Educational Opportunities

Due to limited staffing ALL mammalian educational opportunities are suspended at this time.  Please check back next year to see what may be available at that time.

Veterinary student externships

ADL offers externship opportunities for veterinary students in their clinical year.  Students will be accepted only from AVMA-accredited schools and must receive academic credit for this externship experience.  Students must demonstrate a strong interest in veterinary pathology, diagnostic medicine, and/or poultry medicine.  While all interested veterinary students are invited to apply, preference will be given to students at the University of Pennsylvania, alumni of the Pennsylvania State University, and students with an interest in practicing in Pennsylvania.  Students will be responsible for providing their own housing during the externship, must provide their own transportation to the lab, and will be required to obtain and pay for a temporary parking permit (approximately $10 per month).  Unfortunately, this position cannot support applications requiring a visa.  Students will be required to sign ADL’s confidentiality agreement and adhere to ADL’s biosecurity procedures including the foreign animal disease policy.  Rabies vaccination with proof of adequate titers is highly recommended; alternatively, students must sign a waiver.  Student professional liability coverage is recommended.

Interested students should send a letter of interest with a resume to the head of the section of interest.  Duration of the externship will range from 2-4 weeks in mutual agreement between the student and supporting faculty member.  Students should send potential date ranges with their application.  The student will be expected to present a case at the conclusion of their externship.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Undergraduate student opportunities

Undergraduate students at Penn State interested in educational opportunities at the Animal Diagnostic Lab are invited to contact a faculty member directly to facilitate an independent study opportunity.  All student involvement at ADL must take place either for credit (VBSC 494 (Honors thesis) or 496 (Independent Studies)) or through a paid position (this is uncommon, but when available positions will be posted on the Penn State HR website for careers).  See guidelines on VBSC 496 here.  Students from other institutions will not be accepted.

High school students

Due to biosecurity and liability concerns, no opportunities for high school students are available.