Dr. Brent Richards (Class of 1996)
Vice President for Academics, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics

Dr. Brent Richards, a member of the OSSM Class of 1996, currently serves as Vice President for Academics at OSSM. Since returning to his alma mater in 2008 as a professor of Biology, Dr. Richards has become a central figure in shaping the academic experience and mentorship culture of the school.

In the classroom, Dr. Richards is known for his deep knowledge, clear teaching, and passion for neuroscience and biology. Beyond teaching, he has played a key leadership role in several signature OSSM programs. As the former director of the Student Mentorship Program, he has guided hundreds of students in connecting rigorous academic work with hands-on research and career experiences across Oklahoma’s top laboratories, hospitals, and tech firms. He also oversees OSSM’s popular summer academies, helping expand access to advanced STEM learning for high school students statewide.

Dr. Richards earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 and his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Georgetown University in 2006. He completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health, where he contributed to foundational research on brain function and mental health.

His lifelong commitment to science education, student development, and academic excellence continues to shape OSSM’s mission and inspire the next generation of scientific leaders.