Freshman Research Scholars program introduces students to research basics
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Sixty incoming Oklahoma State University freshmen from nine states representing 33 majors from all undergraduate colleges will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue an early, hands-on introduction to university-level research in the Freshman Research Scholars (FRS) program during the upcoming academic year.
OSU freshmen will expand their education beyond the classroom by engaging in cutting-edge research under the guidance of some of the most innovative faculty on campus. FRS students learn basic research ethics and methodology while working closely with their mentors and graduate assistants to design and conduct projects of their choosing.
“This program has been the highlight of my freshman year,” said 2014-15 FRS Emily Allen of Magnolia, Texas. “It made me realize that research is something that I am passionate about, and I hope to pursue a career in it.”
OSU understands that students who graduate without a significant research experience have not taken full advantage of all that a comprehensive research university has to offer, so this early introduction is an important part of a broader initiative to increase undergraduate research in all fields of study—not just the laboratory sciences.
With pioneering undergraduate research programs, such as the Wentz and Niblack research programs, OSU offers many opportunities for students of all majors and classifications to continue their research beyond the first year.
Whether one intends to make a career of research or solve a simple problem, students interested in pursuing research will always find receptive faculty to mentor them through the process regardless of funding through a formal program, making OSU a truly vibrant community for young scholars with big questions.
“I would like to thank and commend Dr. Stanley Fox for taking the time and effort to work with me,” said 2014-15 FRS Rebecca Herrera of Azle, Texas. “He truly put in the effort to further my understanding of how research is done and that meant a lot to me.”
For more information about the Freshman Research Scholars program and other academic opportunities at Oklahoma State University, contact The Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research at 334 Student Union, Stillwater, OK 74078; 405-744-7313; tim.oneil@okstate.edu, or visit http://okstate.edu/scholars.
The 2015-16 Freshman Research Scholars listed by their hometowns.
Oklahoma
Ardmore
Sarah Oliver, Biochemistry
Bethany
William Funk, Animal Science
Broken Arrow
Riley Lawson, Wildlife Biology
Charles McDonald, Chemical Engineering
Cameron
Loren Emerson, Civil Engineering
Choctaw
Thomas Henderson, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Collinsville
Victoria Martin, Nutritional Sciences
Cushing
Kayla Kifer, Microbiology/Cell and Molecular Biology
Cushing
Abigail Pool, Biological Science
Duncan
Leah Kafer, Physiology
Savannah Martin, Microbiology/Cell and Molecular Biology
Edmond
Brianna Birsner, Nutritional Sciences
Katelyn Byrne, Marketing
Fairview
Brockton Keen, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Lone Grove
Arielle Farve, Strategic Communications and English
Moore
Taylor Godsey, Environmental Science
Oklahoma City
Stacy Chan, Undeclared
Mark Finnicum, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Anastasia Karaulova, International Business
Anna Smith, Biological Science
Oologah
Kimberlee Nies, Nutritional Sciences
Owasso
Blake Hamar, Agribusiness
Lindsey Pick, Architectural Engineering
Alexander Underwood, Computer Engineering and Physics
Piedmont
Brianne Grothe, Secondary Education – English
Poteau
Tabitha Waldrop, Management
Sand Springs
Victoria Pickens, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Wildlife Biology
Stillwater
Lydia Bunting, Computer Engineering
Emily Fry, Psychology
Thomas
Payton Wilson, Accounting or Finance
Tipton
Raegan Chambers, Chemical Engineering
Tulsa
Erika Gibbs, Nutritional Sciences and Communication Sciences and Disorders
Rachael Grau, Design, Housing and Merchandising, Interior Design and General Business
Austin Hinds, Biochemistry
Arkansas
Chester
Caitlyn Smith, Computer Engineering
Greenwood
Christian Griffith, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Rogers
Hannah Cade, Elementary Education
Texarkana
Connor Mayes, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
California
Sacramento
Emily Bjorklund, English
Colorado
Beulah
Rebecca Lane, Chemical Engineering
Iowa
Keota
Sage Becker, Animal Science
Kansas
Shawnee
Alex Ralston, Animal Science
Maryland
Manchester
Brittany Lippy, Animal Science
Missouri
Troy
Jacob DeCamp, Management Information Systems
Texas
Celina
Ryan Geiger, General Business or Sports Management
Follett
Maci Stuart, Health Education and Promotion
Frisco
Andrew Knepler, Chemical Engineering
Houston
Regan Ortiz, Design, Housing and Merchandising and Interior Design
Irving
Kaitlyn Johnson, Hotel and Restaurant Administration
Plano
Cooper Morris, Biosystems Engineering
Prosper
Kaitlyn Luckock, Biological Science
Richardson
Suzanna Lintner, Elementary Education
The Woodlands
Emily Marko, Mechanical Engineering