For Rufei Lu, a University of Oklahoma student from Edmond, the chance to spend a summer in the labs of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has been a real eye-opener.
“The experience so far has been life-changing,” said Lu, who will be a sophomore this fall at OU. “Learning from some of the prominent authorities in the medical field has broadened my horizons, and working with brilliant researchers has provided me with different perspectives. I am certain these rewards could not be attained from hours of textbook reading or meticulous note taking in school.”
Lu is one of 17 Oklahoma students selected to participate in OMRF’s Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar program. Jonathan Xia of Edmond also was chosen for the program, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Fleming program gives students the chance to complete individual research projects, write scientific papers for publication and present their work in formal seminars.
The students arrived at OMRF at the beginning of June and are spending eight weeks at OMRF conducting medical research.
“I think the Fleming program is definitely an incredible experience,” Lu said. “It has boosted my interest and passion in science, reinforcing my decision in going into scientific research.”
Lu’s summer project involves researching autoimmune diseases under the leadership of Michael Centola, assistant member of OMRF’s Arthritis and Immunology Research Program.
The Fleming Scholars program has served as a model for similar programs nationwide since its creation in 1956. More than 400 students have been trained through the program at OMRF. Two of OMRF’s faculty members, Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., and Rodger McEver, M.D., got their start as Fleming Scholars.
“Many students leave knowing that research is an area they had not truly considered, but they have been enticed by the exploration bug,” said Ginger Coleman, who has helped coordinate the program for a decade. “I want them to have made contacts and bonds with people that they will be sharing their professional careers and possibly know for a lifetime. Although I teach during the school year, this is a completely different experience and intertwines education, business and people skills – all activities dear to my heart.”
About OMRF:
Celebrating its 60th birthday in 2006, OMRF (www.omrf.org) is a nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and curing human disease. Its scientists focus on such critical research areas as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease. It is home to Oklahoma’s only member of the National Academy of Sciences.
