Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University
31/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 31/07/2024 21:27
Summer 2024 Niblack Scholars complete research experience
Summer 2024 Niblack Scholars complete research experience
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Media Contact: Sydney Trainor | Communications and Media Relations Specialist | 405-744-9782 | [email protected]
For college students, deciding on a future career can be daunting.
Completing four years of undergraduate studies is challenging. While some students know they want to continue their education with a graduate degree, others seek opportunities to gain insight into their future.
At Oklahoma State University, the Niblack Scholars Program offers undergraduate students research experience beyond the traditional classroom.
This three-semester program helps students choose a career path, improves their likelihood of success in the workforce, and helps them determine if graduate school is the right choice.
As a comprehensive research university, OSU is uniquely positioned to offer such opportunities.
Thanks to the generosity of Dr. John Niblack, this award aims to give outstanding students an early appreciation for scientific research in a laboratory environment.
These undergraduate students receive funding to pursue research that interests them and pays for a mentor to assist them. Students work two to five hours per week with their mentors in hands-on laboratory environments during the fall and spring semesters and at least 20 hours per week in the summer.
This summer, six scholars are finalizing their research and preparing to present their findings to Niblack in October.
Ethan Biedenstein
Ethan BiedensteinQ: What is the objective of your NRS research project?
A: The focus of my project is to develop a small-scale proof of concept water desalination set up using nanoparticles. The goal is to provide a basis for a passive process for creating freshwater using the sun's energy more efficiently.
Q: How has participating in the NRS program impacted your college experience?
A: The Niblack Research Scholar program has given me a chance to see what the entire research process is like, from the proposal, designing the experiments, to presenting the results. Additionally, the ability to work on research as my job, rather than a part-time job somewhere else, has allowed me to build my resume with details that relate to my field.
Q: What advice would you give those considering an undergraduate research opportunity?
A: The first piece of advice I would give is to pursue the opportunity if they are considering it. The second is that it will challenge you, it is a new experience and unlike anything else. There is going to be a lot of learning, but what you learn is invaluable.
Q: Why did you choose OSU?
A: When I was touring colleges as a senior in high school, I made the trip to OSU. During the tour and after speaking to a few students and professors, it was clear OSU just felt like home. Here at OSU, everyone I spoke to about my dreams and aspirations was very adamant that Oklahoma State could help me realize them and they could put me in the best spot to succeed.
Q: What has been your favorite part of OSU so far?
A: My favorite part of OSU is the people. Everyone I met during my time here was super supportive and friendly. No matter if it was someone at Boone Pickens Stadium or a professor, if I needed help, they were more than willing to do what they could.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: My goals for the future are to first get my master's degree in engineering and then pursue a Ph.D. in engineering as well. I want to become a research professor; I love research and I love teaching, so this is the way that I can combine my two passions and enjoy what I do.
Elijah Brown
Elijah BrownQ: What is the focus of your NRS research project?
A: My project focuses on studying novel antibiotics for mycobacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Mycobacterial infections, which exacerbate the symptoms of CF and decrease the patient's chances of survival, are becoming more common in CF patients. Since there are no known reliable antibiotics for these infections, new antibiotics need to be discovered.
Q: How has participating in the NRS program impacted your college experience?
A: The Niblack program has allowed me to conduct an independent research project and communicate with other scientists about it in a professional setting. Thanks to the Niblack Research Scholars program, I am learning how to convey the purpose and significance of my research to different audiences. The program has also given me the ambition and understanding to drive my projects forward. These skills and attributes are valuable for me as a scientist and a mentor as I help raise the next generation of academic scholars.
Q: What advice would you give those considering an undergraduate research opportunity?
A: If you have a fascination for a subject, pursue it. You might think you do not have the mental tenacity to finish your search for understanding, but there is no better environment to develop your skills and character than under the supervision of faculty and more experienced students. Pursue the answer.
Q: Why did you choose OSU?
A: I chose Oklahoma State University because of its proximity to my family and how they showed their loyalty to me as a student, but I stayed because of the Cowboy family. The people at Oklahoma State are fantastic. The students are kind and welcoming, and the faculty are world-class experts who are eager to raise the next generation of professionals. I am extremely grateful to be a part of this family.
