Nov. 8, 2013 | The UAMS Graduate School drew more than 150 students from 11 different institutions at its 13th Annual Career Day for Biomedical Sciences. The event offered undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows a chance to learn more about career options in biomedical sciences.

The event allowed students to hear from a variety of professionals, professors and scientists and learn more about graduate programs. Session topics included freelance scientific writing, health systems and service research, teaching at an undergraduate college and biotechnology startups.

Attendees came from across Arkansas and surrounding states. Undergraduate students were able to gain not only exposure to possible career choices, but also able to learn more about graduate programs offered at UAMS. Representatives of the different degrees were on hand to talk to students who were interested in the various graduate programs.

Dakota Pouncey, a junior biochemistry major at Hendrix was a participant in the UAMS Summer Undergraduate Research Program to Increase Diversity in Research and came back to campus for this event.

“I’m excited about the different talks to learn more about biomedical research and how it can lead to a career in public health or freelance scientific editing,” he said. “There are so many different options in this field, and everything is interesting.”

The day’s events not only opened the eyes of undergraduate students, but also were beneficial for graduate students.

“Today was important. It targets undergraduates, but there is a lot for graduate students as well,” said LeeAnn King, a graduate student who serves as a leader of the Graduate Student Teachers of Central Arkansas and an ambassador for the Graduate School. “I’m considering teaching but also research and even scientific editing on the side.”

Many speakers were from UAMS, but the event also featured professionals from other states. They included:

• Jennifer Schnellmann, Ph.D., associate professor, College of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina
• J. Mick Tilford, Ph.D., professor and chair, health policy and management, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, UAMS
• Elvin Price, Pharm.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, College of Pharmacy, UAMS
• Tim Lindbolm, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, Lyon College
• Suzie Scales, Ph.D., senior scientist, molecular biology, Genentech
• Tom Grammatopoulos, Ph.D., assistant professor, Boston University School of Medicine
• Tom Pilgreen, Ph.D., associate dean of student success, College of Health Professions, UAMS

Schnellmann was honored to be back at UAMS where she graduated from Graduate School in 1997.

“It’s so special to come back here,” Schnellman said. “Coming back and helping these students is a gift. I love this place and everything about it.”

Career Day helps educate students all the different possibilities they have and tells them options they might not otherwise consider or even know about.

“Today has really challenged me to think outside the box in terms of a career,” King said.