The Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in Sallisaw is hosting two interns who are participating in a program called Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) from OSU. These two students will spend 10 weeks living and working right here in Sequoyah county for their research.

Madeline Drake and Diana Garcia are going to be working with research and community mentors as they focus on local communities. After they collect their data, they will present the research they conducted at the Rural Renewal Symposium in the fall.

Drake attended Kansas State University to study agricultural communications as a junior. This summer she is working with Dr. Robinson of the OSU Agricultural Education Department.

Drake hopes to help recruit, mentor, and evaluate leadership roles in youth and work with Extension educators and civic leaders of Sallisaw. Her research will mostly compose from surveys. Then the data will be compiled, and a plan will be made and put it into action.

Drake expressed how excited she is for this opportunity as it gives her a chance to connect with people in person and remotely. She said she hopes to learn more about the research process, the area, and to know how to be more initiative.

“It is an untraditional internship and I’m able to improve other lives and myself in the process,” Drake said.

Garcia studied at Northern Oklahoma College for biological sciences as a sophomore. She hopes to one day attend OSU become a physician. She will be working with Dr. John Butcher from OSU Physiological Science Department this summer.

Garcia said she wants to determine what barriers exist relating to the understanding of diabetes. Her research will consist of broad surveys for adults as “it starts with the parents.” Then she wants to come up with a solution and help the people here.

They also hope to learn more communication skills. Garcia said she wants to understand healthcare better, and what can prevent people from getting it.

“I’ll get to learn more skills and help the community by helping prevent diabetes by educating others more about it, and giving more support to the community,” Garcia said.

These two amazing students aren’t alone, they have people in their corner supporting them. They have their research mentors, Dr. John Butcher and Dr. Robinson, who are going to help them with their research and guide them through it. They also have their community mentors, Dr. Audrey King and Linnea Harvey, who help them connect with others in the community, check in on them with weekly appointments, and give them space to work.