ORU Research into Mushrooms and Cancer Treatment Wins 1st Place at Annual Research Day at the Oklahoma Capitol
Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 30th, 2025—Oral Roberts University (ORU) biology student, Natalia Ramirez-Sotelo, earned first
place at the Research Day at the Capitol, a statewide competition showcasing undergraduate
research to Oklahoma’s legislators. ORU took first place in the competition, competing
against a rigorous selection of 25 students representing 18 Oklahoma colleges and
universities. Natalia’s research focused on testing the cancer-fighting properties
of Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom, against glioblastoma,
one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
“I was curious,” said Natalia, “to discover whether secretions from Lion’s Mane mushroom could selectively eliminate glioblastoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Conventional cancer therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, operate by systemic toxicity—they eliminate cancer, but also exhibit off-target effects on nearby healthy tissues and organs. For this reason, cancer patients would greatly benefit from a natural alternative to modern-day cancer therapies.”
The project, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. William Ranahan, Biological Sciences Research Director at ORU, demonstrated results consisting of a specific fraction of the mushroom’s secretions which not only reduced the viability of glioblastoma cells to 10% but also increased the viability of healthy cells to 120%—a significant indicator of selective toxicity and potential for targeted cancer therapies.
“Dr. Ranahan’s mentorship has been invaluable,” said Natalia. “If it wasn’t for the one-on-one training I received at ORU, I would not have been equipped to participate in this event. In the lab, I have learned to listen to the Holy Spirit, and when I conduct scientific investigations, I consider it an act of worship unto the Lord.”
Dr. Ranahan, who guided Natalia through her multi-year research journey at ORU, reflected on her achievement and the deeper purpose behind their work:
“While maintaining top grades in a very challenging major,” said Dr. Ranahan, “Natalia has developed into an astute, compassionate, and disciplined leader. Her research has earned her top recognition at every competition she has entered. Her leadership in the lab has helped train future research students to model excellence and humility. Her ability to communicate complex scientific discoveries truly sets her apart. Natalia is a whole leader whose life will impact the whole world.”
“Research at the Capitol was an unforgettable experience to culminate my four years at ORU,” said Natalia. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to share ORU’s cancer research with Oklahoma’s legislators. I feel very honored to represent my University and to see the product of my hard work in research over the years!”
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
