Jenks High School graduate Teale Muir could have spent her summer reading, traveling or just enjoying a break from classes. But when she was selected as a Fleming Scholar and offered the opportunity to do hands-on biomedical research for eight weeks, she jumped at the chance.
Since June 2, Muir has worked at OMRF in Oklahoma City with Luke Szweda, Ph.D., studying metabolic processes in the heart and how changes in diet and increasing age affect the development of cardiovascular disease.
Muir, a junior microbiology major at the University of Kansas, is among 11 Oklahoma students selected for the prestigious program.
“I decided to apply for the Fleming Scholar Program because I wanted to be completely immersed in research this summer and to figure out if I would like to continue in research as a career path,” Muir said. “I want to be involved in the process of developing new ideas that may greatly impact the medical community.”
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 Muir, this summer has opened new doors. “This program has been one of the best experiences of my undergraduate career. It has opened my eyes to a new possibility for my future.”
