Lyon College biology majors Emily Berry and Hannah Davison spent their summer advancing their knowledge of public health research through the prestigious Stead Scholars program with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Public Health.
The Stead Scholars program provides Arkansas college students with hands-on experience in public health research and practice. The paid, eight-week internship concludes with a ceremony where participants present their findings to family, peers, and health professionals. Named after longtime ADH leader William Stead, M.D., the program launched in 2012 and expanded in 2016 when UAMS joined as a host.
Hands-On Research Experience
Hannah Davison, a senior from Jonesboro, conducted a time-and-motion study examining translation services in Arkansas health units. Her work measured total patient-visit times and average time with nurses. Despite challenges with incomplete data, Davison presented her findings during a Disease and Epidemiology meeting, an opportunity rarely afforded to undergraduates.
“Making lifelong connections while learning about the benefit and need for public health,” Davison said, summarizes her experience.
Emily Berry, a junior from Cabot, focused on bacteriophages—viruses that attack bacteria. Collecting samples from a local chicken farm, she identified bacteriophages effective against dangerous strains of E. coli. Through purification, assays, and DNA sequencing, Berry’s team identified highly active phages in the class Caudoviricetes.
“My summer was so much fun, productive and fulfilling,” Berry said, thanking her program mentors for guidance.
Lyon College Preparation
Both students credited Lyon College with preparing them for success. Davison said her Microbiology course gave her the background to discuss epidemiology, while Berry praised Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Alexander Beeser for encouraging her to apply and providing early research opportunities.
Building Professional Connections
Beyond the lab, Berry and Davison joined seminars and weekly discussions with state public health leaders on topics ranging from vaccines to federal policy, while also networking with peers from across Arkansas.
“It provides a wonderful opportunity to do research and be involved in public health … and to develop relationships with people from different backgrounds,” Davison said.
Berry added, “It was so insightful, and I made so many connections. I would encourage every student to apply.”
Opportunities at Lyon College
The accomplishments of Berry and Davison highlight the range of opportunities available to Lyon College students. Through a strong foundation in the liberal arts and a focus on undergraduate research, Lyon prepares graduates for success in science, medicine, and public health careers.
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