Hudson College of Public Health Faculty Member Mentors OSSM Student to Research Recognition at GREAT Symposium

Dr. Balaji Sadhasivam, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the OU Hudson College of Public Health, is making an impact beyond the university's walls through his mentorship of high school researcher Anthony Phan.

Phan, a senior at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM), has been working under Dr. Sadhasivam’s guidance since April 2024 as part of his capstone research component for graduation. His work with Dr. Sadhasivam recently earned him the High School Trainee Award for Scientific Achievement at the 50th annual GREAT (Graduate Research Education And Technology) Symposium hosted by the OUHSC Graduate College.

“Mentorship is an important part of the academic mission of our college, and Dr. Sadhasivam’s dedication to supporting young scientists exemplifies that,” said Dr. Dale Bratzler, Dean of the Hudson College of Public Health. “We’re incredibly proud of Anthony’s achievement and of Dr. Sadhasivam’s mentorship that helped make it possible.”

The award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates outstanding scientific contributions by high school students engaged in mentored research at the Health Sciences campus. Anthony's recognition at the GREAT Symposium highlights the value of early exposure to hands-on research and the vital role faculty play in nurturing the next generation of scientists.

OSSM’s Mentorship Program has long been a hallmark of its academic curriculum. Since the early 1990s, OSSM has placed more than 500 students in research mentorships with professionals across Oklahoma. Through partnerships with more than 60 academic institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies—including OUHSC—students like Anthony have the opportunity to conduct meaningful research while still in high school.

These mentorships begin in the fall of a student’s senior year and require at least four hours of research work each week. Students are paired with mentors based on their field of interest, and their projects culminate in both a formal paper and a public presentation. For students looking to start even earlier, OSSM also offers the Investigative Research Scholars Program (IRSP), an intensive three-week summer experience.

Dr. Sadhasivam’s mentorship of Anthony reflects the mission of both institutions: preparing students to make a difference in public health and the broader scientific community. With data showing that early research experiences strongly predict future success in scientific careers, the collaboration between OSSM and the Hudson College of Public Health stands as a model for building pathways to research excellence.

“It’s been a privilege to work with such a driven student,” said Dr. Sadhasivam. “Anthony’s curiosity and dedication to learning have been remarkable, and I’m thrilled to see him receive recognition for his hard work.”

As Anthony prepares to graduate from OSSM, his experience at OUHSC will no doubt serve as a strong foundation for his future studies—and as a lasting example of the power of mentorship in shaping tomorrow’s scientific leaders.