OMRF has selected 15 Oklahoma science students as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars for 2011.
Since 1956, the Fleming Scholar Program has provided hands-on research experience for more than 500 gifted Oklahoma students. This year’s class will spend June and July working in laboratories with senior-level OMRF scientists on ongoing research projects. Scholars will receive a $3,000 stipend and housing, if desired.
“Each year we look forward to the Fleming Scholars’ arrival at OMRF,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott. “The enthusiasm they bring into our labs energizes all of us. For many, this program literally changes their lives, serving as the catalyst that points them toward careers in research or medicine.”
Named for Sir Alexander Fleming, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered penicillin and in 1949 dedicated OMRF’s first building, the one-of-a-kind program annually attracts up to 100 applicants. Two current OMRF scientists, Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., and Rodger McEver, M.D., Ph.D., started their research careers as Fleming Scholars.
The 2011 Fleming Scholars, their hometowns and current schools are:
Lukas Cara, Lawton, University of St. Thomas
Christopher Chan, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics
Emily Cole, Lexington, Lexington High School
James “J.D.” Henneberry, Stillwater, Brown University
Marrett Hild, Edmond, Classen School of Advanced Studies
Richard “Rick” Krysiak, Stillwater, University of Oklahoma
Caleb Lareau, Enid, Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics
Jillian Lundie, Tulsa, University of Oklahoma
Supreeth Mannava, Edmond, Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics
Fasil Mathews, Oklahoma City, Putnam City North High School
Kristen Mathias, Midwest City, Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics
William “Will” Shrauner, Edmond, Oklahoma State University
Pooja Vijayvargiya, Enid, University of Oklahoma
YuJing Wang, Edmond, Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics
Yixuan “Jack” Wen, Ardmore, Plainview High School