Back row – Dr. Puskar Chapagain, Dr. Daniel McDermott, Dr. James Hyde, Alessia Sonzini, Charles Patton, Justin Gravett, Rylee Griffis, Kelsey Saveall, Gabriel Garcia, Dr. Abdel Bachri Front row: Jenna Holmes, Dr. Adrian Showalter, Hannah Bearden, Hallie Nielsen
Four Southern Arkansas University students presented innovative research at the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Conference, held November 8-9, 2024, at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Arkansas INBRE aims to expand biomedical research opportunities across the state, fostering innovation and collaboration.
The annual INBRE conference brings together biology, chemistry, and physics researchers to share insights and engage with the academic community. This year, SAU’s representation highlighted the University’s growing research capabilities:
- Hannah Bearden, a biology pre-health major under the guidance of Dr. James Hyde, explored the effects of nanoplastics from food containers on model neurons.
- Gabriel Reyna Garcia, engineering major, presented on determining the refractive index of 2D ferroelectric material
- Rylee Griffis, a biochemistry major mentored by Dr. Gija Geme, investigated the use of raw wastewater as a seed control for carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand testing.
- Hallie Nielsen, a biology pre-health major collaborating with Dr. Daniel McDermott, examined snake immunity as a promising model for human immune systems.
“These students exemplify the innovation and dedication that SAU strives to foster,” said Dr. Abraham Tucker, chair of the Biology Department. “Their research addresses critical challenges in science, and they’ve made us proud on a state and national level.”
SAU faculty also contributed to the conference’s success. Dr. Puskar Chapagain of the Physics Department delivered an invited lecture on his work with carbon nanotube-alumina nanocomposites. His research into developing materials with unique mechanical, thermal, and optical properties has potential applications in magnetic sensors, data storage, and electromagnetic interference shielding.
SAU’s participation in Arkansas INBRE has yielded transformative resources for the University, including advanced equipment such as an inverted fluorescence microscope, a flow cytometer, a 3D imaging apotome, and a gel imaging system for DNA and protein analysis. Faculty members Dr. Daniel McDermott and Dr. Jeremy Chamberlain are collaborating with Dr. Lorin Neuman-Lee of Arkansas State University on snake immunology research, supported by an INBRE collaboration grant.
“Our students and faculty are making significant contributions to scientific knowledge,” said Dr. Abdel Bachri, dean of the College of Science and Engineering. “The investments and opportunities provided by INBRE have elevated SAU’s research profile, enabling us to mentor the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
SAU continues to build its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and collaboration, empowering students and faculty to impact scientific discovery across Arkansas and beyond.
About Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
