Graduate Student Association

2024-2025 GSA Officers

• President:  Reham Sewilam
• Vice President:  Ravi Upadhyay
• Secretary: Sanjay Adhikary
• Treasurer: Lokesh Akana
• ASG Reps:  Gretchen Holtgrefe and Todd Spears

President: Reham Sewilam

Currently, I am a PhD candidate in the GPIBS program, specializing in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology track at UAMS. My past research has focused on improving the chemotherapeutic response in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. My work revolved around the exploration of the differential expression of liver-related microRNAs induced by sodium butyrate, aiming to uncover novel approaches to combat this challenging form of cancer. After completing my master’s degree in Genetics and Cell Biology from Cairo University in Giza, Egypt, I embarked on a new academic adventure by joining a cutting-edge research team in Dr. Robert Eoff’s lab in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department, College of Medicine, at UAMS. In this role, I contributed to uncovering the molecular mechanism by which the specialized translesion polymerase kappa (pol κ) acts as a barrier to protect glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells from DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics. As a dedicated and motivated PhD candidate, I am committed to advancing the field of cancer research and finding innovative solutions to combat this devastating disease. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, horse riding, playing basketball, and connecting with others.

Vice President: Ravi Upadhyay
I am Ravi Y. Upadhyay, Vice President of the Graduate Student Association at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, where I am dedicated to advancing public health through innovative research and leadership. In terms of my academic journey, I graduated in the field of Pharmacy Administration from St. John’s University, NY, and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island, RI. Throughout my research career, I have focused on critical public health issues. During my previous research exposures, I led studies on prescription opioid use and disparities in opioid use disorder (OUD) medication distribution, using Statistical Analysis System (SAS), R, and SPSS software for in-depth data analysis. My work has informed healthcare policies and practices, contributing valuable insights to the field. In addition to research, I have a passion for teaching and mentoring. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, I have supported students in pharmacy, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. Moreover, I organized and facilitated group discussions, and guided research presentations. My goal is to foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment. I am also actively involved in various professional organizations at a national and international level. In addition to the GSA, my current and previous leadership and involvement in professional organizations is a blend of holding several key positions in student chapters of prominent societies like ISPOR, APHA, SER, and ISPE. These roles have allowed me to advocate for my peers and contribute to their academic and professional growth. As Vice President of the Graduate Student Association, I am committed to promoting excellence in research, education, and leadership within our community. Together, we can achieve remarkable advancements in public health and beyond. I will continue to champion excellence in research, education, and leadership. My multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication to public health position me as a driving force in the academic and professional community, inspiring peers and paving the way for future advancements in epidemiology and public health.

Secretary: Sanjay Adhikary

Sanjay is a first year Ph.D. student in Graduate program in interdisciplinary Biomedical Science (GPIBS) at UAMS. He grew up in a halcyon countryside belonging to northern territory Bangladesh. From his early childhood, He had a deep affection for wildlife including animals, birds and plants and this passion for nature inspired him to pursue Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. In Fall 2021, He joined Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR for his MS in Biology where he was dedicated for the development of Melanoma therapeutics. In Fall 2023, He began his Ph.D. journey in GPIBS program at UAMS and currently working on improving the efficacy of Immune checkpoint Blockade against Melanoma in Dr. Tackett lab. Beyond his academics and research endeavors, Sanjay has been elected as the Secretary of the Graduate Student Association (GSA), UAMS for 2024-2025. In this role, he is devoted for enhancing the graduate student experience at UAMS. He enjoys activities like fishing, hiking, biking, soccer, and badminton in the natural environment of Arkansas. Thanks from Sanjay.

