The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) has gained renewed attention thanks to a pair of recent publications in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association and The American Journal of Veterinary Research.

The program, now in its 31st year, integrates hypothesis-driven research into veterinary education, preparing students to practice evidence-based medicine while contributing to solutions in public health, food security, infectious disease and environmental sustainability.

The SRTP draws mentors from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and across the university’s other colleges. SRTP participants receive a competitive stipend and travel funding and present their research at a national AVMA conference, gaining exposure to collaborative networks. The program enhances student competitiveness for residencies and research-intensive programs, many of which require scholarly publication.

Faculty members who oversee the SRTP include Josh Butcher, associate professor in physiological sciences; Dr. Giovana Catandi, assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences; Rudra Channappanavar, associate professor of veterinary pathobiology; and Kelly Harrison, assistant professor of veterinary pathobiology.

“We’ve seen record-breaking applicant numbers, expanded our mentor pool across OSU, and supported student research across clinical medicine, public health and basic science,” said Harrison, this year’s director of SRTP. “Each of these areas plays a vital role in advancing the collaborative, interdisciplinary mission of One Health.”

Ainslie Reynolds, a second-year student pursuing her doctorate of veterinary medicine and a master’s in comparative biomedical sciences, will return to the SRTP this summer thanks to the AVMA/AVMF 2nd Opportunity Summer Research Stipend. She previously participated in the 2025 program.

Mentored by Channappanavar, she says the program has helped shape her academic experience by providing opportunities outside the classroom. Reynolds’ research focuses on highly pathogenic avian influenza and the hazard it poses to the food industry and for zoonotic transmission.

“One of the most valuable aspects of the SRTP is the opportunity to connect with other students and researchers,” she said. “Through conversations with faculty, graduate students and fellow participants, I gained insight into different career paths, research approaches and ways of thinking about scientific problems. Hearing about others’ projects has broadened my perspective and introduced me to new ideas and techniques.”

The SRTP underscores CVM’s commitment to the One Health initiative, driving innovative and ground-breaking research that positively impacts human, animal and environmental health.

“The College of Veterinary Medicine, and especially the SRTP, exemplify our commitment to advancing health outcomes for all Oklahomans,” said Jerry Ritchey, CVM’s interim dean. “We are proud to prepare and inspire the next generation of health researchers.”

The program’s impact extends globally. OSU was selected to host Vietnam’s first-ever student participant in Boehringer Ingelheim’s Research Scholar Program, underscoring international confidence in OSU CVM’s leadership in interdisciplinary research training.

The SRTP is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and the American Veterinary Medical Association.