OMRF has chosen 12 state students for its 2014 class of Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars.
The students were selected following a competitive statewide application and interview process. Since it started in 1956, the Fleming Scholar Program has provided more than 500 Oklahoma students with a first-hand look at careers in medical research and medicine.
As Fleming scholars, students will spend 8 weeks working with OMRF researchers on a specific project. Their projects will cover topics from autoimmune disease to cancer and heart disease. At the end of the program in late July, each scholar will give a presentation outlining their research findings for OMRF’s scientific staff.
“This unique program provides a close-up look at medical research and a career in the sciences,” said OMRF Fleming Scholar Program coordinator Carlisa Curry. “It’s an intense and challenging experience, but many scholars find new scientific areas to explore, and new career options often open up to them as a result of their time at OMRF. They might miss some time by the pool, but the rewards are definitely worth it.”
Two OMRF senior scientists, Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., and Rodger McEver, M.D., started their research careers as Fleming Scholars.
The 2014 Fleming Scholars, their hometowns and current schools, are:
Lucas Adams, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Baptist University
Sam Allen, Duncan, Duncan High School
Lindsay Beck, Stroud, Stroud High School
Tanner Bowen, Weleetka, Weleetka High School
Jiali Dong, Edmond, Case Western Reserve University
Kimberlea Harlow, Oklahoma City, Classen School of Advanced Studies
Brandon Hubbard, Kingfisher, Oklahoma State University
Teale Muir, Tulsa, University of Kansas
Suparsh Parikh, Durant, University of Oklahoma
Michael Ripperger, Norman, Norman High School
Maria Thomas, Oklahoma City, University of Oklahoma
Tyler Vasquez-Dorn, Chickasha, University of Rochester
For more information on the Fleming Scholar Program, visit www.omrf.org/fleming.
