Mission Statement
The mission of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is to promote a conducive atmosphere on the UAMS campus for the overall welfare of graduate students. The GSA represents the graduate students in campus organizations, and acts as a liaison between the Graduate School faculty and UAMS Administration to address student concerns. The GSA also promotes the graduate programs at UAMS and encourages the sharing of scientific research ideas among UAMS students.
2023-2024 GSA Officers
- President: MD Mohsin Ali
- Vice President: Shahed Sufian
- Secretary: Taiquitha “Tai” Robins
- Treasurer: Isabelle Okito
- ASG Reps: Sudip Panday and Reham Sewilam
President: Md Mohsin Ali
Mohsin is a fifth-year PhD student in the Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science at UAMS. He was born and raised in Bangladesh and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and Genetics before joining UAMS in 2019. Mohsin’s research is focused on skeletal aging using preclinical transgenic mouse models. He has previously served as the secretary of GSA. Mohsin enjoys traveling, listening to podcasts and music, and connecting with others.
Vice President: Shahed Md Abu Sufian
I am a PhD candidate in the Health Systems and Services Research program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. As the newly elected Vice President of the UAMS Graduate Student Association, I am committed to representing graduate students on the curriculum committee and academic senate, as well as organizing networking and career development events.
Professionally, my passion lies in formulating, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based policies and interventions to strengthen healthcare systems and improve public health outcomes. Currently, my role as a data science intern involves evaluating pivotal value-based programs for a leading health insurance company. Simultaneously, as a graduate research assistant, I analyze national survey data to assess the quality of patient-provider communication and explore behavioral disorders among children and adolescents using an all-payer claims database.
In addition to my professional roles, I have actively volunteered in multiple disaster relief initiatives, honing my leadership skills through participation in various leadership and entrepreneurship boot camps. On a personal note, I am an avid sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about cricket and badminton. My love for travel, photography, cycling, and music keeps my spirit energized, allowing me to embrace new cultures and experiences wherever I go.
Secretary: Taiquitha “Tai” Robins
I am a third-year doctoral candidate in the Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) in the College of Medicine. I also serve as the Graduate School Student Ambassador for the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DDEI), as well as a student representative on the Curriculum Committee in DBMI.
My clinical-based research with Dr. Tremaine Williams, employs statistical techniques to evaluate the relationships between healthcare outcomes (hospital length of stay, costs, mortality, clinical diagnoses) and patients with multimorbidity in hopes to improve how risk is assessed and provide suggestions for improved point-of-care.
I have a Master of Art in Teaching (2020), resulting in a teaching license and over 7 years of classroom experience with elementary, middle, and high school students. I also have a Master of Science (2019) and Bachelor (2009) of Science in Biology, all from Thee Jackson State University in Mississippi. I am also a registered pharmacy technician with over 11 years of active experience. Finally, I am a DOT-trained specimen collector for drug and alcohol testing.
I am a fur mom to 3 very loving and active canines.
My passion for science is only rivaled by my passions for sharing information with others in ways that are easy to understand and for the support of justice, equity, inclusion, and overall fair treatment of each other as humans.
Treasurer: Isabelle Okito
I am a first year Ph.D. student in the Department of Biomedical Informatics in the College of Medicine. Having experienced difficulties myself, and witnessing the hardships endured by other graduate students has inspired me to serve. I will use my GSA position to ensure transparency in all financial matters of GSA, make GSA events more engaging through proper use of funding, and promote diversity on campus through fund disbursements.
ASG Representative: Reham Sewilam
Reham Sewilam (M.S., Genetics and Cell Biology), B.S, 2012, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. My past research has focused on improving chemotherapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. My work revolved around the exploration of the differential expression of liver-related microRNAs induced by Sodium butyrate, aiming to uncover novel approaches to combat this challenging form of cancer. After completing my master’s degree, I embarked on a new academic adventure by joining a cutting-edge research team in Dr. Rober Eoff’s lab, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department, College of Medicine, at UAMS. In this role, I contributed to uncovering the molecular mechanism by which specialized translesion polymerase kappa (pol k) as a barrier to protect glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells from DNA damaging chemotherapeutics. As a dedicated and motivated Ph.D. candidate, I am committed to advancing the field of cancer research and finding innovative solutions to combat this devastating disease.
ASG Representative: Sudip Panday
Sudip Panday is a master’s second-year student at the Department of Biomedical Informatics at UAMS. He graduated from Kathmandu University in 2019, majoring in biotechnology. Then, he worked for an antibody production company in Kathmandu for two years before he moved to the USA. Now, he is working with Professor David Ussery. His research focuses on comparing a million Salmonella genomes. As an Associated Student Government representative (ASG), he is determined to represent the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and work as a bridge between GSA and ASG.
Content Committee:
Md Mohsin Ali’s Extended Committee was created during the 2023-2024 Session of the GSA. As a result, one form of the Extended Committee is the Content Committee Chaired by Tai Robins. This subcommittee is composed completely of non-elected students who volunteer in these capacities based on their self-identified and extraordinary talents. The following students currently serve in these roles.
Content Writer: Madeleine Scott
I’m a 4th year student in the Microbiology and Immunology track whose research centers around pneumonic plague pathogenesis. Currently, I am investigating how integration of the EF-Tu-like GTPase BipA into the ribosome during infection impacts protein production and alters virulence. As a scientist, I understand the importance of effective communication to audiences of all education levels, and I’m excited to help set up a GSA newsletter so everyone knows about all the research going on at UAMS! In addition to lots of academic reading, in my free time I enjoy cooking new recipes, caring for my small flock of chickens, and walks at Two Rivers.
Facebook and GSA Webpage Manager: Lokesh Akana
I am a PHD student in GPIBS program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology track at UAMS. I am currently serving Graduate Student Association in the content committee as a social media manager.
My academic journey began with a strong foundation in the cancer research, culminating in a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. Eager to deepen my understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression, I transitioned seamlessly into the field of radiation oncology, where I thrive as a promising young researcher at UAMS.
In Dr. Wolfe’s lab, I study the role of methyl transferase SETD2 in mediating signals of KRAS mutation in inducing radiation resistance in colorectal cancers with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for radio-sensitization.
Beyond my research interests, I find inspiration in simple joys of life like traveling, hiking, watching movies and listening to music.”
Twitter and Instagram Manager: Olabowale “Ola” Olola
I serve as the Twitter and Instagram Manager for the GSA. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Pre-Medicine concentration from Washington Adventist University in 2018. I moved to Buffalo, New York, in 2018, where I completed my Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology in May 2020 and an Advanced Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in May 2022 at the University of Buffalo. In August of 2022, I moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, for my Ph.D. education. I am currently a second-year Ph.D. student majoring in epidemiology. My primary research includes perinatal epidemiology and birth defects.