Niblack Research Scholar's Newest Class

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Media Contact: Sydney Trainor | Communications and Media Relations Specialist | 405-744-9782 | sydney.trainor@okstate.edu

At Oklahoma State University, undergraduates dive into the world of scientific research through the Niblack Research Scholars program. 

This program transforms their academic journey beyond the classroom, enriches students’ careers, sharpens their future success and guides them toward potential graduate studies. 

This year, seven students are getting the opportunity to advance their careers through the Niblack Scholars program. These undergraduates have been selected as scholars for the 2024-25 school year, earning them a $8,000 scholarship to conduct research with faculty across campus. 

• William Ertl — Oklahoma City — Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology 
• Jorja Ford — Tulsa — Psychology
• Carsyn Gragg — McAlester, Oklahoma — Animal Science and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Amber Meeker — Columbia, South Carolina — Zoology
• Olivia Morgan — Guthrie, Oklahoma — Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology
• Udhav Ramachandran — Stillwater — Physiology
• Bennett Upton — Frisco, Texas — Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

Funded by Dr. John Niblack and his wife, Heidi, the Niblack Research Scholars program has been a key part of OSU’s undergraduate research success since 2004. The program allows these students to perform cutting-edge research in various fields under faculty mentors’ supervision.

Dr. Niblack graduated from OSU in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and earned a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Illinois before becoming vice chairman of Pfizer Inc.

As a scientist for the international pharmaceutical giant, he was responsible for Pfizer’s Global Research and Development Division, where he directed research into drugs for viral illnesses, cancer and autoimmune disorders.