Niblack Research Scholars' Newest Class

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

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, 13 students are getting the opportunity to advance their careers through the NRS program. These undergraduates have been selected as scholars for the 2025-26 school year, earning them a $8,000 scholarship to conduct research with faculty across campus. 

Funded by Dr. John Niblack and his wife, Heidi, the NRS 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.

• Omar Ameen — Tulsa — Chemistry; Biochemistry 
• Noor Atiyeh — Stillwater — Chemical Engineering 
• Rachel Davis — Wichita — Chemical Engineering; Biochemistry 
• Nicholette DuCom — Edmond, Oklahoma — Physics; Mathematics 
• MaKayla Friend — Sapulpa, Oklahoma — Environmental Science 
• Keira Hine — West Des Moines, Iowa — Biosystems Engineering 
• Parker Huizinga — Little Elm, Texas — Nutritional Sciences 
• Brandon Lee — Edmond, Oklahoma — Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
• Molly McGaughy — Perryton, Texas — Biochemistry; Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology 
• Taylor Mills — Kingfisher, Oklahoma — Biology 
• Cody Moss — Stillwater — Nutritional Sciences
• Chole Tolle — Bakersfield, California — Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology 
• Ty Young — Jones, Oklahoma — Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biochemistry
  2025-26 Niblack Research Scholars