OSU names 2009-10 Niblack Research Scholars

Thursday, October 8, 2009

(Oct. 8, 2009 Stillwater, OK) – Oklahoma State University has selected 12 undergraduate students to participate in the 2009-10 Niblack Research Scholars program. Funded through the continued generosity of OSU alumnus Dr. John Niblack, each student will receive an $8,000 scholarship and will be afforded the unique opportunity of conducting real scientific research as undergraduates.

The 2009-10 Niblack Research Scholars are:

•    Jason Carver, an animal science/pre-vet senior from Stillwater, Okla.
•    Nicole Clarkson, a microbiology sophomore from Stillwater, Okla.
•    Joshua Damron, a chemistry/biochemistry sophomore from Stillwater, Okla.
•    Alesia Hallmark, a zoology and botany junior from Chandler, Okla.
•    Brooke Hill, a psychology junior from Hooker, Okla.
•    Jacob Keeling, a biochemistry junior from Enid, Okla.
•    Jana Markley, a chemistry junior from Independence, Mo.
•    Lydia Meador, a botany and microbiology/molecular genetics senior from Broken Arrow, Okla.
•    John Miskelly, a chemical engineering sophomore from Harrah, Okla.
•    Randilea Nichols, a biochemistry and molecular biology junior from McAlester, Okla.
•    Erin Roberts, a biochemistry and molecular biology senior from Stillwater, Okla.
•    Wyatt Sharber, a zoology and botany junior from Pauls Valley, Okla.  

“We are fortunate at OSU to have a program like this for undergraduates,” said Stephen McKeever, vice president for research and technology transfer. “We appreciate Dr. Niblack’s vision for educating and inspiring young scientists and his ongoing support.”

Niblack, who attributes his own pursuit of research as a profession to the experience he received as an undergraduate at OSU, says he funds the program to give young people that same opportunity.  “I enjoy giving student’s the opportunity to see what real science is like, as opposed to textbook science or lab science,” Niblack said. “I hope many of them, after completing the program, will decide to become professional scientists.”

Niblack is the former vice chairman of Pfizer Inc.  He worked as an active scientist for the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical company from 1967-1980 directing research into drugs for viral illnesses, cancer and autoimmune disorders.  He was appointed director of research for the company's U.S. laboratories in 1980 and named president of Pfizer's Central Research Division in 1990.  He became vice chairman in 1993 and retired in 2002.

The Niblack Research Scholars program pairs each undergraduate with a graduate student mentor and a faculty sponsor who oversee the scholar’s research.  The scholars select a research area and commit to work at least two hours a week in the lab during the fall and spring semesters and at least 20 hours a week for two months during the summer.

Since its inception in 2004, the Niblack Research Scholars program has provided more than $480,000 to 57 undergraduate students.  The 2009-10 participants will make presentations about their projects during OSU Research Week, Feb. 15-19, 2010.