Oklahoma

Six Oklahoma State University undergraduate animal science students are expanding the known frontiers of animal agriculture through the university's Niblack Scholars Program.

The Niblack Scholars Program is an undergraduate-graduate student research partnership designed to foster and develop student interest in scholarly research in scientific disciplines. Each student works under the guidance and leadership of a faculty adviser.

Six of the 12 Niblack Scholars are from the animal science department in the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Those six scholars are: Alicia Davis, freshman; Jessica Evans, sophomore; Ryan Geisert, freshman; Erin Latham, sophomore; Clayton Smith, freshman; and Shana Watkins, junior.

Davis is a 2004 graduate of Bixby, Okla. She was home schooled by her parents Ted and Tricia Davis.

"I have wanted to become a veterinarian since the ripe old age of six, after coming to the OSU Veterinary (Teaching Hospital's) Open House," Davis said. "I have always loved working with animals, but I wanted to be able to have an impact on people as well. Veterinary medicine is a profession that enables me to help them both."

Evans, a 2004 Broken Arrow High School graduate, always had a desire to work with large animals, especially horses, and possibly even specialize in equine medicine.

"Science gives me the opportunity to appreciate the world we live in more," Evans said. "How amazing it is that we can grasp and understand science to use it for the betterment of life in so many ways."

A 2004 graduate of Stillwater High School, Geisert is the son of OSU's 2005 Sarkeys Distinguish Professor Rodney Geisert, a nationally renowned animal scientist in the field of swine genetics.

"Because of my love for science, I focused my high school curriculum on science and math," Geisert said. "While taking science courses at the high school and at OSU, I confirmed what I already felt in my heart. I love science and I really enjoy the hands-on experience found in a laboratory setting."

Latham, a 2003 graduate of Guymon Senior High School, felt the opportunity to be a part of a research project early in her career would allow her to gain vital experience that would benefit her own research someday.

"Oklahoma State is well known for its research, and participating in a project under the supervision of an Oklahoma State faculty member provides the best opportunity possible," said the career-minded sophomore.

For Smith, an out-of-state student from Lubbock, Texas, and 2004 graduate of Lubbock High School, the program allows him to pursue his interest in working with and studying animals both domestic and wild.

"I am interested in examining and diagnosing diseases in animals and developing better ways to prevent illness and treat animals in the field or laboratory," Smith said.

A 2003 graduate of Waukomis High School, Watkins felt fortunate to have received a research-based scholarship in her first year at OSU.

"This experience opened my eyes to the possibility of becoming a research veterinarian," Watkins said.

Don Wagner, head, OSU department of animal science, said the Niblack Scholars Program provides vital benefits to students, the department, and the animal agriculture industry as a whole.

"Science and innovative research are what generate the new tools and technology that continually move our animal industries forward," Wagner said. "The Niblack Scholars Program is a clever way to help stimulate increased interest in scientific activities and science-related careers."

John Niblack, retired vice chairman of Pfizer Inc. and president of Global Research and Development at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, established the research scholars program in 2004 in support of OSU research.

The Niblack Scholars Program comprises 12 undergraduate-graduate student partnerships in biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, nutritional science, physics and veterinary biomedical sciences.

Niblack Undergraduate Student Research Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship in the fall and spring semesters and a $4,000 scholarship in the summer semester. Niblack Graduate Student Research Mentors receive a stipend for their participation in the program.