ABI Provides Biotechnology Research Internships
JONESBORO – Four Arkansas State University students are selected to pursue their interest in science this summer in the Biotechnology Research Internship Program at the Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI) on campus.
The program's purpose is to provide basic support for A-State undergraduate science majors who want research experience in areas of life sciences or applications to life sciences during the summer of their sophomore or junior years.
During an introduction ceremony, the students were congratulated by Misty Murphey, director of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission, which supports ABI, and their faculty mentors.
Each student is matched with a faculty mentor who is conducting research related to biotechnology or biology from one of several departments and colleges, based largely on the student's interests. Selection also was based on academic credentials.
The students are:
-- Logan Meurer of Lake City. Meurer is majoring in clinical laboratory science and plans to become a certified medical technologist under the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, then go to medical school.
Meurer said, "I chose Arkansas State University because I knew it would provide me with the undergraduate education that I would need to start my professional career as well as the location of the university. Being so close to my hometown, I am able to be close to my friends and family."
-- Dylan Dulaney of Trumann. Dulaney is a junior majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, and plans to go to pharmacy school or pursue graduate work in physical therapy.
"The science program at A-State has all the needed resources for incoming science students; ABI undergraduate research programs, incredible scientific facilities, many different clubs, research opportunities, but most importantly the supportive and caring faculty made the choice easy," Dulaney said.
-- Carson Day of Cave City. Day, who has a farming background, is very interested in plants and their functionality, so he is majoring in biological science.
"Caring people in this college advanced my interest in science and made me aware of the many opportunities that exist with botany," Day commented. "Even if I end up pursuing a more agricultural based education involving plants, A-State has me covered with a strong agriculture program in which I can explore many possibilities."
-- Brian Mason of Jonesboro. Mason is a junior biology and chemistry major with an emphasis in pre-medicine.
Mason explained, "Arkansas State University was the natural choice for me since it is a nationally recognized research institute with a small town sense of community. The professors here really go out of their way to help you achieve your goals and everyone works as a team."
Each internship is valued at $2,500. The students work 20 hours per week for 10 weeks. An additional $500 is provided to the supporting laboratory for research supplies.
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