The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is now accepting applications for two summer internship programs.
Both programs are paid, eight-week biomedical research internships. Participants earn at least $5,000, plus free housing for those who otherwise would travel at least 40 miles to OMRF.
The Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars Program is open to current Oklahoma high school seniors and to college students from Oklahoma who are currently in their freshman through junior years. It was founded in 1956 and named for the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered penicillin and dedicated OMRF’s first building.
Since its inception, more than 650 Oklahoma students have trained as Fleming Scholars alongside world-class OMRF scientists. Former Fleming Scholars include Judith James, M.D., Ph.D., OMRF’s executive vice president and chief medical officer, and OMRF scientist Heather Rice, Ph.D.
Separately, the Langston Biomedical Research Scholars Program is open to students at Langston University who are currently in their freshman through junior years. OMRF scientist Valerie Lewis, Ph.D., who’s also a current Langston instructor, helped initiate the program in 2021.
Following their internship, students in both programs often continue to work in OMRF’s labs during the school year.
“These internships give students real, hands-on experience in the lab, working on research that’s all about helping people live longer, healthier lives,” said Ashley Cheyney, Ph.D., OMRF’s assistant director of training programs and outreach. “Many former interns tell us their summer at OMRF gave them clarity about what they want to do next.”
The application period for both programs runs until Feb. 1, 2026. Interested students and parents can learn more about both programs during a virtual information session set for 6-7 p.m. Oct. 23.
To register for the virtual session or to apply for either program, visit www.omrf.org/SummerScholars.
