OKLAHOMA CITY – Three students from Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) were selected to be part of 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. Unlike many programs geared toward juniors and seniors at four-year universities, OK-INBRE welcomes undergraduates from diverse academic backgrounds.

The program is more than just a summer internship for Kaleb Roper, Kirsten Hart and Alex Corgan. Through OK-INBRE, they gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories and work alongside leading researchers and mentors at the forefront of their fields.

Hart stumbled upon the internship by pure chance.

“I was in the OCCC library and saw a posting about the internship on one of the TVs,” she said. “I shared it with my class, but Alex had already seen it, so we applied at the same time.”

OCCC biology professor Julian Hilliard played a major role in the application process. He wrote letters of recommendation for all three students and encouraged them to stay positive about their chances.

When they received the news about their acceptance, the students were overjoyed.

“Returning to OCCC to get my prerequisites was always a part of my plan but when I got the acceptance, it felt like a bigger step toward my goal of pursuing biomedical engineering,” said Corgan, who already holds a degree in radiologic technology.

Roper’s drive for medical research stems from a personal connection; when he was 3 years old, his mother was diagnosed with cancer.

“Growing up in that environment and seeing all the treatments really pushed me in the direction toward research. I hope to help find ways to make a difference,” he said. “I’m looking forward to learning and soaking up everything.”

OCCC biology professor George Risinger also emphasized the significance of early research opportunities for students.

“Summer research is crucial for students,” he said. “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 involves an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule with faculty mentors guiding the students. In addition to spending time in the labs, they attend enrichment sessions that cover topics like graduate school applications, scientific poster creation and abstract writing.