View Larger Image UAMS’ Emir Tas, M.D., (left) leads a table discussion about fatty liver disease and the benefits of high-intensity interval training.
UAMS’ Emir Tas, M.D., (left) leads a table discussion about fatty liver disease and the benefits of high-intensity interval training. Image by Diane McKinstry

Arkansas Undergraduates ‘Speed Date’ with Research at UAMS Obesity and Diabetes Workshop

By Seth Hooker

| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) presented undergraduate students with an opportunity to learn more about obesity and diabetes at a uniquely structured workshop May 25.

Elisabet Borsheim, Ph.D., (right) presents in one of the small-group discussions.

Elisabet Borsheim, Ph.D., (right) presents in one of the small-group discussions.

The workshop, hosted by Arkansas INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence), was attended by 15 students from around the state. There were presentations from seven UAMS researchers, five of which were carried out in a rotating, small group format with each presentation taking 20 minutes.

“Being able to talk to the various experts face to face, rather than just sitting in a big lecture hall, really helps you understand the material,” one of the attendees said.

The Arkansas INBRE program fosters interest in research science careers in colleges and universities around the state. It is funded by the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a program created to expand geographic distribution of NIH funding for biomedical and behavioral research.

Arkansas INBRE is directed by Lawrence Cornett, Ph.D., a distinguished professor in the College of Medicine Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at UAMS. Thomas Kelly, Ph.D., who serves as the program’s Primarily Undergraduate Institution liaison, organized the workshop. He is associate director

Joseph Henske, M.D., was among the seven UAMS faculty who presented at the workshop.

Joseph Henske, M.D., was among the seven UAMS faculty who presented at the workshop.

for Cancer Research Training and Education at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and professor in the College of Medicine Department of Pathology.

The workshop highlighted the unique approaches of UAMS researchers in combatting obesity and diabetes. The researchers represented the College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism; Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences; and Department of Pediatrics. Researchers also represented the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health.

The students enjoyed the experience, based on an anonymous survey conducted after the workshop. When asked what the most important thing they learned was, the students’ responses included:

  • “I didn’t know that obesity was such a widespread issue, or how much research and medicine have to work together.”
  • “I learned about the extensive health problems caused by diabetes and the public policy roadblocks to treat obesity.”
    Dinesh Edem, M.D., presents to the 15 students attending the workshop.

    Dinesh Edem, M.D., presents to the 15 students attending the workshop.

  • “It was most important to me to get the opportunity to talk to physicians and professionals about their lives and passions. It was eye-opening to see the research at UAMS.”

Feedback on what was most helpful about the workshop included:

  • “The wide array of knowledgeable and kind people.”
  • “The organization and structure with the rotating groups.”
  • “Hearing case studies and hearing from a variety of research fields and backgrounds was very helpful for learning more about the opportunities available in the health care field.”

In addition to Cornett and Kelly, UAMS faculty who participated in the event were:

  • Elisabet Børsheim, Ph.D., professor, College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics
  • Dinesh Edem, M.D., assistant professor, College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Eva Diaz Fuentes, M.D., assistant professor, College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics
    Tiffany Miles, Ph.D., (right) leads a group discussion at the workshop.

    Tiffany Miles, Ph.D., (right) leads a group discussion at the workshop.

  • Joseph Henske, M.D., associate professor, College of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Lee Ann MacMillan-Crowe, Ph.D., director, Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences
  • Tiffany Miles, Ph.D., post-doctoral fellow, College of Medicine Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences
  • Emir Tas, M.D., assistant professor, College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics
  • Michael Thomsen, Ph.D., professor, College of Public Health
  • Jerry Ware, Ph.D., professor, College of Medicine Department of Physiology and Cell Biology