(OKLAHOMA CITY) — Top science students from Oklahoma recently completed their studies as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. This year, twelve students ranging from seniors in high school to juniors in college were selected to work with top biomedical researchers in the laboratories at OMRF. The summer program, which is in its 44th year, was named after Sir Alexander Fleming, the scientist who discovered penicillin and, in 1949, dedicated OMRF.
Four high school science teachers were named Foundation scholars. This eight-week program helps teachers find simple, flexible and inexpensive experiments which combine the latest science with the classroom. The Foundation course also focuses on the relationship between biology, chemistry and physics.
“OMRF has always sought to incorporate education with biomedical research,” said OMRF president J. Donald Capra, M.D. “The Fleming and Foundation Scholar programs embody OMRF’s twin missions of research and education.”
For two months, the Fleming Scholars worked side-by-side with their “mentors,” biomedical scientists conducting basic research at OMRF. Each student chose a research topic, conducted experiments, and wrote a thesis-like paper discussing his or her discoveries and conclusions.
Foundation scholars worked at the laboratory bench as well, but instead of working individually, the teachers formed a team and worked as a group. Both groups presented their findings at a lunch attended by family members and OMRF scientific staff.
The application process for Fleming Scholars began in November. 220 students across Oklahoma sent in applications and recommendations from teachers, instructors and principals. On March 11, 25 students were interviewed and winners were announced later that day. Each scholar receives a $2,500 stipend and housing accommodations, if necessary.
Foundation Scholars were announced in late March. They each received $5,000 and their classrooms will be equipped with a computer which connects to the OMRF TeleScience Network. The TeleScience Network is an Internet-based journal designed specifically for use by high school students doing special projects, classroom teachers wishing to communicate with other instructors, and OMRF staff who inform teachers of new approaches and methods that might be useful in the classroom.
“The two month course is a great resource for Oklahoma’s science teachers,” said TeleScience Director and OMRF researcher Philip Silverman, Ph.D. “But the ability to stay in contact with researchers and colleagues ensures that each teacher can offer his or her students the latest, most up-to-date scientific information.”
Former Fleming Scholars include distinguished doctors and researchers, including Drs. Roger McEver and Judith James, both researchers at OMRF. Dr. James was recently awarded the the Presidential Early Career Award.
A complete list of the 2000 Fleming and Foundation Scholars is attached and a longer description of area students’ projects accompanies this release. For digital photographs of students, visit the OMRF web site at Foundation Scholars and Fleming Scholars and click on the particular student’s name for his or her photo and an electronic version of their project descriptions.
For additional information, questions, or concerns, please contact Andrea Miles, OMRF Public and Media Relations at 405-271-7159.
