The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is ecstatic to work with the various scholar programs on the OSU campus because of the combined ability to provide support for college preparation, connection to various resources, and nurturing of the students’ individual academic development. In the end, our goal is to have our students become as effective and successful as they can be during their time here at OSU.
We encourage participation with these colleagues across campus to guarantee that a future generation of leaders in science can emerge from Oklahoma State University.
Various OSU Scholar Programs
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
The purpose of SACNAS is to offer educational and professional development resources and opportunities to students in STEM disciplines. The Microbiology Department has a high number of students in this wonderful organization. It is also important to mention that this is the only SACNAS chapter in the state of Oklahoma. Meetings are the first Monday of the month at 5:30pm. Check out the OSU-SACNAS Facebook page.
Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Paticipation (OK-LSAMP)
The OK-LSAMP is a consortium of Oklahoma colleges and universities working together to develop programs aimed at increasing the number of students from under-represented populations who receive degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines funded in part by the National Science Foundation. Current goals and activities of OK-LSAMP focus on undergraduate research experiences, graduate school preparation, and international experiences. The Microbiology department is proud to have, and work with, students in this scholar program. Students who are selected receive faculty mentoring, peer mentoring, professional development, support for conference travel, and excellent networking opportunities. Meetings are every other Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm. Check out their Facebook page for more details or contact Brenda Morales (brenda.morales@okstate.edu) for more information regarding the program.
Freshman Research Scholar Program
The Freshman Research Scholars program at Oklahoma State University provides an opportunity for approximately sixty bright, ambitious students to extend their education beyond the classroom by engaging in cutting-edge research under the guidance of innovative faculty researchers. OSU and the Department of Microbiology understands that students who graduate without research experience have not taken full advantage of all that a comprehensive research university has to offer, so we lead the way in supporting undergraduate research in all fields of study. We can encourage and elevate the education of our students with the hands-on experience that can serve them as a window to what a real scenario research setting is about. The application deadline for incoming freshmen is late July.
Life Sciences Research Scholar Program
Similar to the Freshman Research Scholar Program, the Life Sciences Freshman Research program can present numerous opportunities for financial assistance. With a undergraduate research dedication being at the forefront of our goals, there are multiple organizations willing to give out scholarships. This program is for students in their first year of college that will be in a life sciences major. The Microbiology Department is proud to have many students who have been accepted into this program as incoming freshmen. A recent Microbiology major tested 3 types of vaccines against Coxiella burnetii, which causes dysentery, most commonly in children in refugee camps as part of their project with the Life Sciences Research Program. Students fulfilling this program will receive a $1000 scholarship. Application deadline is in late July.
Teaching Assistant Opportunities for Undergraduates
The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is proud to offer a unique Teaching Assistant opportunity to its undergraduates who wish to teach. We offer the process as an Instructional 4990, through Ms. Connie Budd, for current undergraduate students to get their hands into teaching students. Typically, we offer this opportunity for the Introduction to Microbiology Lab course (MICR 2132) but occasionally offer it for other microbiology courses. To be qualified for the class, the student must have received an A in the course. Through this opportunity, students will get first-hand experience in how the preparation for teaching for a lab course goes, as well as learning to teach the students. We take pride in this program since it is a unique opportunity that undergraduate students normally cannot partake. If you are interested in a Teaching Assistant opportunity, please contact Connie Budd (connie.budd@okstate.edu) for more information.