The Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine offers a variety of research opportunities for DVM, graduate and undergraduate students. For opportunities open only to current DVM and graduate students at the college, please visit our internal Sharepoint site (must sign in with your ONID).
The following research opportunities are open to a variety of students.
One Health Field Course in South Africa
August 16 through September 3, 2026
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Oregon State University and the Nsasani Trust are organizing a joint international and interdisciplinary Field Course in South Africa on issues related to the linkages between animal health (veterinary), human health (medical), environmental health (conservation) in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
This field course will allow students to work with wildlife veterinarians, medical doctors and conservationists in the area around and in Kruger National Park. You will stay inside the park, allowing ample time for wildlife viewing and enjoyment of the internationally renowned conservation area home to the largest diversity of large mammal species.
The course will consist of a mixture of lecture time, field trips, and individual research projects and include both South African and American instructors. South African undergraduates will also join the project to provide international context at all levels. The curriculum will involve topics in biodiversity, conservation, ecological sociology and one health.
In addition to lectures, students will have the opportunity to propose their own research projects, participate in bush walks to see wildlife, and interact with local communities. This program will fulfill the research requirement for the one health certificate and would provide students the basis for an honors thesis if interested.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Research is fundamental for science education. The Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine offers an opportunity to perform health-related research in its laboratories during the summer. The program is open to all undergraduate students and it is supported by internal funds ($2,000 stipend + $1,000 for supplies). Non-OSU students are welcome to apply. However, we are unable at this time to provide travel and lodging support.
You can peruse the various research interests (see alphabetized lab list) of the faculty of the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. Contact a faculty member whose research interests you, and then fill out the student portion of the application. Faculty members will complete the faculty portion of the application. If you have any questions, please contact program coordinator Patrick Chappell, associate professor of physiology.
Students completing a research project over next summer will present their results at the Annual CCVM Research Day (August 28, 2025) and at the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium (mid-September).
Applications are closed for the 2025 cycle.
One Health Summer Research Program
The One Health Summer Program is a collaborative effort between Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences in Lebanon to bring together students for a summer research program. Students will participate in research relevant to human, animal, and environmental health in a collaborative environment. Research topics include zoonotic disease (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Leptospirosis, Giardia) and antibiotic resistance. Students will participate in all components of the research including study design, fieldwork, laboratory work and data analysis.
Faculty Leaders: Brianna Beechler, Justin Sanders, Michelle Steinauer
When: June 21 - July 31, 2026
Stipend: $2,000 for Undergraduate Students, $3,000 for Veterinary and Graduate Students
Applications: Not yet open for 2026.
For more information, contact program coordinator Dr. Brianna Beechler.