Student research takes center stage at Niblack Scholars Day

Student research takes center stage at Niblack Scholars Day

Monday, October 6, 2025

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | [email protected]

The 2024-25 cohort of Niblack Research Scholars presented their final research reports this Friday.

From exploring how mouse ear notching affects research results to uncovering estrogen's role in Alzheimer's disease, 10 Niblack Scholars presented a diverse lineup of research this year, each study representing a glimpse into the passion and persistence fueling their discoveries.

The event on Friday not only showcased student studies but also featured Dr. Kenneth Sewell, vice president for research at Oklahoma State University; Dr. John Niblack, OSU research alumnus and benefactor; and his wife, Heidi Niblack, who gave insights and tangible research perspectives to students as they presented.

Sewell congratulated the students on their journeys as researchers and the impact he expects them to make.

"I encourage you to take full stock of what it's meant to change from being a passive consumer of knowledge to being a co-creator of it," Sewell said.

All 10 scholars presented their findings to the panel in the Student Union, covering an array of topics:

• Olivia Emerson, Biology
• Jorja Ford, Biology
• Bennett Upton, Biology
• Kathryn Burton, Animal and Food Sciences
• Amber Meeker, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• William Ertl, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
• Olivia Morgan, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
• Jake Patterson, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
• Carsyn Gragg, Physiological Sciences
• Udhav Ramachandran, Physiological Sciences

Emerson, a scholar from Jenks, Oklahoma, shared her research on the auditory effects of ear notching on mice. With help from her faculty advisor, Dr. Elizabeth McCullagh, she was able to run a series of experiments on how altering the developing and sensitive pinna can impact ear morphology.

Ford, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, shared her findings on the impact of estrogen in the brain and its aid to fighting Alzheimer's through her study in mice. Her studies were guided by faculty advisor Dr. Christine Johnson, along with other faculty she developed a close relationship with.

"Thank you for being like a psych family to me, and teaching me that in both research and life come struggles, but we can always try again," Ford said.

Anonymously, each researcher submitted their reflection on the program and what it meant to them and their undergraduate careers.

"The program culture encourages intellectual engagement beyond the classroom and the university scale strikes a rare balance: large enough to support advanced inquiry, yet small enough to reserve interpersonal focus," one scholar submitted.

Dr. Niblack's generous contribution to this program allows scholars to engage in real scientific research early in their academic journeys. The three-semester program lets students dive into real research with guidance from faculty mentors.

Throughout the year and full-time in the summer, scholars build skills, explore careers and gain confidence for what comes next in their research journey.

Niblack took the stage and shared how his remarks at this year's event looked different from years past.

"This may be a bit of a depressing message for you … but I want to tell you the current status of the funding organizations for research," Niblack said.

His message was a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the research field and the loss of experienced professionals. He closed with a call to action, urging the next generation of researchers to carry that responsibility forward as they enter the profession.

"It's going to impact everyone in this room eventually … and these are the scholars right here who are going to rebuild American science," Niblack said.

Story By: Annelise Vinson | [email protected]