News | Arts and SciencesNovember 28, 2022

UAFS Undergrad Presents Biomedical Research

Sydney Du, an undergraduate student from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith was honored to present her research at the 2022 conference of the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Oct. 21-22 at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Du, a senior chemistry major with a concentration in chem-biochemistry, presented her research results on small molecule therapeutics as a poster, “Testing of Potential Small Molecule Therapeutics for Antibacterial Properties Using Bacteria and Dictyostelium – Microbe Model System.”

Du, a Fort Smith resident and Northside High School graduate. joined a research team co-led by UAFS Professors Sandhya Baviskar, associate professor of Biology, Roger Lightner, assistant professor of Biology, and Jeff Shaver, professor of Biology, this past August.

Explaining why she wanted to participate in research, Du said, “I love getting hands-on experience and applying the knowledge and techniques from my courses to seek solutions to problems.”

Du has participated in three research projects while at UA - Fort Smith. Before joining her current research team, she had conducted molecular dynamic simulations and studied fibroblast growth factors as part of the 2021 Arkansas INBRE summer research program and it was conducted with Dr. Kumar and his research team from UA Fayetteville..

Du said this research was especially valuable to her.

“This project relates to pharmaceutical science, and my career goal is to become a pharmacist,” she said. “This research experience will aid me in achieving my goals because it has offered me laboratory experience and one-on-one experience with outstanding professors, and it has honed my analytical thinking skills.”

Du is currently in the process of applying for admission to the UAMS School of Pharmacy.

Du’s research project was supported by a $25,000 UAFS Chancellor’s Mini Grant and was part of her Honors Capstone Project this semester. Technical support for this project was made possible by Cassie Duffin, instructional laboratory manager, Biology.

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