Thirteen of Oklahoma’s most gifted high school and college science students are spending their summers in the laboratories of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars. The scholars were selected to participate in the intensive, hands-on science program from scores of applications submitted by some of the state’s most promising young science students.
As Fleming Scholars, the students complete individual research projects under the direction of scientists mentors in OMRF labs. The scholars then write scientific papers for publication and present their findings in formal seminars at the conclusion of the program.
“Each year, we watch these young people flourish as they become immersed in the day-to-day rhythm of the lab,” said OMRF President Dr. J. Donald Capra. “We know that they leave here changed and much better prepared to establish a career path, whether or not that road leads to the pursuit of medical research.”
Now in its 48th year, the Fleming Scholars Program has served as a model for similar programs nationwide. The class of 2003 brings the total number of students completing the Fleming Scholar to 390. Among those who have previously completed the program aare Drs. Rodger McEver and Dr. Judith James, both of whom went on to become OMRF scientists.
The 2003 Fleming Scholars are:
| Michael Auld, McAlester, McAlester High School, Oklahoma Baptist University | |
| Angela Head, Waurika, Waurika High School, Oklahoma State University | |
| Laura Hensch, Perkins, Stillwater High School | |
| Kaylan Lawson, Oklahoma City, Putnam City North High School, University of Oklahoma | |
| Jay Malone, Edmond, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, University of Oklahoma | |
| Rebecca Pace, Edmond, Edmond Santa Fe High School, Oklahoma State University | |
| Brooke Phillips, Edmond, Piedmont High School, Oklahoma State University | |
| Min Qi, Norman, Norman High School, Washington University at St. Louis | |
| Rosalie Rodgers, Newkirk, Newkirk High School, University of Oklahoma | |
| Lauren Sparks, Hennepin, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Duke University | |
| Brittany Teague, Piedmont, Piedmont High School, University of Oklahoma | |
| Randall Tilson, Claremore, Claremore High School, University of Oklahoma | |
| Erica Underwood, Oklahoma City, Putnam City North High School, Oklahoma State University |
Chartered in 1946, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to basic research, education and finding better treatments for a wide range of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis and lupus.
