Held for more than 25 years, the statewide conference gathers student researchers from across Oklahoma, hosted in 2026 by a university founded as the Cherokee National Female Seminary
Baxter gives the keynote address in the University Center ballroom at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Photo: Northeastern State University
Dr. Raven Baxter gave the keynote address at Oklahoma Research Day on Feb. 27, 2026, at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. The statewide conference drew nearly 650 registered attendees from 18 institutions, according to the university.
Baxter opened the day in the University Center ballroom under the theme "Silver Linings: Research Illuminating a Brighter Future." Before she spoke, the audience heard welcomes from NSU President Rodney Hanley, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Sean Burrage, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and NSU Provost Dr. Carla Swearingen.
An audience member raises a hand during the keynote in the University Center ballroom. Photo: Northeastern State University
The conference came as trust in scientists and federal science money were both in the news. In January, Pew Research Center reported that 77% of U.S. adults had at least a fair amount of confidence in scientists. In April 2020, the figure was 87%. In mid-January, the Senate passed a spending bill with about $8.8 billion for the National Science Foundation, the Association for Psychological Science reported. It included $938 million for STEM education, which the House bill and the White House request had zeroed out.
Ahead of the event, Hanley said Baxter "embodies the innovative spirit" the university hopes to build in its students, according to NSU.
After the keynote, students presented their research in the Jack Dobbins Field House, and a Career and Graduate School Fair ran the same day. NSU alone had 130 participants. Cameron University sent 27 students, according to the university. Kong Lee of Colcord won first place among NSU graduate student posters for work on blocking the enzyme histone deacetylase 1.
Baxter also led a session for area science teachers and teacher interns.
Baxter meets with area science teachers and teacher interns. Photo: Northeastern State University
Oklahoma Research Day "promotes cross-campus and cross-disciplinary research among all institutions of higher learning in the State of Oklahoma," according to Cameron University. Hosting moves around the state. NSU hosted in 2025 and 2026, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University takes over in 2027 and 2028.
"This is our second-year hosting, which allows the event to move across the state and remain accessible to students and faculty from a wide range of institutions," Dr. Jessica R. Secratt, NSU's director of research and sponsored programs, said before the event, according to NSU.
Northeastern State was founded in 1846 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary. It calls itself "the oldest institution of higher learning in Oklahoma." Nearly 9,000 students attend its campuses in Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow.
Baxter is a molecular biologist who worked in drug discovery before turning to science education. Her Ph.D. research at the University at Buffalo focused on science communication.
Northeastern State published its account of the day, including its graduate poster winners.
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