A young woman and an older man stand side by side in a laboratory, both wearing white lab coats. The woman has light brown hair with blonde highlights and is smiling, while the man also smiles warmly. Behind them are shelves with lab equipment, bottles, and containers, along with a window letting in natural light.

Five OSU students named Fleming Scholars

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu

Five Oklahoma State University students have been selected for the prestigious Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, one of the state’s most competitive and respected biomedical research internships.

This summer’s Fleming class includes Adriahna Blackburn, Cadance Burke, Gabriella Gasbarra, Ceyda Kara and Cody Moss, who were selected through a competitive application process that draws interest from across the state.

Founded in 1956, the Fleming Scholar Program is designed to give Oklahoma’s top high school seniors and college students firsthand experience in the biomedical sciences. Each summer, selected scholars spend eight weeks working in OMRF laboratories alongside leading researchers. They complete individual projects, attend scientific seminars and present their findings at the end of the program.

The program is named after Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin and visited OMRF shortly after its founding. Since its creation, the program has helped launch the careers of doctors, scientists, educators and health care professionals across the country.

For Blackburn, who has a background in microbiology research, the program was a chance to broaden her experience and refine her specialization before applying to graduate school.

“I was most excited to work alongside my scholar cohort,” Blackburn said. “There was a wide range of academic backgrounds, research experiences and stages in their studies. Being part of this community was a wonderful opportunity, not only to support each other's growth, but to struggle alongside each other and celebrate each other's successes.”

She plans to pursue a Ph.D. and said the program provided new laboratory skills while showing her how research is conducted beyond academia.

“Through organized panel Q&As, I also gained a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths available to Ph.D. holders,” Blackburn said. “OSU fosters an encouraging and supportive research environment, whether it is providing information on how to get into research or providing financial assistance through scholarships. This support has brought me to where I am today and has provided me with the skills and knowledge to be successful.”

Moss, a pre-medical nutritional sciences major, used his time at OMRF to sharpen his research skills and reaffirm his goal of becoming a physician. His project investigated how hormone loss influences muscle decline with age.

“This experience deepened my understanding of the science that reinforces clinical care,” Moss said. “Collaborating with my fellow scholars in such a supportive, high-caliber environment made me even more proud to be an Oklahoman and a Cowboy.”

Moss will also participate in OSU’s Niblack Research Scholars Program this year under Dr. Yoo Kim. His long-term goal is to attend medical school and practice in Oklahoma, where he can bridge research and clinical care.

“OSU’s Freshman Research Scholars Program prepared me exceptionally well for this opportunity,” he said. “It equipped me with both the technical skills for the lab and the professionalism essential for success in research, medicine and beyond. I can’t thank the amazing staff in the Department of Nutritional Sciences enough for going above and beyond to give me a meaningful education at OSU.”

In addition to the research experience, participants receive a stipend and access to OMRF facilities, including a fitness center and on-campus dining. Housing is also provided for those who live more than 40 miles from the Oklahoma City-based foundation.

For OSU, the students’ selection reflects the university’s growing presence in biomedical research and its commitment to providing hands-on opportunities for undergraduates and aspiring scientists.

Each of the five OSU scholars brings a unique academic background and interest in research, ranging from genetics to autoimmune disease to neuroscience. Their participation not only marks a personal milestone but also contributes to Oklahoma’s broader efforts to grow the state’s scientific talent and workforce.