O'Keefe honored by Craft Academy Presidential Scholar

Palmer Schmidt, a 2025 spring graduate of the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at Morehead State University, dedicated his efforts to excelling in academics, leading multiple student organizations and serving the campus community. These are among many reasons he was named one of the Department of Education's 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, which recognizes outstanding high school seniors.

During his time at Morehead State University, Schmidt worked closely with Dr. Jen O'Keefe, interim chair of the Department of Engineering Sciences and professor of geoscience. Each Presidential Scholar was invited to name the teacher whose guidance was most influential in their education. Schmidt shared that Dr. O'Keefe’s, passion for science and geology shines from her basic to upper-level classes. This led him to nominate her as one of the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program's Most Influential Teachers of 2025.

During her career with the University, she founded the OPaL Lab, which focuses on training Craft Academy students and MSU undergraduate students to answer questions about past ecosystems, climates, and current environmental issues using microscopic and geochemical techniques.

Instruction in the OPaL Lab with O'Keefe, focused on geology and paleontology, played a pivotal role in developing skills such as teamwork and professionalism. This experience also provided Schmidt with a deeper appreciation for the scientific process.

Schmidt reflected, "Dr. O'Keefe made sure that everyone in the lab was always learning, whether skills-based, like using a microscope, or content such as reading scientific papers. She helped inspire an attitude of learning, which I try to keep active for myself."

Intrigued by the professor's emphasis on environmental science, Schmidt became involved in the "Fungi in a Warmer World" project—a collaborative research initiative led by O'Keefe and her students. This study employed fossil records to explore how fungal communities adapt to changing climate conditions.

Experiential skill-building is central to the professor's teaching philosophy, as she explains, "I needed to be in the trenches right alongside my students. I lead by example. We learn, and we do research together, and I'm continually jumping in and getting my hands dirty."

A typical day for O'Keefe included serving the University and her students as department chair in the morning, then switching to field gear and steel-toe boots to collect data. She emphasizes practicing hands-on skills and applying that technique through writing and data analysis to best prepare her students for possible career pathways.

Attending research conferences is one of the enriching opportunities students receive through O'Keefe’s mentorship. At a recent event, Schmidt heard professionals discuss water systems and resource management—an experience that proved instrumental in his decision to pursue graduate studies in civil and environmental engineering.

"Going to my first Geological Society of America meeting was rather eye-opening. I got to see the breadth of geological research that happens, and I was able to meet all kinds of cool scientists," said Schmidt.

Today, Schmidt is pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and intends to pursue a master's degree in environmental engineering.

As for O'Keefe, she was recently left in disbelief when, in early October, she received a letter from the Department of Education stating that Schmidt's nomination had succeeded in naming her one of the U.S. Presidential Scholar Programs Most Influential Teachers of 2025.

The recognition the professor received, she emphasized, is a testament to the dedication and achievements of her students—especially Schmidt. "I give my all to my students; they are our future. We need a science and technological workforce nationwide, and I'm doing my part to help build it with my students,” she said. "Every one of their successes is one more piece I've contributed to the puzzle, and Palmer, that's a big piece."

When asked what this award meant to her, she explained, "The nomination and the nominating letter have meant more to me than any award could have…That a student did that touched my soul, and Palmer credited me with his success is such a special thing and entirely unexpected. All I can say is thank you, Palmer. You're going to be amazing and do amazing things."

For more information on the Department of Engineering Sciences or the OPaL Lab, contact Dr. Jen O'Keefe at j.okeefe@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2381.

Photo, upper right: Dr. Jen O'Keefe showcasing student research posters on display in Lappin Hall.

Photo, lower left: O'Keefe conducting hands-on laboratory experiments with students.

All photos taken by Katie Pearce, a media production & journalism major from Burlington.