News in the Virology lab
Dr. Akhtar Ali’s Awards
1. Outstanding Research Award (May 16, 2025)- by the University of Tulsa.
2. Faculty Champion for Global Engagement Award- (May 15, 2025), by the Center of Global Education, the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
3. Outstanding Senior Research Award (May 05, 2025), by the Oxley College of Health and Natural Science, the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
4. British Society for Plant Pathology-Fellowship (May-July, 2024), at the University of Hertfordshire and Imperial College of London, United Kingdom).
5. Zelimir Schmidt Outstanding Researcher (New directions-2023), Engineering and Natural Science, College, The University of Tulsa. Dr. Ali received the Zelimir Schmidt Award for Outstanding Research from the Dean of Engineering and Natural Sciences.
6. US Fulbright Fellowship– (2017-2018), Japan: In 2017, Dr. Ali was awarded a U.S. Fulbright Fellowship to conduct research at Okayama University in Japan. During his sabbatical leave in the fall of that year, he focused on studying mycoviruses that infect Fusarium poae.
Virology lab Graduate students’ awards
1. Presidential Graduate Assistantship Award: Caleb Paslay graduated with an MS in Virology in 2023 under the supervision for Dr. Ali. He was awarded the Presidential Graduate Assistantship Award to continue his PHD at the University of Tulsa.
2. Best presentation award: Dulanajnai Wijayasekara, a PhD student in Dr. Ali Lab was awarded a certificate of Honorable Mention for
her best presentation in the 21th Annual Student Research Colloquium held at the University of Tulsa from April 02-05, 2018.
3. ASV travel award: Kathryn Stuppy, a PhD student in Dr. Ali lab was awarded a travel award by the American Society
of Virology (ASV). She will present her results in the 37th Annual meeting of ASV meeting to be held in Maryland
from July 14-18, 2018.
Research opportunities in the Virology lab
Are you curious about virology research and how viruses affect people both directly and indirectly? If so, consider joining the Virology Lab.
I enjoy working with motivated undergraduate students and often support their involvement in research projects. I regularly receive grants and occasionally hire undergraduates on an hourly basis to assist with various research activities. If you are interested, it is best to reach out before the semester begins so we can discuss potential projects and explore how you can become part of the Virology team.
There are several ways you can get involved in the Virology lab—let us find the one that works best for you.
1. Undergraduate Research Opportunities
If you are an undergraduate student at the University of Tulsa and interested in conducting Independent Research in the Virology Lab during the semester, you are encouraged to get involved. To get started, please email me (akhtar-ali@utulsa.edu) your CV and request an appointment. During our meeting, we will discuss your research interests and explore ongoing projects in the lab that align with your goals.
2. Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC) program
If you are an undergraduate student at the University of Tulsa and interested in doing research over the summer, consider applying to the TURC program. It is a competitive opportunity for undergraduates, and if selected, I would be happy to host you in the Virology Lab.
3. High School Research Opportunity: Junior TURC Scholars Program
Are you a motivated high school junior with a passion for science and research? Apply to the JTURC Program via The University of Tulsa — a competitive summer research opportunity hosted by the University of Tulsa!
Selected students will spend part of their summer (June–July or July–August) working hands-on in a university research lab, gaining experience with molecular techniques and cutting-edge virology research — all before graduating high school. Do not miss this chance to jumpstart your research journey and explore the world of science in a real lab setting!
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