Lee receives National Dairy Promotion and Research Board Scholarship
By Stacy Patton
FAPC Communications Graduate Assistant
9-4-2008
STILLWATER, Okla. – Aimee Lee, a student at Oklahoma State University and part-time employee of the Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center, received a scholarship from the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.
Lee received the $1,500 award, funded by Dairy Management Inc., based on academic achievement, leadership, initiative, integrity and interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline.
“As a senior at Oklahoma State, my undergraduate degree is winding down, and I have many thoughts about internship opportunities, graduate school and even job placement,” Lee said. “Winning this scholarship will assist me with the rising cost of continued education.”
A food science major at OSU, Lee will graduate in May 2009 and is currently working on a project comparing the capabilities of several cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus to produce bacteriocins under the supervision of Stanley Gilliland, FAPC microbiologist, Regents Professor and Sitlington Endowed Chair.
“It has been my pleasure to serve as Aimee’s academic advisor as well as an employer,” Gilliland said. “She has been working part time in my food microbiology research laboratory for approximately one and one-half years; thus, I am well enough acquainted with her qualifications.”
Because of her experience while working in Gilliland’s laboratory, Lee had the opportunity to participate in internships with the Land of Frost Inc. in Searcy, Ark., and Schreiber Foods in Carthage, Mo.
“My advisor, Dr. Gilliland, who has been involved in the dairy industry for many years, has helped me to receive numerous opportunities, including my internships,” Lee said.
Lee also is working on a project funded by the Lew Wentz Project for the Research Scholars Program. Her project evaluates the growing concern within the vegetable industry for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and proposes bleach and other commercially available products as sanitizing agents for vegetables.
Lee has been very active in extracurricular activities during her undergraduate studies. She is a member of seven student organizations and has been active in each. Lee also took advantage of an opportunity to participate in a study abroad program to China and Tibet in May 2007.
In addition to her outstanding academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities, Lee has an outstanding personality, Gilliland said. She interacts quite well with other students and faculty.
“Aimee is a well-rounded individual and certainly is a deserving recipient of the scholarship,” Gilliland said. “She is the type of student, who will be a graduate of Oklahoma State University of which we are extremely proud.”
Lee is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lee of Pryor, Okla. She is the granddaughter of Martha Bell of Pryor, Okla.
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
