The Southern Arkansas University Department of Biology has been selected to receive a $50,000 New Faculty Recruitment Start-up Package through the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE).
This competitive award was granted in recognition of the innovative lab initiative proposed by Dr. Samia Amin, newly appointed assistant professor of Public Health, who is launching an undergraduate research program in public health informatics at SAU.
The award, funded by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) through a consortium agreement with SAU, will run from December 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. The program is designed to strengthen biomedical research capacity across Arkansas by supporting early-career faculty as they develop research laboratories that actively engage undergraduate students.
With this funding, Dr. Amin will begin building the Public Health Informatics Laboratory, an emerging research and teaching space dedicated to applying data-driven approaches to public health challenges. The $50,000 in direct costs will support the acquisition of research supplies, laboratory equipment, and instrumentation, all of which will provide hands-on learning opportunities for SAU students pursuing public health, pre-health, biomedical sciences, and related fields.
“This award represents a major investment in SAU’s commitment to experiential learning and undergraduate research,” said Dr. Abe Tucker, chair of the Department of Biology. “Dr. Amin’s expertise in public health and informatics will open the door to innovative research experiences for our students and strengthen our department’s growing focus on biomedical science.”
As stipulated by the award, all equipment and supplies will be purchased and installed at SAU by April 30, 2026. A detailed NIH 398 budget and budget justification will accompany the project’s scope of work as SAU and UAMS finalize the consortium agreement.
The Arkansas INBRE program has been a long-standing partner in SAU’s mission to expand undergraduate research opportunities. This new award continues that partnership, fostering collaboration, scientific innovation, and professional development for SAU students and faculty alike.
“We are grateful for Arkansas INBRE’s continued support,” Dr. Tucker added. “This funding will have an immediate impact on student learning and will help launch a laboratory that will serve SAU for years to come.”
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