Arkansas INBRE’s paid summer research fellowships are available for undergraduate students who are rising juniors or seniors. Selected students will work on a project relevant to human health led by a faculty member at either the University of Arkansas, or the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. We offer two 9-week summer research programs tailored to students with STEM majors (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and related disciplines) who are considering careers in biomedical research.
The Mentored Summer Research Program is designed for undergraduate students who plan to obtain additional training beyond a baccalaureate degree that includes but is not limited to either graduate school or medical school.
The Professional Research Opportunity (PRO) Summer Program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in biomedical research (e.g. research technologist in a laboratory or core facility) soon after obtaining a baccalaureate degree in a STEM discipline.
AR INBRE coordinates two additional summer programs:
IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics
Clinical Trials Office (CTO)
For more information, see our Summer Programs webpage or contact Diane McKinstry, AR INBRE Outreach and Summer Program Manager, (501) 526-6515, Email
Bear with us. We’re in the process of adding more profiles.
MSRP Students Bailee Brinkley, ATU (year 2) Danny Caceres, Hendrix College Bennett Dishongh, Hendrix College Murphy Hernandez, Harding University Audrey Hill, UAF Jada-Lynn King, Lyon College Joan Obi, UAF Devyn O’Daniel, A-State Samuel Paez, JBU (year 2) Zhychaeus (Zhy) Powell, Philander Smith College Dishant Sharma, U of Southern California Himanshi Shorie, UAFS Spencer Stutts, Hendrix College Rylan Ward, UCA Jacee Wheat, Hendrix College Jadyn Wilhite, Harding University Kalyn You, UALR Jacee Wheat, Hendrix College
PRO Students Kiah Rucker, Philander Smith College Rebecca Solina, UALR Praise Fabiyi, UAPN David Sierra, ATU Mohammed Naif, UALR Godistruth Umeakuekwe, UAPB
Proteomics Students
CTO Students Presley Chism, UCA Muhammed Waqas, Hendrix College
Click image to learn more about each student. Students listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Bennett Dishongh Rising Senior, Hendrix College Researching at UAMS
Double Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Study of the Mind/Neuroscience
What I am researching this summer: In Dr. Katie Ryan’s lab, we are investigating the role of cystatins 1-4 in the invasiveness of triple negative breast cancer cells.
Plans after graduation: I want to pursue a PhD in a biomedical science at UAMS.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy playing soccer and am the u10 competitive coach for Arkansas Rising.
Murphy Hernandez Senior, Harding University Researching at UAMS
Double Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology and Applied Spanish
What I am researching this summer: I’m researching the role of two genetic regulators in Acinetobacter baumannii pathogenesis.
Plans after graduation: After graduation, I plan to get certified to be a Medical Laboratory Scientist specializing in microbiology.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I’ve been playing the French horn for 10 years and am a member of my school’s marching band. I’m a huge dog person, I love to read, and I love working with kids.
Audrey Hill Rising Senior, University of Arkansas Researching at UAMS
What I am researching this summer: This summer, I am working with Dr. Craig Porter studying the relationship between burn injury and muscle creatine deficiency.
Plans after graduation: After college, I plan to pursue medical school.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I am a competitive runner and compete in cross country and track. I also love to read and spend time with friends and family!
Jada-Lynn King Rising Senior, Lyon College Researching at UAMS
Major: Biology and Chemistry
What I am researching this summer: I am researching novel discovery compounds that can directly activate the BCL-2 protein, BAK, to initiate apoptosis in cancer cell lines in Dr. Tudor Moldoveanu’s lab. My project also consists of developing a focused library with compounds that can activate the four main cellular death pathways: apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis.
Plans after graduation: Attend medical school to pursue a career in oncology.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy being outside, hiking, and travelling to new places!
David Sierra Senior, Arkansas Tech University Researching at UAMS
Major: BioMedical
What I am researching this summer: I’m researching multiple myeloma at UAMS with Dr. Delgado-Callie.
Plans after graduation: I plan to become a doctor.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I referee soccer games and I enjoy outdoor time.
Jacee Wheat Rising Junior, Hendrix College Researching at UAMS
Major / Minor: Biochemistry – Molecular Biology
What I am researching this summer: I am researching the effects of inhibition of the translesion polymerase kappa and how that may help overcome chemotherapy resistance in glioblastoma, hopefully making the standard treatment temozolomide more effective.
Plans after graduation: I plan to go to medical school to become a physician, but I am also considering pursuing an MD/PhD degree.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I am on the Hendrix College tennis team, but I also love to read, crochet, and just be outdoors!
Jadyn Wilhite Senior, Harding University Researching at UAMS
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for Pre-medicine
What I am researching this summer: I am researching cancer immunotherapy, specifically PCK2, an enzyme we aim to better understand in the hope of developing more effective T-cell therapies.
Plans after graduation: After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and obtain an MD. Following medical school, I hope to pursue orthopaedic surgery.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy spending as much time as I can outdoors. I love working out, golfing, and listening to good music.
Bennett Dishongh
Murphy Hernandez
Audrey Hill
Jada-Lynn King
Jacee Wheat
Jadyn Wilhite