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MVSU "STEM-U-late” students during summer institute

ITTA BENA, Miss.—This summer, 13 students from colleges across the country visited Mississippi Valley State University to stimulate or, in this case, “STEM-U-late” their future career and educational plans.

MVSU’s Bioinformatics Program hosted its STEM-U-late (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics University – Leveraging Analytical Technologies for Education) Institute July 5 through Aug. 2.

The program is designed to allow aspiring students the opportunity to explore the field of bioinformatics through the integration of mathematics, computer science, and molecular biology.

To be considered for the institute, applicants had to be at least a sophomore in good academic standing at their respective university and majoring in a natural science, computer science, mathematics or a STEM discipline.

During the four-week program, students resided on MVSU’s campus and received a $3,500 stipend. Their coursework and research were conducted in the MVSU Science and Technology Building.

Dr. Abigail Newsome, MVSU’s graduate coordinator of Bioinformatics, explained that the STEM-U-late Institute introduces scholars to the interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics.

"Attendees can explore the use of scientific and computational components of bioinformatics and data mining techniques as they relate to agri-aquaculture and health," Newsome said.

"They also received the opportunity to engage in topics ranging from the analysis of medical/biomedical data, talking with leading scientists, and conducting genomic analyses," she added.

Tiarra Hamilton, a junior Chemistry/Biology major from Dillard University, said that the institute introduced her to a new world of opportunities.

"I applied for this program to gain insight and to see what my options are. I also wanted to know more about what is in the field of chemistry and how this program could guide me in making those decisions," Hamilton said.

Tiarra Hamilton, Dillard University

Jackson State University Senior Biology major Ja'Merica Dixon said that before attending the institute, she was set on attending pharmacy school. However, the STEM-U-Late Institute has opened her eyes to other professional possibilities.

"In a normal setting in school, you may have one hour of lab work," Dixon explained. “At the Institute, we were in the lab two-to-four hours a day, and that lab experience has been beneficial. The Bioinformatics program this summer has opened my eyes to other possibilities in case I change my mind and decide to do something else."

(Pictured left) Ja'Merica Dixon of Jackson State University

Dixon admitted that before coming to MVSU this summer, she had no idea what all bioinformatics entailed.

"I came to get familiar with what it is. As a science major, there is a vast playing field of what you can major in, and bioinformatics is just another door that has been opened to us as far as career options are concerned," she said.

Hamilton said that Bioinformatics is a unique combination of biology and computer science.

"As biologists, we get to perform all of the lab work, and then we get to transfer that information into the computer and analyze it," Hamilton said. “This opportunity has opened our eyes to research-based career opportunities as well as teaching careers."

Brandon Hawkins, who is from Jacksonville, Arkansas and a member of the MVSU baseball team, said he heard about the program from word of mouth and was excited to be extended the opportunity to attend.

Brandon Hawkins, MVSU

"This program was a blessing for me," said Hawkins, a senior biology major at MVSU. “With the institute I saw a unique opportunity…as I was going through the application process, I had two goals—establish lifetime connections and friendships and also to learn new procedures and techniques. I was able to do both."

Hawkins said that everyone seemed to take away a better understanding of educational and career opportunities in bioinformatics.

"Coming in we all had plans, and we knew what it was we wanted to do with our careers," said Hawkins. This program broadened the field to what we can do. It made you think," he said.

Students attending this year’s institute represented Alcorn State University, Dillard University, Edward Waters College, Jackson State University, Jarvis Christian College, Rust College, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and MVSU.

MVSU offers the only Master of Science in Bioinformatics degree in the state. To learn more about the graduate program, contact Newsome at (662) 254-3395 or e-mail bioinfo@mvsu.edu

Snapshots from MVSU Bioinformatics' 2019 STEM-U-late Institute
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