NWOSU Logo in white
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • 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

Share:

More Posts

Six Northwestern Oklahoma State University Division of Education students stand together holding folders and notebooks at the Spring 2026 Education Career Fair in the Student Center Ballroom, with employer tables visible behind them.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Hosts Education Career Fair Sept. 8

Northwestern Invites Job Seekers to Education Career Fair Sept. 8 Northwestern Division of Education students (left to right) Christina Tuton-Lunow, Madison Vaverka, Jamie Niblett, Madison

Ranger Blog Icon

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Closed for Labor Day Sept. 7

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Closed for Labor Day Sept. 7 Northwestern Oklahoma State University will close Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

NASA Acres Space for Ag Tour flyer for Alva, Oklahoma, showing headshots of Dr. Karen St. Germain and Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft beside a photo of farm equipment at sunset, with event details for Thursday, Aug. 27, at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

NASA Directors Visit Northwestern Aug. 27 on Space for Ag Tour

NASA Directors Visit Northwestern Aug. 27 on Space for Ag Tour ALVA, Okla. — Northwestern Oklahoma State University will welcome directors and teams from National

Jazz vocalist Alexis Cole sits on a bench beside a dark wood grand piano, turned toward the camera and smiling. She wears a black long-sleeved top and trousers with gold hoop earrings and a gold bracelet. One arm rests along the top of the piano and her other hand rests near the keys. Sheet music sits on the music desk, and the background is a plain white wall in soft daylight.

Alexis Cole Jazz Trio Opens Northwest Oklahoma Concert Series Aug. 25 in Alva

Alexis Cole Jazz Trio Opens Northwest Oklahoma Concert Series Aug. 25 in Alva Jazz vocalist Alexis Cole performs with the Alexis Cole Jazz Trio on

PrevPrevious30 Students Register, Learn Skills During Northwestern eSports Day Camps in June
NextReport Shows Economic Impact of Northwestern Oklahoma State UniversityNext
NWOSU Logo in white
  • 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717
  • Phone: (580) 327-1700
Navigation
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
Quick Links
  • University News
  • Online Application
  • Title IX Info
  • Sitemap
  • Employee Directory
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Snapchat Youtube Flickr Pinterest Linkedin

Mission Statement

Northwestern Oklahoma State University provides quality educational and cultural opportunities to learners with diverse needs by cultivating ethical leadership and service, critical thinking and fiscal responsibility.

RUSO logo in white

Privacy Policy | Powered by High Five Media

  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Degree Options
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni
  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Degree Options
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni