of federal research careers for veterinarians
- Increase partnerships with veterinary schools
USDA Scholars Important Dates
10.1.25
Available projects sent out to schools via Program Directors and made available on website.
11.24.25
Veterinary School Program Director submit applications to Dr. Motroni ( roxann.motroni@usda.gov) and Stephanie Gaddam ( stephanie.gaddam@usda.gov).
1.15.26
Applicants and schools will be notified of application status.
4.15.26
Approximate date of funding distribution to schools through BI.
5.15.26
Approximate start date of research experience May 15- June 1, 2026. Programs will last 10 to 12 weeks.
Application Instructions (Closed for 2026)
Requirements:
Students should submit their applications to the program directors at their schools and not to USDA directly.
- Only US citizens are eligible to apply
- Applicants must be in good standing with their veterinary school
- University should select no more than two applicants for the USDA/BIVSP opportunity
- Students are expected to be available at the ARS location for 10-12 weeks to conduct research and attend the Veterinary Scholars Symposium in August
Funding:
- Each scholar will receive a $9,000 stipend for the summer administered through their university
- Funding for the summer will be administered to the scholar through each scholar’s school
- Travel assistance and conference registration fees for the scholars will be provided to their universities
Application Package
Application package should include:
- Coversheet with the following information
- Name
- Contact information including email
- Vet school graduation year
- Preferred start and end dates
- Whether you have participated in the ARS-Boehringer VSP program previously
- Graduate work in addition to DVM curriculum (if any)
- Top three choices of ARS research projects
*We will do our best to match scholars with their top choice in research projects however, given that some projects and locations are more popular than others this may not always be possible.
- Cover letter should include:
- Information about previous research experience
- Research interests and how this experience fits in with career goals
- What interests you in participating in this summer research experience with ARS? If a scholar has participated in the program previously, please address how further participation will assist in their career goals.
- Resume or CV