OSU-OKC vice provost wins award for camp

Monday, October 21, 2024

Media Contact: Matthew Price | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405-945-6733 | matthew.l.price@okstate.edu

On Oct. 3, Dr. Evan Burkala, vice provost of academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, was honored with the 2024 Hough Ear Institute Education Award for contributions to STEM education at the Hough Ear Institute Award Gala.

This recognition highlights the success of a collaborative one-day STEM summer camp held in July, organized primarily by the Hough Ear Institute and OSU-OKC. The camp introduced 40 middle school students to engaging, hands-on activities in science and technology designed to spark interest in STEM careers.

The event offered students the chance to isolate DNA and explore the physiology of respiration, fostering excitement for scientific discovery. The camp’s success was bolstered by partnerships with the OKC Innovation District, BioTC and Thermo Fisher Scientific, which donated essential supplies.

Additionally, Tinker Airmen volunteers and OSU-OKC science faculty and staff worked closely with students throughout the day, guiding their learning and exploration. The positive impact of this inaugural camp has inspired plans for an expanded program next year, offering more opportunities for students to explore STEM fields.

This collaboration underscores OSU-OKC’s commitment to working with community partners to cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.