Undergraduate research receives state recognition

Friday, April 20, 2012

Tim O’Neil, graduate assistant in the Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Recognition, recently accepted the Recognition of Excellence award from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The award was presented to OSU for its Freshman Research Scholars program.

Oklahoma State University has taken a leadership role nationally in freshman research and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recently recognized those efforts.

The state regents presented OSU’s Freshman Research Scholars program with the Recognition of Excellence Award. Tim O’Neil, a graduate assistant in OSU’s Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Recognition, received the award on behalf of OSU.

“The award confirms what I have known all along—that OSU’s innovative faculty and administrators have, for several decades, fostered the most welcoming, vibrant research community for undergraduates in the state,” O’Neil said.

Glen D. Johnson, Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, presented the award to O’Neil at the state regents annual Promoting Undergraduate Research Conference on April 13.

The Recognition of Excellence Award honors research programs that meet a unique need, express creativity, demonstrate innovation, have a targeted impact and improve retention. The winner was selected by the conference steering committee, which represents institutions of higher education from all over the state.

The OSU Office of Research and Technology Transfer plays a significant role in the success of the undergraduate research programs by providing the support, resources and funding students need to conduct world-class research.

“A research experience for an undergraduate is becoming increasingly vital and OSU students are fortunate to have numerous opportunities to participate in undergraduate research,” said Steve McKeever, OSU Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer.

McKeever added, “Tim’s efforts with the Freshman Research Scholars Program have undoubtedly raised the profile of undergraduate research at OSU and have helped students gain access to a quality research experience early-on in their academic careers.”

There are numerous research resources available to OSU faculty and students. Students may now receive an introduction to research through the freshman program, explore opportunities and meet researchers on the Undergraduate Research Network, pursue a funded project of their own design in the Wentz or Niblack program, publish their results in the OSU Journal of Undergraduate Research and receive permanent recognition for their achievements with the Undergraduate Research Scholars transcript designation.

“Tim O’Neil has contributed so much to the advancement of undergraduate research at OSU and to numerous students since joining the staff,” said Bob Graalman, director of the Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Recognition.

O’Neil attributes the award to the work of a team of people who coordinate the freshman research program and have made it a success, as well as the faculty who volunteer their time and expertise mentoring students. The team of college-level coordinators includes Amy Martindale, Ed Miller, Kevin Moore, Mark Weiser, Steve Harrist, Christine Johnson, Laura Price, and Shiretta Ownbey.