Hunter Helvey at Research Day at the Capitol
The Gallogly College of Engineering congratulates Hunter Helvey, a senior Biology major and undergraduate researcher in Dr. John Clegg’s Biomedical Engineering lab, on being named the overall Grand Prize winner at the 2026 Research Day at the Capitol, held April 28 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Avery Glinsmann, a Chemistry major and undergraduate researcher in Dr. Singh’s lab, earned second place in the research-intensive institution cohort. OU was also represented by finalist Leena Ahmad, who conducts research with Dr. Tingting Gu.
Helvey earned the competition’s top honor for his research on glioblastoma treatment and drug delivery following a highly competitive, multi-step selection process that recognizes Oklahoma’s leading undergraduate researchers. As Dr. Clegg elaborated, “Hunter’s research closes a key gap in the available material technologies for brain drug delivery and glioblastoma treatment. His independent project systematically determined the degradation profile and toxicity profile of a new biomaterial, intended for brain injection and local drug delivery. His work advances our long-term objective to develop and translate a drug-device combination product for treatment of brain tumors. It is very exciting to see Hunter, and his outstanding research, recognized at the state level.”
Research Day at the Capitol is a premier undergraduate research competition that showcases top student researchers from across the state. Approximately 25 undergraduate finalists representing 18 institutions were selected to present their research posters to legislators, state leaders, and members of the public.
Helvey has conducted research in Dr. John Clegg’s lab since his participation in OU’s Freshman Year Research Experience (FYRE) program in 2023. He is also a member of the OU Honors College. He has won several competitive research awards positions from OU, including the UReCA Summer Fellowship and OU-HC CURE. Helvey previously earned the Phi Beta Kappa Award for Best Presentation at the 2025 OU Undergraduate Research Day. Helvey graduates this semester and will begin medical school this summer at the OU Health Campus.
The Gallogly College of Engineering celebrates these students and their faculty mentors for representing the university and advancing undergraduate research excellence across Oklahoma.