Treasurer: Lokesh Akana
I am currently a PhD student in the GPIBS program, specializing in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology track at UAMS. Additionally, I serve as the treasurer of the Graduate Student Association. My academic journey commenced with a strong focus on cancer research, culminating in a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. Eager to deepen my understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression, I seamlessly transitioned into radiation oncology at UAMS, where I am thriving as a promising young researcher. In Dr. Wolfe’s lab, my research focuses on studying the role of methyl transferase SETD2 in mediating signals of KRAS mutation inducing radiation resistance in colorectal cancers. This research has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of cancer biology and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Outside of my research interests, I find inspiration in the simple joys of life, such as traveling, hiking, watching movies, and listening to music.

ASG Representative: Gretchen Holtgrefe
Gretchen Holtgrefe is serving as an association of student governments (ASG) representative for the 2024-2025 school year. She hails from Erie, Pennsylvania and pursued her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. While at Central Michigan, she represented the American Chemical Society’s student affiliates to the student government association and represented the student government association to academic senate. Currently she is a 4th year PhD student under the mentorship of Dr. Patricia Wight. Her project focuses on understanding the phenotype and genotype of a novel mouse mutant using an interdisciplinary approach. Outside of the lab, she loves to spend time with her guinea pigs, and has a goal of visiting all 50 US states in her lifetime. As a GSA member, she seeks to ensure that the GSA is there to serve all graduate students and that all graduate students can benefit the GSA.

ASG Representative: Todd Spears
I am midway through my first year in the Microbiology & Immunology (MBIM) track of GPIBS. I am a member of the Aachoui Lab, where I am currently working towards understanding how inflammasomes defend against enteric pathogens like Shigella flexneri. These pathogens use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to establish a replicative niche within the human host. Many of these secreted effectors target host cell cytoskeleton components and innate immune signaling. Understanding these host-pathogen interactions will contribute to the development of novel therapeutics like a vaccine of which there is no approved one for S. flexneri. When I am not busy, I enjoy cooking, reading, gardening, and—odd as it sounds—crocheting. Whenever I am not here in Little Rock, I am in Louisiana visiting my family.

Content Committee:
Md Mohsin Ali’s Extended Committee was created during the 2023-2024 Session of the GSA. As a result, one form of the Extended Committee is the Content Committee Chaired by Tai Robins. This subcommittee is composed completely of non-elected students who volunteer in these capacities based on their self-identified and extraordinary talents. The following students currently serve in these roles.

Content Writer: Madeleine Scott
I’m a 4th year student in the Microbiology and Immunology track whose research centers around pneumonic plague pathogenesis. Currently, I am investigating how integration of the EF-Tu-like GTPase BipA into the ribosome during infection impacts protein production and alters virulence. As a scientist, I understand the importance of effective communication to audiences of all education levels, and I’m excited to help set up a GSA newsletter so everyone knows about all the research going on at UAMS! In addition to lots of academic reading, in my free time I enjoy cooking new recipes, caring for my small flock of chickens, and walks at Two Rivers.

Facebook and GSA Webpage Manager: Lokesh Akana
I am a PHD student in GPIBS program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology track at UAMS. I am currently serving Graduate Student Association in the content committee as a social media manager.

My academic journey began with a strong foundation in the cancer research, culminating in a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. Eager to deepen my understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression, I transitioned seamlessly into the field of radiation oncology, where I thrive as a promising young researcher at UAMS.

In Dr. Wolfe’s lab, I study the role of methyl transferase SETD2 in mediating signals of KRAS mutation in inducing radiation resistance in colorectal cancers with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for radio-sensitization.

Beyond my research interests, I find inspiration in simple joys of life like traveling, hiking, watching movies and listening to music.”

Twitter and Instagram Manager: Olabowale “Ola” Olola
I serve as the Twitter and Instagram Manager for the GSA. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Pre-Medicine concentration from Washington Adventist University in 2018. I moved to Buffalo, New York, in 2018, where I completed my Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology in May 2020 and an Advanced Certificate in Sustainability Leadership in May 2022 at the University of Buffalo. In August of 2022, I moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, for my Ph.D. education. I am currently a second-year Ph.D. student majoring in epidemiology. My primary research includes perinatal epidemiology and birth defects.