OSU students shine at National Undergraduate Research Conference
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu
This week, nine Oklahoma State University undergraduate students traveled to Pittsburgh to present their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Hosted at the University of Pittsburgh, the conference brings together top student researchers nationwide to showcase work in disciplines ranging from STEM to the arts.
The students represented OSU across various fields and demonstrated the university’s strong commitment to undergraduate research and academic excellence. Their participation offered valuable experience in presenting scholarly work, building networks and exploring future academic opportunities.
“Meeting new people from all around the country, with different backgrounds and interests helped me to put my own academic journey in perspective,” senior Cody Howe said. “Passion is always the first step in conducting meaningful research.”
The following students participated in the event:
- Jordan Burks, theatre
- Elyse Cronic, chemistry pre-medical; microbiology and cell and molecular biology
- Macey Fletcher, chemical engineering, pre-medical concentration
- Kennedy Funa, natural resource ecology and management
- Cody Howe, architectural design
- James Lee, biosystems and agricultural engineering
- Megan Roach, biology
- Kalen Strunk, microbiology and environmental biology
- Kayleen Sugianto, zoology
These accomplishments reflect OSU’s continued dedication to supporting student success at all levels, from undergraduate research experiences to nationally competitive graduate fellowships. As part of its land-grant mission, OSU prioritizes expanding access to education and fostering research that benefits communities in Oklahoma and beyond.
“Presenting at NCUR is an incredible opportunity for undergraduate students. It is empowering for them to present their research at the national level,” said Latasha Taşcı, program manager for undergraduate research. “The graduate school and career fairs at NCUR help explore future possibilities. It requires a lot — besides conducting the research, after applying and being accepted for NCUR, students then compile their research into a poster or several slides, prepare an informative summary that people from all backgrounds can clearly understand, search for and apply for funding to help cover the cost of attending, plan and book travel, navigate a new city, mentally prepare and then present their work in front of hundreds of strangers.”
The OSU Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research provides funding to cover the cost of conference registration and scholarship support to offset student expenses.