Jiali Dong could have spent his summer reading, traveling or just enjoying a break from classes. But when he was selected as a Fleming Scholar and offered the opportunity to do hands-on biomedical research for eight weeks, he jumped at the chance.
Since June 2, Dong has worked at OMRF in Oklahoma City with Hong Chen, Ph.D., studying proteins involved in tumor growth.
Dong, a sophomore psychology major at Case Western Reserve University, is among 11 Oklahoma students selected for the prestigious program.
“My summer at OMRF has certainly opened a lot of possibilities for the future,” Dong said. “I am now more interested and open to doing research. The medical sciences may be very challenging, but now I realize that it is not impossible to become involved.”
In addition to working in the lab, Fleming Scholars attend lectures by OMRF scientists to learn about various research projects and science-related career options. They attend social events and spend time together as a group outside the lab. At the end of the summer, scholars make formal presentations outlining their individual research results to OMRF’s scientists.
OMRF’s Fleming Scholar Program has served as a stepping stone for hundreds of Oklahoma students seeking careers in the sciences. Since 1956, more than 500 gifted science students have received a close-up, hands-on research experience as scholars. Scores of Fleming Scholars have gone on to establish medical and research careers, including two OMRF researchers, Rodger McEver, M.D., and Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., who got their start in the program.
“These students learn a lot here and are exposed to new concepts, but we learn from them, too,” said Carlisa Curry, Fleming Scholar Program director. “They bring enthusiasm and fresh perspectives into OMRF’s labs. It’s clear through what we see in these young people that the future for research is bright.”
For Dong, this summer has helped him see researchers in a new light. “The general public seems to portray the scientific field as daunting,” he said. “In reality, researchers are down-to-earth like the rest of us. Through our communications, I’ve learned many important life lessons.”
