SWOSU Student Colter Esparza Wins 2nd Place in Category at Research Day at the Capitol

Colter Esparza with certificate for his presentation at Research Day at the Capitol. and Dr. Pragya Sharma.

Colter Esparza, a student from Willow, Okla., studying in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), received 2nd place in the Regional, Community, and Tribal College category at the 29th Research Day at the Capitol. Held on March 19 in the Oklahoma State Capitol Rotunda, this annual event was created to showcase the high-quality research conducted at Oklahoma colleges and universities.

Outstanding undergraduate students from Oklahoma's academic institutions are selected by their schools to participate in the program. Esparza's presentation titled "Beyond Sugar: The Nutrient Needs of Pancreatic Cancer Cells" earned him the 2nd-place recognition.

Esparza presented research he is conducting under the guidance of Dr. Pragya Sharma, Assistant Professor of Biology at SWOSU. Esparza's presentation stood out among the 25 undergraduate participants from various universities and colleges statewide. His achievement was honored with a $250 prize and a certificate of achievement.

Research Day at the Capitol serves as a platform for Oklahoma institutions to gain recognition for their research, showcased to legislators, the media, and the general public at the State Capitol. Additionally, it provides government policymakers insights into the research being conducted by students on Oklahoma campuses.

Dr. Raman P. Singh, OK EPSCoR State Director, and Dr. Allison D. Garrett, Chancellor of Higher Education, presented Esparza with his well-deserved award, recognizing his dedication and contributions to science.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.