OSSM’s Investigative Research Scholars Program (IRSP) Provides  
Hands-On Experience for Students 

Through Program, High School Students Participate in Real-Life Research 

Six rising seniors at OSSM participated in the school’s 2023 Investigative Research Scholars Program (IRSP) this year. Over the past three weeks, these students worked with research laboratories and companies throughout Oklahoma City to get hands-on experience for their future profession.  

Participating institutions include the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center (OUHSC) and its College of Pharmacy, and Heritage Trust. Through the program, students researched cardiovascular biology, pharmaceutical services and microbiology and immunology. Additionally, Tajvir Singh is working with Heritage Trust to study Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential effects on the economy.   

“The OSSM IRSP offers students relevant, hands-on experience in research,” said OSSM President Tony Cornforth. “In addition to building teamwork and leadership, this opportunity demonstrates a student’s ability to think critically and gather data for evidence-based conclusions.” 

Mentorships are a distinguishing component of the OSSM curricula. Through the program, OSSM students work with more than 60 academic institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies in the Oklahoma City area. Through these partnerships, students work alongside professionals in many fields including research, medicine, and engineering.