Niblack scholarships create career opportunities

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Katherine Janike, a 2014-15 Niblack Research Scholar, works on her research project in a nutritional sciences lab at Oklahoma State University. Niblack scholars have been named for 2017-18.

Undergraduate students at Oklahoma State University have been named 2017-18 Niblack Research Scholars. The Division of the Vice President for Research awarded scholarships to 13 students who receive $8,000 scholarships and the opportunity to conduct research guided by faculty sponsors and graduate student mentors.

The Niblack Research Scholars program is an eye-opening experience that can jumpstart the careers of student researchers. Many Niblack scholars continue cutting-edge research in graduate programs at OSU and elsewhere while working with some of the nation’s most respected scientist, engineers and scholars.

“For the vast majority of undergraduates involved in research, the experience forms a vital part of their university education, regardless of their career paths,” said OSU Vice President for Research Kenneth Sewell. “But for those who pursue graduate degrees and research-oriented careers, this type of intensive undergraduate research experience is a potent accelerator for their success.”

The annual program is funded by OSU alumnus John Niblack and his wife, Heidi Niblack. As an undergraduate at OSU, Niblack says his research experience impacted the direction of his life. Niblack graduated from OSU in 1960 and, after graduate studies, conducted research and managed the development of many well-known pharmaceuticals for Pfizer Inc., the $34 billion global company. He was eventually named Pfizer vice chairman and, following retirement, founded the Niblack Research Scholarship to offer OSU undergraduates the same research opportunity he had.

2017-18 scholars, research areas and hometowns:

OKLAHOMA

Rendi Rogers, microbiology
Adair

Kylie Hagerdon, chemistry
Choctaw

Matthew Hart, nutritional sciences
Edmond

Caroline Graham, microbiology
Midwest City

Grace Ogden, plant and soil sciences
Muskogee

Kassidy Ford, microbiology
Oklahoma City

Emily Gietzen, microbiology
Pryor

Victoria Pickens, entomology and plant pathology
Sand Springs

Savannah Morris, biochemistry
Stillwater

ARKANSAS

Taylor Walton, integrative biology
Hot Springs

CALIFORNIA

Jeffrey Krall, integrative biology
Mission Viejo

ILLINOIS

Erin Heilman, geology
Third Lake

IOWA

Sage Becker, animal science
Keota

Visit niblack.okstate.edu for program information.