Q: What has been your favorite part of OSU so far?
A: My favorite part about my time at Oklahoma State has been the relationship-learning experiences. Whether I am learning how to conduct lab experiments from my mentors, studying topics alongside my peers, or helping new students where they want to improve, the learning environment has been my favorite part of my time at Oklahoma State.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: I plan to attend graduate school, where I will study major worldwide health issues, such as tuberculosis. My faculty mentor, Dr. Yong Cheng, conducts research on a variety of Mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis is the infectious agent behind the disease tuberculosis, which still affects a large portion of the world. As I see it, finding solutions to such major issues are the highest priority of scientific research, which is why I want to devote my attention to them.
Connor Downs
Connor DownsQ: What is the objective of your NRS research project?
A: My project is investigating how venomous snake skull morphology is influenced by ecological factors, such as the snakes' diet, habitat and how they hunt. Snake skulls have been shown to be influenced by ecological factors before in specific snake families, but a large-scale comparative study across multiple snake families has not been done. My objective is to investigate if this trend is applicable across snake families, i.e., if vipers and cobras have similarly shaped skulls based on their habitat, diet, or hunting method.
Q: How has participating in the NRS program impacted your college experience?
A: When I first arrived at Oklahoma State University, I knew I wanted to be a biologist, but I did not know what field I wanted to go into or the types of jobs I would be interested in. I started my research journey in my second semester, and I really enjoyed what I was doing as a research assistant, but once I started my own project and became a Niblack Research Scholar, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in research. The Niblack Research Scholars program provided me with a career goal I wanted to reach and made me more determined to learn and do well in classes because I now had something to work towards.
Q: What advice would you give those considering an undergraduate research opportunity?
A: I would advise anyone who has even a minor interest in research to go and try it for a year (two semesters). I did not come into college with research experience, and I did not know what to expect, but I had an interest, and it really blossomed more than anything I could have imagined. I have always been a proponent of getting experience in a field before seriously considering a job, and college is the time to do that, and I believe research could benefit anyone in almost any field.
Q: Why did you choose OSU?
A: One of the main reasons I chose OSU is that I wanted to stay in the state to be close to my family, as most of my family lives in the surrounding area of Stillwater and my family plays an important role in my life. Another major reason is a large portion of my family are OSU alumni, and Stillwater was basically a second home to me while I was growing up. My family has done well in each of their respective fields and seeing this, I believed OSU would provide an education that would advance me towards my career goals.
Q: What has been your most memorable part of OSU so far?
A: The most memorable part of life at OSU has been the friends I have made. I have become very close with the friends I have made here, and they have enhanced every aspect of college life. I am a social person, so I like having people around to talk to, share my opinions, and have intellectual (and entertaining) conversations with. I have had many highs and lows as a college student, and my friends have been there for me all the way.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: I was just accepted to the master's program at OSU in the integrative biology department, and after I complete my master's, I would like to pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology. I find marine ecosystems and organisms fascinating, and I would like to continue conducting research, either for a university or, more likely, for government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In general, I want to keep learning and working on projects I believe can make an impact, whether in the realm of education or in more applicable ways, such as conservation.
Ella Moffet
Ella MoffetQ: What is the objective of your NRS research project?
A: My NRS research project aims to investigate the effects of a diet high in ultra-processed foods on hunger-related hormones, particularly ghrelin, and its impact on executive function.
Q: How has participating in the NRS program impacted your college experience?
A: Being a Niblack Research Scholar has encouraged growth in various aspects of my life, enhancing my time management, problem-solving and resilience skills. Mentorship and support from experienced faculty have also supported my personal and academic development.
Q: What advice would you give those considering an undergraduate research opportunity?
A: Reach out to professors or faculty members about getting involved in research. They are eager to invest in you and provide essential guidance, support and mentorship that can significantly enhance your research experience.
Q: Why did you choose OSU?
A: I chose OSU because of the positive experiences shared by people I knew and the strong sense of community among like-minded individuals who encouraged my academic and personal success.
Q: What has been your favorite part of OSU so far?
