OSU microbiology professor invited to lead NSF panel

Friday, October 30, 2009

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently invited Oklahoma State University professor Robert Burnap to serve as the program director for the Division of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences.

Burnap, a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, will pull together a panel of scientists from related fields to examine research proposals and advance research in the field of biomolecular systems. The panel makes recommendations that are used by the program officers to decide which projects NSF will fund.

The appointment offers several opportunities. “As an officer, I can see how the institution works from the inside and help shape the strategic directions of the division,” said Burnap. “There are many research funding opportunities to be pursued and when I return to OSU, I look forward to mentoring younger faculty members as they create their own research proposals. It’s one of the duties of being a scientist.

“It’s beneficial to OSU and it is also my opportunity to give back to the scientific community.”

Since 1998, Burnap has received funding from the NSF for his research on photosynthesis. The NSF appointments are based on the national or international reputations of the scientist and the quality of their published research results. Burnap will reside in Arlington, Va., for one year.

Microbiology and molecular genetics is one of 24 departments in the College of Arts and Sciences at OSU. To learn more visit cas.okstate.edu.