FAQS

Scholars work full-time (40 hours per week on average) in state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratories on individual projects and are guided by OMRF and OKC VA scientific mentors. Every effort is made to assign scholars to laboratories conducting research of particular interest to them. The scholars attend weekly seminars as well as occasional social events as a group.

On the final day of the program, scholars present formal scientific seminars outlining the findings of their projects. Parents, OMRF staff and other guests may be invited to attend. Each scholar also writes a scientific paper summarizing their summer project.

Scholars work at OMRF for eight weeks in the months of June and July. Their first day is the Monday after Memorial Day.

Applications and recommendation letters are due on Jan. 23, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Mailed recommendation letters must be postmarked by Jan. 23, 2023.

Yes. Scholars work an average of 40 hours per week and are paid $5,000 for participating in the whole program. Paychecks are distributed the last working day of each month.

Scholars are selected by a joint committee consisting of representatives from OMRF and Langston University. All complete applications received by the Jan. 23, 2023, deadline are reviewed by selection committee members. After this initial review, the committee meets to select applicants to interview. Following the interviews, the committee selects as many scholars as there are mentors and funding available. Alternates may also be named.

We will not contact the references listed on applications. References must mail or email their recommendation letters and they must be on their organization’s letterhead. A minimum of one and maximum of three recommendation letters are required for all applicants. Recommendation letters can be sent to recruiting@omrf.org or mail to Attn: HR, OMRF-OKC VA Langston Biomedical Research Scholars Program, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

All applicants will be notified of their statuses by late February. Interviews occur in early to mid-March. Final results are available following the conclusion of interviews.

Housing is provided to scholars who live outside of the Oklahoma City metro area (defined as a 40-mile radius from OMRF) at student apartments on the Oklahoma City University campus. Scholars are assigned in groups of two or four per apartment.

OMRF does not provide transportation to and from work. Group transportation is provided to some social events, but most often, scholars are responsible for their own transportation.

Breakfast is provided at no cost to all scholars every workday morning (M-F) in the OMRF Research Café. Otherwise, scholars are responsible for their own meals. Lunches may be purchased in the Research Café at the employee discount. Evening meals are the responsibility of each scholar, with the exception of the meals provided at social events.

As a safety precaution, scholars should wear long pants and closed-toed shoes to work. Jeans are acceptable, as are athletic shoes. Lab work can be messy so scholars must dress appropriately and avoid wearing torn clothes, dangling jewelry, etc. Lab coats, safety goggles, and any other necessary protective equipment will be provided.

Yes. This program is rigorous. Eight weeks is a short time to initiate and complete a detailed scientific project. In fact, many scholars may find it necessary to return to OMRF in the weeks following the program in order to complete their experiments and put the finishing touches on their papers. An absence of even a few days can make it difficult for a scholar to catch up before the program ends. Therefore, scholars are required to commit in advance to full attendance for the entire eight weeks of the program.

As long as the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for the program, they may apply to the program for as many years as desired. So, as long as students are enrolled at Langston University, they may apply once each year.