Niblack Research Scholar benefactor visits Oklahoma State University

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

In an annual tradition, Niblack Research Scholar benefactor and Oklahoma State University alumnus John Niblack returns to OSU this week to meet 2016-17 scholars and to hear research presentations from last year’s scholarship recipients.

As part of his support of the program that supports OSU undergraduates in conducting research, Niblack meets each year with students to review and provide feedback on their presentations of research results made possible by Niblack.

While visiting, Niblack will meet two former scholars who graduated from OSU and continued their educations and are now pursuing careers. Jenny Lessley is a Tulsa physician who credits the Niblack Research Scholar program with her interest in medicine. Lessley graduated in 2013 from the OSU Center for Health Sciences with a doctorate in osteopathic medicine.

“It led me down the path to medical school,” Lessley said. “I had not previously considered a career in medicine but after my (Niblack) research, I wanted to know more.”

Savanah Burch Sayler is an optometrist practicing in Tulsa who also said the research experience made possible by the Niblack scholarship impacted her career direction.

“Through the program, I was able to work on the other side of the medical field,” she said. “I was able to understand the time and commitment required of any studies performed.”

Niblack is a retired vice chairman of pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. He credits his introduction to research as an OSU undergraduate for his pursuit of science as a career. For information about the program visit http://niblack.okstate.edu/. A video interview with Niblack, who describes his experiences conducting research as an undergrad, is also available: http://niblack.okstate.edu/content/john-niblack-video.