OSU selects Niblack undergraduate research scholars
Monday, November 6, 2006
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Oklahoma State University has selected 12 undergraduate students to participate in the 2006-07 Niblack Research Scholars Program.
The program is the inspiration of John Niblack, who chose research as a career following the opportunity to work in an OSU laboratory as an undergraduate. Niblack devoted his life to research and now inspires students interested in science to broaden their education through this program.
“If we had better ways to expose students to science and scientists, I’m certain more of them would decide to pursue research as a profession. Our state and country could certainly use them,” said Niblack. The following undergraduate students are participating in the program during the 2006-2007 academic year:
- Amanda Bostian-Miles, Junior, Biochemistry, Perkins, Oklahoma
- Ian Buchanan, Junior, Chemistry, Stillwater
- Savanah Burch, Junior, Microbiology, Wilson, Oklahoma
- Alicia Davis, Junior, Veterinary Pathobiology & Physiological Sciences, Bixby, Oklahoma
- Edward El Rassi, Sophomore, Chemistry, Stillwater
- Deborah Lanfair, Junior, Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma City
- Edward Manda, Sophomore, Physics, Lusaka, Zambia
- Benjamin McLaughlin, Senior, Veterinary Pathobiology & Physiological Sciences, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- Kristy Rutz, Junior, Nutritional Sciences, Seiling, Oklahoma
- Brooke Washington, Junior, Veterinary Pathobiology & Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma City
- Tyler Weirick, Junior, Biochemistry, Ada, Oklahoma
- Travis Wolff, Sophomore, Biochemistry, Yale, Oklahoma
The Niblack Research Scholars Program is an undergraduate-graduate student research partnership whose primary objective is to develop and foster student interest in scholarly research within the science disciplines at OSU. Each pair works under the guidance and leadership of a faculty advisor.
Niblack, retired vice chairman of Pfizer Inc. and president of Global Research and Development at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, established the research scholars program supporting OSU research. The program consists of 12 undergraduate-graduate student partnerships in chemistry, physics, microbiology, biochemistry, nutritional science, and veterinary pathobiology/physiological sciences.
Niblack Undergraduate Student Research Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship in the spring and fall and a $4,000 scholarship in the summer. Niblack Graduate Student Research Mentors receive a summer stipend for participating in the program.
Oklahoma State University — an active $100M+ research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma — is home to nearly 500 researchers working in biotechnology, energy, nanotechnology, sensors and more to develop innovative solutions for application and commercialization in the global marketplace.