Two district teachers were among five selected by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) as Foundation Scholars. Susan Baker of Putnam City North High School and Lesa Rohrer of Putnam City High School will participate in a four-week summer science program in OMRF's laboratories.

The teachers will work with active medical researchers and also attend seminars by OMRF research scientists. One seminar, "Living Chemistry," will focus on cell metabolism and the production of biological energy. It will give teachers the opportunity to design an integrated series of projects that they can take back to classrooms and laboratories in their home schools.

Rohrer sees the program as a great chance for a role reversal.

"It is vital to return to the student mindset and put myself in their position occasionally," she said. "To have the opportunity to work with actual scientists in a laboratory is a dream come true for me."

Since 1988, OMRF's Foundation Scholar Program has given 60 middle- and high-school science teachers the chance to participate in hands-on biomedical research in state-of-the-art facilities.

"When these educators return to their schools, their newfound knowledge and the network they have established with other teachers benefits their students and their colleagues as well," said OMRF researcher Tim Mather, Ph.D., science coordinator for the program.