A: My favorite part of OSU has been building a supportive community of friends who stand by each other through the highs and lows of my life.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: I plan to graduate this December with a degree in nutrition public health, then move to Tulsa to pursue a career in that field.
Angelique Robinson
Angelique RobinsonQ: What is the objective of your NRS research project?
A: The aim of my NRS research project is to examine the role of fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase - better known as "PFK2" - in the heart regeneration of mice. PFK2 has become increasingly relevant due to its role in heart functioning and prevention of hypoxia, a condition of low oxygen levels in tissues.
Q: How has participating in the NRS program impacted your college experience?
A: Participating in the Niblack Research Scholars program has gifted me the opportunity and motivation to pursue the stimulating and challenging field of research. This opportunity has been impactful for me, as through the past year of surgeries, staining and imaging, I have been given the ability to find confidence in studying heart regeneration - a field I had little academic experience in prior to participating in this program. This field of research is particularly meaningful to me due to me having observed the direct effects of heart and skeletal weakness in my little brother, who has been previously diagnosed with a more extreme form of the terminal illness Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Q: What advice would you give those considering an undergraduate research opportunity?
A: My biggest tip of advice to those interested in undergraduate research is to apply and pursue what interests you. I used to be a person who told themself it would be impossible for me to receive an opportunity to research due to my age and general lack of experience. Instead of being a person who tells themself "No," due to whatever reason it may be, be a person who says "yes" to any opportunity that aligns with your goals. Do not be the person to limit your future in undergraduate research because you do not feel qualified enough.
Q: Why did you choose OSU?
A: I chose OSU for its proximity to my family and its plentiful agricultural and research history. However, I stayed at OSU for its caring faculty and students, the Ferguson family, and meaningful traditions - most notably Homecoming.
Q: What has been your most memorable part of OSU so far?
A: The most memorable part of my OSU experience was receiving the opportunity to intern at both Oklahoma State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Having the privilege of witnessing the routine appointments, diagnostics, clinical emergencies, rehabilitative care and surgeries and the generally warm and enriching atmosphere of both colleges alike is something I will never cease to forget.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: I hope to attain both a DVM and Ph.D. to further pursue my passion for the intersection of medicine and research. While I have not chosen a specific field of veterinary medicine I am interested in pursuing, the integration and relevance of both entomology and cardiothoracic medicine surrounding laboratory animals is at the forefront of my interests. I strive to use these two passions of mine to mentor and educate younger generations about the relevance of agricultural industries (e.g. entomology) in medicine through veterinary extension.
Feven Tesfaselassie
Feven TesfaselassieQ: What is the objective of your NRS research project?
A: Our lab is looking for an alternative pathway to antibiotics. A little more specifically, we are looking to boost cell immunity so much so that the cell can directly kill the bacteria without the help of antibiotics. Right now, we are testing natural compounds in vitro on chicken HTC cells.
Q: How has participating in the NRS program impacted your college experience?
A: I think that it has had a major impact on my college career. I gained so much experience that you can never learn in a classroom. In research, there is so much room to grow and learn. You will certainly have fallbacks in your research, but it also teaches you to get up and try again.
Q: What advice would you give those considering an undergraduate research opportunity?
A: Go for it! If you see a lab you are interested in, don't be afraid to reach out to the professor and ask if they have time to talk about their research. If you like it, ask if you can join. If you are just starting in a lab, don't be intimidated by the scientific words and the complicated processes. You will get the hang of it, and soon, everything will make sense. It's important to ask your mentor questions, no matter how silly. It will help you understand the process, and they get it - they were in your shoes at one point as well.
Q: Why did you choose OSU?
A: I chose OSU because I liked how open research was to undergraduates. Any undergrad can join a lab if they want, which is something that not many colleges have. I also loved the community and the atmosphere as well. They have an amazing vet school as well, which was a big factor in my decision.
Q: What has been your most memorable part of OSU so far?
A: To me, it was the last Bedlam football game. It was such an experience to watch and a good memory to have. It was such an amazing game and will go down in history, I am glad I got to be there for it.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: Right now, my future goals consist of graduating undergraduate school and pursuing either vet school or furthering my education in research.