Mission Statement
The mission of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is to promote a conducive atmosphere on the UAMS campus for the overall welfare of graduate students. The GSA represents the graduate students in campus organizations, and acts as a liaison between the Graduate School faculty and UAMS Administration to address student concerns. The GSA also promotes the graduate programs at UAMS and encourages the sharing of scientific research ideas among UAMS students.
2026-2027 GSA Officers
- President: Jose A. Ochoa
- Vice President: Prisha Warikoo
- Secretary: Debasree Bhadra
- Treasurer: Millicent Boakye
- ASG Reps: Katie Cruse & Pritam Saha Podder
President: Jose A Ochoa
I am a Ph.D. student in the Joint Bioinformatics Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). As a multidisciplinary researcher, I am training in the development of radiation countermeasures to reduce the adverse effects of radiotherapy. During my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering, I gained experience in the industrial aspects of wet-lab research, particularly in scaling production processes. However, I became increasingly fascinated by the discovery and development of the therapeutics being manufactured. That curiosity inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. at the intersection of biomedical research, translational science, and the development of emerging technologies. My current research focuses on preventing radiation-induced kidney and heart damage associated with cancer radiotherapy. Specifically, I study epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), endogenous lipid signaling molecules that play critical roles in regulating cellular responses to therapy-induced stress. By investigating the protective mechanisms of EETs, I aim to contribute to the development of therapies that improve the safety and long-term outcomes of cancer treatment.
In addition to my research, I have received training through the Cancer Advanced Development and Entrepreneurship Training (CADET) program at UAMS, where I gained valuable experience in translating scientific discoveries from the laboratory to clinical applications. This experience has strengthened my interest in bridging fundamental research with innovation, commercialization, and patient care.
Science is more than a career to me… it is my passion. I am driven by the opportunity to discover new knowledge and translate it into meaningful advances that improve human health. Outside of research, I enjoy exploring new places, playing golf and tennis, swimming, and spending much of my free time reading.
Vice President: Prisha Warikoo
Prisha Warikoo transitioned from working as a research assistant at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye.
Hospital in Delhi, India, to pursuing her graduate training at UAMS. At UAMS, Prisha’s research focuses on cancer therapeutics, drug delivery, and strategies to address treatment-resistant cancers. She is interested in understanding how targeted compounds affect cancer cell survival and how these approaches may support anti-tumor immune responses. Outside of the lab, Prisha is involved in teaching, student leadership, and outreach activities. She values building a welcoming graduate student community and hopes to help create opportunities for students from different programs to connect, collaborate, and support one another.
Secretary: Debasree Bhadra
Debasree is currently a PhD candidate in the GPIBS program focusing on Pharmacology, Toxicology and Experimental Therapeutics track in UAMS. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in pharmacy in 2019 and 2022. As a registered pharmacist, she then spent a year working in the pharmaceutical industry developing and validating analytical methods to analyze raw materials used in drug manufacturing and testing purity of formulated batches to support clinical trials. During this time, she gained expertise in analytical chemistry and clinical drug testing. Her current research focus is on exploring the mechanisms of drug-induced liver toxicity and a better treatment strategy for acute liver failure patients in Dr. McGill’s lab. As a secretary, she is committed to supporting initiatives that elevate the research culture, create opportunities for scholarly exchange, and amplify graduate student voices in academic matters.
Treasurer: Millicent Boakye
Hi, my name is Millicent Boakye, a PhD student in the Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy Department at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). My background is in pharmacy, with several years of experience working in healthcare, market access, and public health across Ghana, other parts of Africa and Europe.
My work as a Graduate Research Assistant, is using real-world healthcare data to support research on patient outcomes, healthcare utilization, and evidence-based decision-making. My research interests include health outcomes research, healthcare policy, real-world evidence, and improving access to quality care.
Through my involvement in student and professional organizations, I am committed to fostering collaboration, supporting student development, and contributing to research that informs healthcare practice and policy.
ASG Representative: Katie Cruse
Hi, I’m Katie, and I’m a third-year PhD student in the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPIBS) on the Cancer Biology track. My research focuses on T cells and developing improved cancer immunotherapies. Outside of the lab, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and swimming. I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their perspectives, and learning from their experiences. As the ASG representative, I look forward to organizing events that bring graduate students together and create opportunities to connect across programs.
ASG Representative: Pritam Saha Podder
I am a PhD candidate in pharmaceutical sciences at UAMS with over nine years of industry experience. I bring a practical, solutions-driven approach to leadership and am committed to serving the graduate student community as secretary and ASG representative.
As an ASG representative, I will focus on improving communication and transparency between students, GSA leadership, and university administration. I will ensure that student concerns are clearly documented, effectively communicated, and followed up with accountability, while keeping records organized and accessible.
I also aim to support initiatives that enhance professional development, particularly those bridging academia and industry. This includes promoting career resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to better prepare students for diverse career paths.
I will advocate for graduate student interests at the university level with clarity and integrity. I am committed to contributing to a more informed, connected, and supportive graduate student community at UAMS.
Former GSA Executive Committee Members
| 2025-2026 | |
| Lokesh Akana | President |
| Jayden Carter | Vice President |
| Finian Nwadinigwe | Secretary |
| Wilberforce Twinamatsiko | Treasurer |
| Debasree Bhadra | ASG Representative |
| Shegufta Neetole | ASG Representative |
| 2024-2025 | |
| Reham Serial | President |
| Ravi Upadhyay | Vice-President |
| Sanjay Adhikary | Secretary |
| Lokesh Akana | Treasurer |
| Gretchen Holtgrefe | ASG Representative |
| Todd Spears | ASG Representative |
| 2023-2024 | |
| MD Mohsin Ali | President |
| Shahed Sufian | Vice-President |
| Taiquitha “Tai” Robins | Secretary |
| Isabelle Okito | Treasurer |
| Reham Sewilam | ASG Representative |
| Sudip Panday | ASG Representative |
| 2022-2023 | |
| Jewel Banik | President |
| Kalee Holloway | Vice-President |
| MD Mohsin Ali | Secretary |
| Lydia Famuyide | Treasurer |
| Mason McCrury | ASG Representative |
| Alexa Escapita | ASG Representative |