five people stand in front of backdrop at a research symposium

Left to right: Christopher Gonzalez, Katherine Calvo, Dean Susan J. Tornquist, Caitlin Gaffney and Kristina Camarena  

August 26, 2024
By Susan J. Tornquist, Lois Bates Acheson Dean

For many veterinary students, summer break is not a time to relax, but a valuable opportunity to pursue their research interests and gain hands-on experience in different types of veterinary research. The summer research program at the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine provides students with mentorship, training and stipends to conduct research projects under the guidance of faculty members. Funding is provided by the National Institutes of Health, the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program and the college.

This year, five of the veterinary students participating in the summer research program also participated in the Veterinary Scholars Symposium in St. Paul, Minnesota. The students presented posters with their work to peers and experts from across the country. The symposium also featured keynote speakers, workshops, networking sessions and awards for outstanding presentations.

CCVM students' research topics included musculoskeletal disease, cancer, immunology, neuroscience and wildlife health. 

  • Katherine Calvo investigated the application of a topical anesthetic cream for at-home subcutaneous fluid administration in cats with faculty mentor Dr. Stacie Summers.
  • Caitlin Gaffney looked into the use of xenogen-free serum in growing equine mesenchymal stromal cells for treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in horses with her mentor Dr. Lacy Kamm.
  • Kristina Camarena and her mentor Dr. Brianna Beechler studied the changes in immune profiles of California sea lions with urogenital carcinoma.
  • Christopher Gonzalez explored the use of the compound Resazurin to indicate cell viability and metabolic activity in equine cartilage explants with guidance from Dr. Katja Duesterdieck-Zellmer.
  • Amelia Huener, a summer student from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover in Germany, worked with Dr. Kathy Magnusson to determine whether herpesvirus reactivation can accelerate amyloid neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits in an Alzheimer’s disease model.

The symposium was a rewarding experience for the students, who received constructive feedback and recognition for their work. They also learned about the latest advances and challenges in veterinary research, and connected with mentors and peers who share their passion and curiosity. The program inspired them to pursue further research opportunities and careers in veterinary science.