Students from Oklahoma State University are preparing for the Rural Scholars program offered by Oklahoma State University's Rural Renewal Initiative, which also includes participants from universities nationwide.

In its seventh year, Rural Scholars is a paid internship experience that sends college students to live in rural Oklahoma communities for 10 weeks to research rural issues, participate in service projects and support community initiatives.

Adeyinka Olusanya will be based in Altus, where he is studying the role of smart water metering in groundwater conservation and sustainable agriculture. His research focuses on how water meters can support more efficient irrigation practices in rural communities.

“Building a strong foundation of research around how smart water metering can support groundwater conservation and sustainable agriculture in rural Oklahoma is what drives this project,” Olusanya said. “There is so much to learn from the communities, values and landscapes of Jackson County, and I want this work to reflect the real experiences of the farmers who depend on this land every day.”

The following OSU students will begin internships in Oklahoma communities in late May:

• Sadie Paden — Hollis, aging stronger in rural Oklahoma
• Karleigh Erramouspe — Hollis, living healthy in rural Oklahoma: women’s perceptions, beliefs and lived experiences navigating healthcare.
• Adeyinka Olusanya — Altus, examining water meters as a tool for sustainable irrigation in rural communities
• Hannah Douglas — Altus, assessing the motivations of outmigration of rural youth
• Emily Ingram — Wilburton, human flourishing in Oklahoma
• Joseph Block — Langston, assessing weed management goals of integrated wheat cattle producers
• Juliana Cueva — Sallisaw, human flourishing in Oklahoma stud
• Angelique Robinson — Woodward, human flourishing in Oklahoma
• Kalli McCoy — Woodward, the impact of rural art
• Tinley Sitton — Woodward, perceptions and barriers of transition and estate planning in Oklahoma agriculture
• Jonas Sample — Marietta, improving stormwater drainage in downtown Marietta
• Hayden Dailey — Marietta, knowledge of health, fitness and diabetes in rural communities
• Jace Johnson — Enid, toolkit for creating affordable housing in rural communities

Returning rural scholar Angelique Robinson, who will be studying human flourishing in Oklahoma in Woodward, said her experience in the program has shaped her perspective on rural communities.

“Transitioning from studying diabetes and nutrition in Latimer County last year to exploring what helps a rural community truly thrive has given me a much deeper appreciation for the resilience found in these towns,” Robinson said. “Last year’s work highlighted the systemic challenges rural populations face regarding exercise and food access. This year feels like a natural and hopeful next step. I am looking forward to shifting the lens toward community flourishing and discovering the factors that allow these communities to not just survive but truly blossom.”

Robinson said returning to the program allows her to build on previous research while focusing on the strengths that sustain rural Oklahoma.

The Rural Renewal Initiative launched a second variation of the Rural Scholars internship in 2024. Known as the Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates, it invites students from universities across the nation to participate. Linnea Harvey, coordinator of the Rural Renewal Initiative, said the program continues to expand Rural Scholars’ reach by bringing in perspectives from students across the United States.

“The Rural Scholars program allows students to gain hands-on experience in research and community engagement while also gaining a perspective that can’t be taught in a classroom,” Harvey said. “For many communities, having students from outside come in and invest their time and energy is refreshing. They can share perspectives, spark meaningful conversations and learn from each other.”

Story By: Elisabeth Moser | elmoser@okstate.edu