What do scholars do?
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, group social and cultural events and, with the help of their mentor, write an abstract summarizing their summer project.
On the final day of the program, scholars give a short, formal scientific presentation outlining the findings of their projects. Parents/guardians, OMRF staff and other guests are invited to attend.
What are the program dates?
Scholars work at OMRF for eight weeks in the months of June and July. Their first day is the Monday after Memorial Day.
When are applications due?
For the 2025 program, applications and recommendation letters are due at 11:59 p.m., Feb. 15, 2025. Mailed recommendation letters must have been postmarked by Feb. 15, 2024.
Is this a paid position?
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.
How are scholars selected?
Scholars are selected by a joint committee consisting of representatives from OMRF and Langston University. All complete applications received by the 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.
Will you contact my references?
We will not contact the references listed on applications.
When are selection results available?
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.
Where do scholars live?
Housing is provided to Langston Scholars at student apartments on the Oklahoma City University campus. Scholars are assigned in groups of two or four per apartment.
Is transportation provided?
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.
Are meals provided?
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.
What do scholars wear?
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.
Do scholars have to commit to the full eight weeks?
Yes. This program is rigorous. Eight weeks is a short time to initiate and complete a detailed scientific project. 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.
May a person apply again if not selected the first time?
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.
