About OK-LSAMP
The Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (OK-LSAMP) is designed for students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the OK-LSAMP program began in 1994 when several Oklahoma institutions of higher education joined forces to significantly increase the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of under-represented minority students in STEM disciplines. The OK-LSAMP program is named after retired Ohio Congressman Louis Stokes, who is responsible for numerous minority focused programs throughout the NSF. The ultimate goal of OK-LSAMP is to increase the number of degrees earned in STEM disciplines by students from under-represented populations. Current goals and activities of OK-LSAMP focus on undergraduate research experiences, graduate school preparation, and international experiences.
The OK-LSAMP program has helped thousands of students from various under-represented populations graduate with degrees in STEM fields. Nationwide, approximately 30% of all STEM degrees earned by Native Americans are completed in Oklahoma Institutions. Oklahoma continues to graduate more Native American students than any other state.
More information about the OK-LSAMP program can be found on the Oklahoma State University (Lead Institution) Website.
Opportunities for OK-LSAMP Students
SWOSU OK-LSAMP students are able to work in on-campus research jobs with competitive pay and additional opportunities to thrive and excel in the research setting. The Oklahoma program nurtures and assists students through the undergraduate program while creating opportunities for students to pursue graduate degrees in their selected STEM disciplines. OK-LSAMP scholars are provided with opportunities to interact with faculty scientists, participate in research activities, present at various conferences, and prepare for the transition into graduate programs or the workforce. SWOSU OK-LSAMP students are encouraged to attend local, state, and national research conferences. Past students have been selected for elite international research opportunities, such as:
- Courtney Garcia, who was selected to participate in a 10-week research program in Cadiz, Spain, where she did marine chemistry research with marine life with well-renowned faculty in the International Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the University of Cadiz, Spain, sponsored by Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.
- Ashlie Walker, who was selected to participate in a 10-week research program in Grenoble, France during the summer of 2014. Walker was nominated for an International REU position by mentor Dr. Tim Hubin and while abroad worked with Dr. Guy Royal at the University of Grenoble in France. The program is run by Louisiana State University and aims to give American students the opportunity to study abroad during their undergraduate years. This program routinely targets LSAMP students nationwide to participate in this National Science Foundation funded Research Experience for Undergraduate Students.
SWOSU OK-LSAMP students have gone on to receive graduate degrees from many well-respected institutions in the U.S. and internationally. Many SWOSU OK-LSAMP students have continued their exciting research after graduation, such as
- Cammi Valdez, a SWOSU graduate and OK-LSAMP alum with degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics, was accepted to represent Harvard University at the 2010 summer Nobel Laureate conference in Germany. Only 77 graduate students from the United States are invited to attend this conference, only one from Harvard. Cammi was the first SWOSU graduate and first OK-LSAMP Scholar to be a PhD student at Harvard. Cammi was one of our most productive and dynamic OK-LSAMP grant scholars. In addition to the Nobel Laureate conference, Cammi was also selected to attend the Euroscience Open Forum (EOF) that was held in Torino, Italy in July 2010.
- Manny Cortez, one of two ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholars featured in the Fall 2009 STATE magazine, is an OK-LSAMP Scholar. SPIRIT Scholars gain an advantage through the program’s scholarships, professional development, networking, internships, and mentoring opportunities.
Benefits
Benefits of the program include
- $250 - $1,000 stipend per semester
- Possible paid summer research internship
- Research projects in state-of-the-art laboratories with faculty mentors
- Peer mentoring & community building by serving as a role model for other participants
- Opportunities to develop faculty-mentored research projects
- Retention and scholastic enhancement through skill-building, academic tracking, intense and close interaction with other OK-LSAMP student trainees and mentors
- Travel opportunities to present research projects at state and national science conferences
- Opportunities to prepare for graduate school
Requirements
Requirements of the OK-LSAMP program include
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative or graduate/retention GPA
- Full-time student status in approved STEM field (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, & Mathematics)
- S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Demonstrated intent in pursuing undergraduate research and a graduate degree in STEM discipline
- Participation and contribution to program activities
- Membership of the following under-represented groups: African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Native Pacific Islander, White (must be first-generation college student)
Apply NOW to the OK-LSAMP Program
There is no annual deadline to apply for OK-LSAMP, but the sooner you apply, the sooner you can start participating and receiving benefits! If you are interested in participating in the OK-LSAMP STEM program, complete an application as soon as possible or contact:
Dr. Trevor Ellis
Chair, CPP 204B
Phone: 580.774.3200
E-mail: trevor.ellis@swosu.edu