By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

The Oakland University Research Advisory Committee named 10 OU students as the November 2003 recipients of the provost-sponsored University Student Research Scholar Awards. The research scholar program invites students to become exposed to the challenges and excitement gained by pursuing independent research projects. The most recent awardees bring the total number of recipients to 45.

“Oakland offers unique undergraduate research experience and support to students who present creative ideas and plan on working in partnership with faculty mentors,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Virinder Moudgil. “Many student scholars have co-authored research publications with faculty mentors and presented their work at national and international conferences. Opportunities early on in their careers to engage in research, and evaluate whether or not a particular field is consistent with their long-term professional interests, sets Oakland University students apart from their counterparts. Years from now, many of our student scholars will look back on their research experiences as the best investment they made into their exemplary professional careers.”

The most recent research scholars to be named include Chad Baker, Lauren Brick, Christopher DeVreugd, Andrew Ekstrom, Stephanie Niec, Maila Perkio, Craig Sergeant, Matt Tiza, Cheryl Ann Trzasko and Matthew Wimble.

Chad Baker, an undergraduate from Pontiac, is working with lecturer Mary Tracy-Bee from the School of Health Sciences on a project titled “Anatomical Variability in the Mandibular Skull Features.”

Lauren Brick, an undergraduate from Rochester, is working with Professor of Political Science Vince Khapoya on a project titled “Women’s Development in Africa.”

Christopher DeVreugd, an undergraduate from Rochester Hills, is working with Professor of Physics Gopolan Srinivasan on a project titled “Magnoelectric Effects in Hot Pressed Ferromagnetic/Piezoelectric Composites.”

Andrew Ekstrom, an undergraduate from Madison Heights, is working with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Linda Schweitzer on a project titled “Detroit River Remediation Assessment.”

Stephanie Niec, an undergraduate from Otisville, is working with Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences Andrew Goldberg on a project titled “Cloning and Characterization of t-GARP from a Bovine Retinal Library.”

Maila Perkio, an undergraduate from Rochester, is working with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Ferman Chavez on a project titled “Development of Therapeutics for Free Radical and Oxidative Stress: Superoxide Dismutase Mimics.”

Craig Sergeant, a graduate student from Rochester, is working with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Roman Dembinski on a project titled “Synthesis of Cobalt Complexes with Potential for Anticancer Activity.”

Matt Tiza, an undergraduate from Rochester, is working with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Ferman Chavez on a project titled “Synthesis and Characterization of Mononuclear and Binuclear Metal Complexes Supported by a Macrocyclic Ligand.”

Cheryl Ann Trzasko, a graduate student from Rochester, is working with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Amanda Bryant-Friedrich on a project titled “Radiation Induced DNA Damage.”

Matthew Wimble, a graduate student from Rochester, is working with Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems Balaji Rajagopalan on a project titled “The Use of Genetic Algorithms to Induce a Classification Set for Online Message Board Postings.”

Award recipients receive up to $1,000 to support their research projects for a minimum of one semester and have the opportunity to apply for up to $500 in travel support to present their research results at a professional conference. By accepting an award, student research scholars agree to work on the proposed project for at least one semester (15 weeks) and submit a final research report within one year. The final report deadline for November recipients is January 2005.

The Research Advisory Committee, comprised of faculty from a broad range of disciplines, reviews and evaluates each submitted proposal. Students are selected based on their academic strengths as well as the quality, significance and potential impact of their proposed research projects.

“The undergraduate research scholarship program is possible because of the close relationship between our faculty and students,” said Ron Olson, interim vice provost for research. “It’s enticing because our undergraduates are able to delve into and take charge of a substantial research project. It can also help a student define a career. Some participants may go on to graduate school. Others may enjoy research enough to want to pursue a doctoral degree. The program is a wonderful opportunity – one I wish I had as an undergraduate.”

Applications for the program are accepted three times per year. The guidelines and application material may be accessed from the Provost’s Program for University Research Scholars Web page. For additional information, contact Olson at (248) 370-3223 or olson@oakland.edu.