OMRF has selected 12 Oklahoma high school and college students as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars for 2015.
The students were selected following a competitive statewide application and interview process. Those chosen as Fleming scholars will spend eight weeks working side-by-side with senior-level OMRF scientists on a specific research projects on topics such as autoimmune disease, cancer and heart disease. At the end of the program, the students will write scientific papers and deliver seminar presentations to OMRF’s scientific staff.
“These students inject a sense of excitement and curiosity into our summers,” said OMRF Fleming Scholar Program coordinator Carlisa Curry. “A summer at OMRF is an experience like none they’ve had before, and this unique program allows them to learn not only about science but about themselves, as well. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students at this point in their educational journey that is both challenging and rewarding. It can be a game-changer.”
Since it launched 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. Two OMRF senior scientists, Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., and Rodger McEver, M.D., started their research careers as Fleming Scholars.
The 2015 Fleming Scholars, their hometowns and current schools, are:
Jake Gregston, Duncan, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
David Gutierrez, Woodward, Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Laura Jardine, Muskogee, Oklahoma City University
Krishna Manohar, Tulsa, University of Oklahoma
Savannah Martin, Duncan, Duncan High School
Kyle McCauley, McAlester, University of Oklahoma
Katie McDonald, Stillwater, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
Jacy O’Dell, Claremore, Oklahoma Baptist University
Jillian Schlecht, Oklahoma City, University of Tulsa
Farris Tedder, Norman, Norman High School
Michael Thellmann, Edmond, Oklahoma Christian University
Eric Wu, Edmond, Edmond North High School
For more information on the Fleming Scholar Program, visit www.omrf.org/fleming.
