During the 1992 summer season, ten lowa.State veterinary students were given the opportunity to experience research first hand. It was the second year that the Merck Foundation has provided funding for student research projects, and the first year that several students were funded through the College of Veterinary Medicine (2). First and second year students chose a veterinary faculty mentor whose area of research matched their interests. Working with their mentor, they then designed a project, wrote a proposal, and upon approval, carried out the project during the summer.