UAMS Inspires Future Health Innovators at AR Tech DaSH Summer Camp
| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Northwest Regional Campus hosted its second annual Arkansas Technology and Data Science in Health & Medicine (AR Tech DaSH) summer camp from June 2–6.
This immersive, hands-on camp brought together 25 rising 10th-grade students from 12 different schools across Northwest Arkansas, offering them a unique glimpse into the intersection of technology, data science and health care.
Designed to spark curiosity and cultivate interest in health sciences careers, the free camp was structured around team-based learning and mentorship, with students working in teams of five. Each team was guided by rising second-year medical students and College of Medicine clinical and basic science faculty, creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment.
Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of interactive medical activities, including:
- Dissecting pig hearts and conducting brain inspections to understand human anatomy
- Exploring histology during a light microscopy lab, identifying various organs at the cellular level
- Participating in abbreviated Stop the Bleed training and learning suturing techniques on simulated skin
- Practicing intubation skills using advanced simulation manikins
The camp also offered a robust introduction to medical imaging and diagnostic tools. Students learned to interpret and use:
- Ultrasound, infrared and CT imaging modalities
- Electrical signal monitoring through electrocardiogram, or EKGs, (heart), electromyography, or EMGs, (muscles) and electroencephalogram, or EEGs, (brain)
To build clinical confidence, students practiced using real medical equipment with standardized patients:
- Sphygmomanometers for blood pressure
- Pulse oximeters for oxygen saturation
- Spirometers to assess lung volume
- Stethoscopes to listen to the heart and lungs
- Handheld point-of-care ultrasound devices to visualize organs and tissues
In addition to clinical skills, students gained insight into data science in medicine, exploring health care disparities using online datasets and performing hands-on analysis of the Framingham Heart Study through Orange Data Mining software. These exercises emphasized how data informs decision-making and drives research in modern health care.
The week concluded with a friendly, team-based competition where students showcased their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a celebratory culmination of their efforts.
The camp was directed by Kevin D. Phelan, Ph.D., professor of Neuroscience, with Megan Crouser, M.D., serving as clinical co-director and mentor. Esteemed faculty and physicians also contributed to the camp’s success, including:
- Paul D. Drew, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Neuroscience
- Sara Assem, M.D., assistant professor and program director of Internal Medicine Residency program
- Eugene Smith, M.D., cardiologist (Department of Veterans Affairs, Little Rock)
- Marcene McVay-Gillam, M.D., pediatric surgeon
- Andrea McMahon, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry
Supporting the camp behind the scenes were Sandra Perez, AR Tech DaSH Education Outreach Program Coordinator, and Carson Davis, a rising senior at Farmington High School who served as camp assistant and photographer.
Mentorship was provided by rising second-year medical students Morganne Browning, Justin Long, Cade Richesin and Ty Wagner, while incoming medical students from the Class of 2029 served as standardized patients: Samad Akhter, Emanuel Cazano, Kaleb Kovitch, Ed Martinez and Nathan Taylor.
A career panel rounded out the camp experience, featuring individuals from a variety of health disciplines:
- Evan Griesse (College of Pharmacy student)
- Kristen Hoover, BSN (Nursing)
- Austin Miller, DPT (Physical Therapy)
- Vito Villa, OTR/L (Occupational Therapy)
“The AR Tech DaSH summer camp exemplifies the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus’ dedication to early STEM engagement,” Phelan said, “providing meaningful educational opportunities for young students and helping shape the next generation of health care and biomedical science leaders.”
All gallery photos by Carson Davis, a rising senior at Farmington High School who served as assistant to the director and camp photographer.
