Sen. Standridge wins committee support for nomination of Sean Bauman to Science and Tech Research and Development Board

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sean Bauman, President and CEO of IMMY, a Norman-based diagnostic test manufacturer, has received approval by the Senate Energy Committee for his gubernatorial nomination to serve on the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board—the board is the governing body for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology and the Oklahoma Institute of Technology. Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is carrying Bauman’s nomination, which was approved by the committee on Thursday.

Bauman holds a master’s and PhD in microbiology and immunology and is playing a crucial role in Oklahoma’s response to COVID-19.  IMMY has partnered with the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Norman Regional Health System to process hundreds of virus tests daily.  The company has also developed an antibody test to determine who has already had the virus and recovered. In addition, Bauman currently serves on the governor’s Solution Task Force.

 “I cannot imagine a more qualified person to serve on the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board. Dr. Bauman and his company are known nationally and internationally, and his efforts here in Oklahoma in our fight against COVID-19 have been invaluable,” Standridge said. “Dr. Bauman also epitomizes ‘Oklahoma First!’, which is my effort to highlight the excellence and opportunities that can be found when we look to companies and individuals right here in Oklahoma to help make us national leaders in manufacturing, research and more.  We are incredibly fortunate that he is willing to take on this additional service on behalf of our state.”

Bauman said his experience during the pandemic has underscored the importance of service and collaboration.

“I have witnessed ways that Oklahomans have been resourceful and innovative in solving problems with limited availability of PPE.  I have seen what can be accomplished when teams of people work together to accomplish a goal, irrespective of public or private employment.  I have seen barriers that previously existed evaporate. I want to see Oklahoma excel, beyond our imagination, in the areas of science and technology, and I believe that Oklahoma can diversify its economy by investing in these areas,” Bauman said.

Standridge said Bauman’s nomination will next be considered by the full Senate.

For more information, contact Sen. Rob Standridge at 405-521-5535 or email Rob.Standridge@oksenate.gov.

MAKE IT COUNT OKLAHOMA!  An undercount in the census of just 2 percent can cost the state $1.8 billion in lost federal money over the next 10 years. Fill out your census form, Oklahoma. Learn more at: www.2020census.gov.

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