By Colton Strader
BATESVILLE, Arkansas — Lyon College biology majors Emily Berry and Hannah Davison spent their summer deepening their understanding of public health research as Stead Scholars with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Public Health.
The Stead Scholars program gives Arkansas college students firsthand experience in public health research and practice, concluding with a ceremony where each participant presents their findings to family members, peers and health professionals. Named after William Stead, M.D., a former longtime employee at the health department, the eight-week, paid internship launched at ADH in 2012. In 2016, the College of Public Health joined the effort to help host the program.
Davison, a senior from Jonesboro, conducted a time-and-motion study on the role of translation services in local health units across Arkansas, measuring total patient-visit times and average time with nurses. Despite incomplete interpreter-use data, she embraced the project’s complexity and even presented her work during a Disease and Epidemiology meeting—an uncommon opportunity for an undergraduate. “Making lifelong connections while learning about the benefit and need for public health,” she said, summarizes her experience.
Berry, a junior from Cabot, explored the microscopic world of bacteriophages—viruses that destroy bacteria—collecting samples from a friend’s chicken farm to identify phages active against uropathogenic and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Through purification, assays and DNA sequencing, her team pinpointed highly active bacteriophages in the class Caudoviricetes. “My summer was so much fun, productive and fulfilling,” Berry said, crediting program mentors for their guidance.
Both students said Lyon College prepared them to excel. Davison cited her Microbiology class for giving her the background to engage in epidemiology discussions, while Berry thanked associate professor of biology Dr. Alexander Beeser for encouraging her to apply and for providing early research experience.
Beyond the lab, the scholars attended seminars and weekly discussions with public health leaders on topics ranging from vaccines to federal policy, while building friendships and professional networks across the state.
“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.”
Their accomplishments highlight the breadth of opportunities available to Lyon students and the strong foundation of a liberal arts education that equips graduates to thrive in science, medicine and beyond.
