Discover a future in biomedical research this summer through OMRF’s Fleming Scholar Program. During this 8-week, paid summer research experience, Fleming Scholars will be guided by senior scientists while working on individual projects in cutting-edge labs. The discoveries made during this program could not only shape your future but also contribute to advancing treatments for human diseases. Since 1956, OMRF has been committed to training the next generation of Oklahoma scientists through the Fleming Scholar Program. We hope you will join us in making history as an OMRF Fleming Scholar!

Program Perks
Students selected to join the Fleming Scholar program will receive many perks and privileges, including:

• Free dormitory housing to all students who live outside of the OKC Metro area (defined as a 40-mile radius from OMRF)
• Free breakfast on workdays
• Free 24-hour gym access
• Free parking
• Free outings and cultural experiences

OMRF is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as key elements of our success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and foster an inclusive environment. OMRF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, considering all qualified applicants without regard to gender, sexual orientation, race, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

During the 8-week summer program (June 2 - July 25, 2025), Fleming Scholars are expected to:

• Maintain communication with Program Staff
• Attend weekly seminars and participate in occasional social events
• Write, with the help of their mentor, an abstract summarizing their summer project
• Give a short, formal scientific presentation outlining their research findings

To apply for the Fleming Scholar Program, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be a current high school senior or a graduate from an Oklahoma high school.
• Be a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore, or junior when you apply
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have unrestricted work authorization (e.g., J-2 with Employment Authorization Document). H-4 visa holders are not eligible
• Commit to the full eight-week program, from June 2 to July 25, 2025

Prior research experience is not required.

Scholar Selection Criteria
While scholars are expected to have strong grades in science and math courses, scholar selection is based on many factors, including:

• Aptitude and interest in science and math
• Good academic standing
• Compelling personal statements
• Strong, positive recommendation letters
• If selected for an interview, your ability to convey your scientific interests and desire to participate in the program during your interview

All application components must be submitted by February 1, 2025. Incomplete applications or materials received after this date will not be considered. You will receive updates and confirmations via email between the time of your application and February 1, 2025.

Application components

Resume: Your resume should briefly describe your education, employment, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Your resume should not exceed two pages.

Personal Statement: Your personal statement should tell us about you, your passion for science and how well you can communicate and express your ideas. Your personal statement should not exceed 750 words. Your statement should include:

1. Your name
2. Why science interests you, including examples of classes, hobbies, projects, or experiences that sparked this interest
3. Why you want to participate in the Fleming Scholar Program
4. Your long-term career goals

Unofficial Transcripts: Applicants that are high school seniors should submit unofficial high school transcripts. Applicants currently in college should submit unofficial high school transcripts and unofficial college transcripts as a single document.

Recommendation Letters: A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 recommendation letters. One recommendation letter must be from a STEM instructor. Please give your recommendation letter writers the Recommendation Letter Guidelines.

Document Submission

• In the application, when prompted to upload your resume, you should upload your resume and personal statement as a single document
• In the application, upload your unofficial transcripts in the “Additional Documents” section as a single document
• Recommendation letters should be submitted to SummerScholars@omrf.org

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please email SummerScholars@omrf.org.

Work hours are generally Monday – Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM. However, schedules may vary, typically with advanced notice, depending on laboratory experiments/needs and/or special events.