MAGNOLIA—If Southern Arkansas University honors student Rakesh Bam were asked to write a paper about what he did over his summer vacation, it might surprise his professor. That is because he spent 10 weeks this summer as an intern at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock studying Hepatitis C virus proteins and DNA replication.
Bam, a senior from Dhangadhi, Napal, was one of 15 students in the state of Arkansas chosen to participate in the internship. He said working in the Biochemistry and Molecular Science department at UAMS alongside tenured researchers was an experience that gave him a new perspective about working in a lab. This experience was gained after he got past his original intimidation, he said.
“They treated us like we were mature people, as if we already knew what we were going to do,” Bam said. “They expected us to do things on our own and we were treated equally with all the people in the lab.”
To apply for the internship, Bam had to send his transcript in and answer short essay questions. He also received letters of recommendation from Dr. James Rasmussen, professor and chair of biology at SAU, and Tim Daniels, a professor of biology at SAU.
Rasmussen described the internship selection process as very competitive and said the program pays for most of the student’s living expenses. Rasmussen said he remembers the day Bam received notice he was one of the students to be selected.
“He came in here about eight foot high,” Ramussen said. “He was really happy to get to go. This is just a tremendous thing to have on your resume. Sometimes students don’t realize how much this can change their lives.”
While in Little Rock, Bam had to make three oral presentations, one poster presentation and prepare a final research paper.
“I am glad that I didn’t graduate without doing something special,” Bam said. “I was worried about just studying text books in my four years.
Bam’s academic achievements were noted by SAU President Dr. David Rankin during the September board of trustees meeting.
“I am amazed our students do that kind of research,” Rankin said. “I think it just speaks to the quality of our students.”
Bam is the son of Birendra and Lalita Bam of Dhangadhi, Napal. He plans on continuing his education and pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. His special areas of interest are biotechnology and biochemistry.
