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	<em>Oral Roberts University and Au Sable summer research student Opeoluwa (Ope) Oyewole recently received the <a href="/news_and_resources/news/au_sable_research_student_wins_best_paper_at_oklahoma_academy_of_science#.UQFG6yf7KuJ">2012 award for Best Paper</a> in the Environmental Science Division from the Oklahoma Academy of Science. Her paper was titled, &#39;A Comparison of Total Phosphorus levels in Lakes in Kalkaska County, Michigan and Relation to Trophic State Index.&#39; Ope shares her research experience and what she learned at Au Sable.</em></p>
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	<img alt="" src="{filedir_5}Ope-Oyewole-2012-250pxl.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 200px; float: right;" /></p>
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	I&#39;m grateful for the opportunity Au Sable afforded me to do science in a way that was fun, informative and challenging at the same time.</p>
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	The most important thing research at Au Sable taught me was that research in science is another way that I can worship God, the Creator, by studying creation. This is the ultimate goal of the Christian scientist.</p>
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	My research experience at Au Sable was wonderful! I had two research mentors that taught me a lot about how research should be done in a way that helped build on what was previously known and provide new knowledge. They encouraged me the whole way, showing me what to correct and how to go about doing it. The research students at the Institute also provide an environment that helped me to know that I was not alone, other people were going through the same process. The student body was also very encouraging, asking about my progress and even helping me with some of it (the Environmental Chemistry class, especially). Looking back, I feel like the whole Institute was involved in my research almost as much as I was! The environment at Au Sable is one that encourages you to do better and to finish what you&#39;ve started!</p>
