Fifty-eight incoming Oklahoma State University freshmen representing 31 majors will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue an early, hands-on introduction to university-level research in the Freshman Research Scholars Program (FRS).
The program, which was recently recognized for excellence by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, offers students a unique first look at academic inquiry through cutting-edge research that’s guided by innovative faculty.
“My mentor personally taught me several new research techniques and is always willing to take the time to help me better understand my topic and let me fully participate in research without babying me,” said Sydnee Homeyer, a biochemistry scholar.
In the fall, students participate in orientation courses related to their majors that are taught by experienced faculty researchers. As a capstone to the FRS experience, students will share the results of their research at a peer-level colloquium in the spring.
“By elevating their education with research, these undergraduates distinguish themselves as leaders capable of contributing to the community in ways that coursework alone cannot,” said Tim O’Neil, program director. “And upon graduation, former FRS students have been admitted to elite graduate and professional programs at the University of Cambridge and Carnegie Mellon among others.”
This early introduction is an important part of a broader initiative to increase undergraduate research in all fields of study—not just the laboratory sciences, explained O’Neil.
With robust, nationally-recognized undergraduate research programs, such as the Lew Wentz Research Program ($4,500 scholarships for up to 50 students annually) and the Niblack Research Scholars ($8,000 scholarships for up to 12 students annually), OSU offers many opportunities for students of all majors and classifications to continue their research beyond the first year. Through these programs, former participants in FRS were awarded over $120,000 in research funding for the current academic year.
“I have known for a long time that I want to do research,” said Zek Cochran, a microbiology and molecular genetics scholar. “When I learned that I had the chance to do research my freshman year, I jumped at the opportunity.”
For more information about the Freshman Research Scholars program and other undergraduate research opportunities at Oklahoma State University, please contact The Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Recognition at 334 Student Union, Stillwater, OK 74078, 405-744-7313, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit us online at http://scholardevelopment.okstate.edu.
The Freshman Research Scholars are listed below by their hometowns.
OKLAHOMA
BARTLESVILLE
Kelsea Hull, Mathematics
Sreeram Krishnan, Chemical Engineering
Alexandria Spriggs, Biomedical Engineering
Cameron Villines, Chemical Engineering
BRISTOW
Alexander Hall, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BROKEN ARROW
Mallory Cole, Biology
Christiane Ley, Biosystems Engineering
Rachel Nichols, Management
Joseph Stanley, Aerospace Engineering
CHOCTAW
Baylor Morris, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
CLAREMORE
Irene Davis, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology
Rebecca Walters, Communication Sciences and Disorders
CUSHING
Mariah Burris, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
EDMOND
Nicholas Foster, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Austin Warner, Mathematics
ENID
Ryan Hall, Education
GARBER
Elise Amundson, Accounting
LAWTON
Ryan Miller, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Hailie Snyder, Biosystems Engineering
MANNFORD
Macy Gleason, Secondary Education
MIAMI
Kyle Morisset, Mathematics
MUSKOGEE
Courtney Daniel, Biochemistry
MUSTANG
Jessica LeGrange, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
NEWALLA
Bailey Betz, Economics and Finance
OKLAHOMA CITY
Jonathan Ballew, Computer Engineering
Sean Walsh, Hotel and Restaurant Administration
Tate Roberson, Aerospace Engineering
OWASSO
Logan Kunka, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
SAPULPA
April Bullard-Bollinger, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology
SHAWNEE
Samantha Grider, Animal Science
SKIATOOK
Nicole Turvey, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology
STILLWATER
Asaph Matheus Barbosa, Civil Engineering
TULSA
Allison Lawson, Biological Science
WASHINGTON
Ashton Walton, Chemical Engineering
KANSAS
LENEXA
Connor Rockrohr, Economics and Finance
OVERLAND PARK
Stephen Fenton, Chemical Engineering
MINNESOTA
HOWARD LAKE
Ashley Simenson, Spanish
MISSOURI
CARTHAGE
William Shaffer, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
LEE’S SUMMIT
Kevin Adams, International Business and Finance
NEW JERSEY
WANTAGE
Victoria Litterio, Human Nutrition
TEXAS
ARLINGTON
Chelsea Garner, Chemical Engineering
BARTONVILLE
Jason Egan, Entomology
CROWELL
Bailey Whitman, Industrial Engineering and Management
FLOWERMOUND
Garrett Dennis, Health Education and Promotion
HOUSTON
Sara Koehler, Animal Science
KELLER
Kayla Barnes, Hotel and Restaurant Administration
MCKINNEY
Lauren Bellatti, Strategic Communications
Melissa Dandy, Zoology
Kristi Dillon, Animal Science
MELISSA
Haley Billings, Human Nutrition
PLANO
Amanda Morton, Interior Design
ROCKWALL
Julia Sealock, Biochemistry
SAN ANTONIO
Alexis Gliedt, Animal Science
Morgan Gray, Political Science
INDIA
MAHARASHTRA
Shubham Kumbhar, Chemical Engineering
