Undergraduate Opportunities
Each semester, the CVMDL offers opportunities for Independent Study. Students work alongside laboratory professionals performing routine and complex veterinary diagnostic procedures. Click on the menu options below for more information:
Diagnostic Services Laboratories
DTS
The Diagnostic Testing Services section (DTS) at the CVMDL consists of three laboratory sections- descriptions and opportunities are described below:
All three lab sections will provide unique, hands-on experiences in learning how to perform the procedures described and interpret the results, in addition to learning the daily upkeep to maintain a laboratory.
Microbiology
This lab section consists of bacteriology, parasitology, and mastitis areas. Bacteriology isolates and identifies bacteria from clinical samples collected and submitted by private veterinarians and from necropsy cases. Parasitology uses qualitative and quantitative methods to identify eggs and worms from fecal samples. Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland. This lab area receives milk samples from dairy farms. It utilizes methods (gram stain, culture, OmniLog, etc) to determine if the cow is mastitic (elevated cell count) and cultures the milk to isolate the bacteria.
Molecular
Molecular tests for tick-borne diseases, avian influenza, West Nile Virus, COVID-19, and other pathogens using quantitative and conventional PCR. In this lab, you will learn RNA and DNA extraction procedures from different specimens. Also, there will be training on how to run conventional and real-time PCR. This section also has a start-up Next Generation Sequencing lab.
Serology
Serology is a field that utilizes numerous assays to detect antibodies against a wide variety of antigens. Some of the methodologies include ELISA, Western blot, IFA, and plate agglutination to detect antibodies against Salmonella, Borrelia burgdorferi, Pseudorabies, and Avian Influenza. Additionally, students will expect to gain extensive experience with micro and serological pipetting and the use of laboratory equipment, like centrifuges and ELISA plate readers.
Additional opportunities
Other activities in DTS exist for cross-training.
Ticks: The CVMDL has a tick testing laboratory, and students could have the opportunity to learn how to identify ticks. Identifying ticks includes determining species, life stages, and degree of engorgement.
Rabies: This is an opportunity for students to perform the DFA procedure to aid in the post-mortem diagnosis of the rabies virus in clinically ill animals. NOTE: only those who have been vaccinated against rabies and have protective immunity are allowed to perform this testing.
Histology
The Histology Laboratory is responsible for processing tissue pieces from necropsy, surgery, or biopsy into microscope slides for review and diagnosis by a Pathologist. Additionally, the laboratory performs special stains and Immunohistochemistry for the detection of infectious organisms, cell and tissue identification, and disease processes.
As an independent study student, you will learn basic tasks and manual and automated techniques in general laboratory operations such as coverslipping, embedding of sections, archiving of diagnostic materials and documents, simple staining procedures, and equipment cleaning and maintenance.
Please be aware that the core tasks of a histology laboratory are typically completed during the morning hours. To have a meaningful experience, you will need to be available between 8:00 and 12:00 pm.
Pathology
Pathology ties together the fundamental concepts of biology, disease, and one health; each section will provide a unique, hands-on experience in learning how to perform the procedures described and learning the daily upkeep to maintain a safe and effective laboratory.
The Pathology section at the CVMDL consists of three laboratory sections-descriptions and opportunities are described below:
Clinical Practicum in Pathology (Necropsy)
A necropsy is a comprehensive post-mortem examination performed on animals of any species to determine the cause of death, evaluate disease processes, and collect diagnostic information. In this laboratory, students are trained to serve as prosector assistants across a diverse range of species and case types. They develop hands-on skills in proper specimen collection, tissue identification, lesion recognition, and accurate labeling and handling of samples for ancillary testing.
In addition to technical competencies, students are responsible for maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory environment. This includes cleaning and disinfecting the necropsy floor and instruments, restocking chemicals and laboratory supplies, managing and disposing of biological and chemical waste in accordance with safety regulations, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that workspaces are properly prepared for subsequent cases.
Clinical Practicum in Pathology (Tissue Trimming)
Trimming is the process of carefully dissecting and selecting representative sections of fixed tissues collected at necropsy and placing them into labeled cassettes. These cassettes are then processed into paraffin blocks, sectioned onto slides, and submitted for microscopic evaluation by the pathologists.
In this laboratory, students develop proficiency in trimming techniques, tissue and lesion identification, and proper cassette selection to ensure optimal diagnostic quality. In addition to technical skills, students gain experience maintaining a safe, organized, and fully functional laboratory environment. Responsibilities include tissue inventory management, archival organization and specimen disposal, cleaning and decontaminating work areas, restocking chemicals and laboratory supplies, proper handling and disposal of chemical waste, and adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards.
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