The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has selected 13 Oklahoma high school and college students as Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars for 2017.
The students for OMRF’s 62nd class of Fleming Scholars were selected following a competitive statewide application and interview process. Those selected as scholars will spend eight weeks working side-by-side with OMRF scientists on specific research projects covering subjects such as autoimmune disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease. At the program’s conclusion, the scholars will author scientific papers and deliver presentations to OMRF’s scientific staff. “This unique program brings a sense of excitement to our labs every summer, reinvigorating our staff while also providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these bright students to get hands-on experience in a lab setting,” said OMRF Fleming Scholar Program coordinator Heather Hebert. “The experience allows students to see if a career in science or medicine is in their future, while also providing them with invaluable skills they can use in any career path.” Since it launched in 1956, the Fleming Scholar Program has provided nearly 600 Oklahoma students with a first-hand look at careers in research and medicine. The program is named in honor of famed British scientist Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin and came to Oklahoma City in 1949 to dedicate OMRF’s first building.
The 2017 Fleming Scholars, their hometowns, and current schools are: Abigail Ballard, Norman, Norman North High School, Monica Davis, Jones, Jones High School, Madeline Gish, Edmond, Hillsdale College, Kari Hall, Edmond, University of Oklahoma, Keirah Jefferson, Moore, University of Oklahoma, Kristy Johnson, Blanchard, Blanchard High School, Jarett Lewis, Edmond, Dartmouth College, James Li, Edmond, Washington University in St. Louis, Han Li, Oklahoma City, Westmoore High School, Joshua Ross, Pryor, Oklahoma State University, William Towler, Edmond, Oklahoma State University, Henry Unterschuetz, Tulsa, University of Oklahoma, Kobby Wiafe, Bethany, Baylor University
