The Niblack Research Scholars (NRS) program provides support to Oklahoma State University undergraduates to conduct research in one of OSU’s research laboratories under the general guidance of a member of the research faculty and with day-to-day mentoring by a graduate student.

The NRS receives a stipend of $2,000 per semester for the academic year, plus $4,000 for two summer months ($8,000 total).  The award winners must commit to working in a laboratory for the two semesters and the two summer months.  The graduate student mentor receives a research assistantship stipend of $2,100 to be received during the summer months (3 x $700/month).

The NRS program offers two schedules:  Schedule A is a fall/spring/summer program; Schedule B is a summer/fall/spring program.  Scholars must commit to return the following October to present their research to Dr. Niblack at his annual visit.

A comprehensive research university like OSU is in a unique position to offer undergraduate students an exciting academic experience outside the traditional classroom.  The purpose of this award, made possible by the generosity of Dr. John Niblack, is to give outstanding students an appreciation of scientific research in a laboratory environment at an early stage of their academic careers.  Research experience is invaluable in helping the students choose a career path for themselves, in improving their likelihood of success in the workforce, and in helping the students decide if graduate school is the correct choice for them.

These awards are not intended to provide faculty members with assistants, but to provide students with a valuable educational experience not available to most undergraduate students.

Eligible students, studying on the Stillwater campus and enrolled full-time, must have at least 28 and no more than 94 semester credit hours earned (cumulative graduation/retention) at the start of the program.

Students selected for the award must arrange with their faculty sponsor to receive three hours of academic credit (1 hour each fall, spring, and summer semester), or enroll in a specific section of UNIV 2910 Niblack Research Scholars established by the Vice President for Research office.

Award recipients must report to their faculty mentors by the end of the first week of the semester or the award will be terminated.  A brief status report will be required before each semester’s stipend is approved.  Students must participate in the OSU Research Symposium in the spring and must present their findings to Dr. Niblack at an event the following October.