On Friday, two Duncan High School graduates finished eight weeks as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars at OMRF.
OMRF’s Fleming Scholars work side-by-side with senior medical researchers on an in-depth, individual research project. At the end of the summer, the students write scientific papers and present their research results in formal seminars for OMRF’s scientific staff.
Jake Gregston, a junior biology/pre-med major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, has worked this summer with Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D., in OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. His project involves the study of an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
He has enjoyed mastering new laboratory skills, but Gregston’s summer has had its challenges, as well. “I’ve had to learn to pay very close attention to detail,” he said. “In many experiments, one mistake can ruin weeks of your work or a lab mate’s work.”
Recent Duncan High graduate Savannah Martin’s project has focused on the effects of breast cancer when it spreads to the bone. Her mentor for the project was Alana Welm, Ph.D., a cancer researcher in OMRF’s Immunobiology and Cancer Research Program.
Martin will be a freshman at Oklahoma State University in the fall and plans to major in microbiology and molecular biology.
“It’s been so amazing to be surrounded by a group of extremely intelligent and forward-thinking individuals,” said Martin. “I have found my time at OMRF absolutely inspiring. My experience also has widened my view of the career opportunities available in the science field.”
Founded in 1956, the Fleming Scholar Program has provided advanced science training to more than 500 Oklahoma high school and college students. 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., started their research careers as Fleming Scholars.
For more information on the Fleming Scholar Program, visit: www.omrf.org/fleming.
