On Friday, two Edmond students finished eight weeks of research as Fleming Scholars at OMRF.
OMRF 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.
Michael Thellmann, a sophomore cellular and molecular biology major at Oklahoma Christian University, has worked this summer with Sathish Srinivasan, Ph.D., in OMRF’s Cardiovascular Biology Research Program. He has studied the effects of three different genes involved in the development of the lymphatic system in mice. By removing a copy of these genes, he was able to observe the physical effects that removal has on the mouse’s lymphatic system.
The summer has also brought about challenges. “The sheer amount of information has been a challenge to grasp,” Thellmann said. “Much of what I am learning and putting into practice is above my academic level.” Still, he said, it’s OK to make mistakes as you are learning. “The experts of today were once in that position as well.”
Edmond North High School graduate Eric Wu’s project has focused on a specific protein called epsin and its possible role in fat cell and lipid formation. He has worked with OMRF scientist Hong Chen, Ph.D., also in the foundation’s Cardiovascular Biology Research Program.
“This experience has truly been life changing and has stimulated me to work harder toward my ultimate career goals in life,” said Wu. He will major in cellular and molecular biology at Vanderbilt University in the fall.
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.
