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  • July 3, 2025
  • NWOSU Admin

OK-LSAMP Opens Doors: Northwestern Student Explores STEM in France, Spain

Alva senior Ko Brooks takes a selfie while standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. She was able to take this trip to France and Spain because of a scholarship from the Oklahoma-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (OK-LSAMP) program.

Ko Brooks, a senior biology major from Alva attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University, was selected to participate in an international STEM experience through the Oklahoma-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (OK-LSAMP) program.

Brooks joined 15 other students from universities across Oklahoma on an academic trip to France and Spain from May 25 to June 1. The week-long journey included visits to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Palace of Versailles, as well as guided tours of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona and the Sagrada Familia. Students also participated in university and industry site visits related to STEM fields.

“My favorite part of the trip was getting to visit the Louvre,” Brooks said. “Getting to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and other iconic paintings and statues felt surreal. Additionally, most students on this trip were complete strangers to each other. But we all bonded quickly, and I made new friends that I now couldn’t imagine the trip without.”

One of Ko Brooks’ favorite parts of the trip to France and Spain was seeing the famous Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre in Paris.

One of Ko Brooks’ favorite parts of the trip to France and Spain was seeing the famous Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre in Paris.

The OK-LSAMP program, led by Oklahoma State University and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to increase the number of underrepresented students earning degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Fourteen four-year universities across the state, including Northwestern, are part of the alliance.

“I’ve been the OK-LSAMP-STEM campus coordinator at Northwestern since 2002,” said Dr. Tim Maharry, professor of mathematics and chair of the mathematics and computer science department. “Approximately four to eight students each year receive scholarships and other support through the program. It benefits students by providing scholarships as well as funding for research and attending conferences and seminars. Students can continue in the program beyond Northwestern if they pursue graduate degrees in STEM fields.”

Brooks said the flights, tours and two group meals were paid for by OK-LSAMP.

“I had never imagined I would get this opportunity, Brooks said. “I knew the program had many research and travel opportunities, but nothing like this trip.”

Brooks encourages other eligible students to participate in the program.

“OK-LSAMP offers many research opportunities, both nationally and internationally, and travel opportunities such as this trip,” Brooks added. “Another major part of the program is supporting students who are seeking to go on to graduate school. Monthly meetings focus on helping students apply and transition into graduate school.”

Brooks, who is actively involved in the program, said this international experience exceeded her expectations and credits Maharry for making her aware of this scholarship opportunity.

Northwestern students interested in information on this program should contact Maharry at tjmaharry@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8583, or contact Brooks at kmbrooks12@rangers.www.nwosu.edu.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Corky Hall, University Relations Intern
Cahall85@rangers.www.nwosu.edu | 580-327-8482

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