OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Aug. 1, 2024) — Three students from Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) participated in an immersive biomedical research opportunity through the Oklahoma IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (OK-INBRE) Summer Undergraduate Research Program from May 20-July 23.
The OK-INBRE program, hosted at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, is known for its rigorous selection process.
“Congratulations to OCCC biology students Kaleb Roper, Kirsten Hart and Alex Corgan for being accepted to this competitive internship,” said Dr. Juanita Ortiz, OCCC interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “With many programs restricting applicants to juniors and seniors at four-year institutions, we are grateful to OK-INBRE for welcoming undergraduates from diverse academic backgrounds.”
During the internship, OCCC biology students Kaleb Roper, Kirsten Hart and Alex Corgan gained hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories and worked alongside leading researchers and mentors at the forefront of their fields.
“Summer research is crucial for students,” said OCCC biology professor George Risinger. “It not only enhances their academic understanding but also equips them with research skills and professional networks that are essential for their future careers.”
The internship involved an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule with faculty mentors guiding the students. In addition to spending time in the labs, they attended enrichment sessions that covered topics like graduate school applications and abstract writing. On the final day of the internship, Corgan, Hart and Roper delivered poster presentations of their summer research.
For more information about the students’ experience, visit https://www.occc.edu/news/2024/three-occc-students-land-prestigious-ok-inbre-summer-research-internships/.
About Oklahoma City Community College
Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission, and we offer more than 87 degree and certificate programs that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose.
Media Contact:
Sarah Barrow
Executive Director of Communication
405-834-5406
sarah.barrow@occc.edu
