Middle Tennessee State University students selected for medical scientist training programs

Two Honors students at Middle Tennessee State University, Alexis Katz and Donye Asberry, have each been selected for medical scientist training programs that have been specially designed for students who are pursuing combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees and helping them gain experience. Katz will attend the University of Iowa MSTP summer program and Asberry will attend the Vanderbilt MSTP summer program.

According to an article on Middle Tennessee State University’s website, April Weissmiller, Ph.D., who serves as an associate professor in the Department of Biology at Middle Tennessee State University, was quoted as saying of the students’ achievement, “These schools are nationally recognized for research and medicine, most likely receiving hundreds of applications from across the country to fill a small number of slots. This speaks to Donye and Alexis’ high work ethic and commitment to scientific research, and their ability to communicate what they have done and where they want to go in a compelling application package. Undergraduates in my lab receive training across all aspects of science, from idea generation to experimental design, execution, analysis and interpretation. There is a strong focus on building technical skills and conceptual understanding of the biomedical research space, all of which allow students to contribute meaningfully to a summer research experience.” She added, “Good mentorship is not focused solely on producing data. It involves guidance and insight to help each student navigate their own unique path in research and medicine. An immersive summer research experience never leaves the student the same as they started. I look forward to seeing how Donye and Alexis use this experience to shape their trajectory moving forward.”

Katz is a biology major who is interested in pursuing cancer biology. In the University of Iowa MSTP summer program, she will be mentored by a researcher with experience in her desired specialization and will be able to participate in research, shadow physicians, and attend one-on-one meetings with doctors and administrators. 

Katz said, “I initially thought the only way to work in human health was to become a clinician. After joining a research lab at MTSU, I realized how much I loved conducting research. Learning about the M.D./Ph.D. path showed me that I could both conduct groundbreaking research and directly translate discoveries to patient care. Once I learned there were programs specifically geared toward future M.D./Ph.D.s, I knew this would be an incredible opportunity. Being selected tells me that others believe I could be a successful physician-scientist, and that means a lot. “

Asberry is a first-generation college student and a biochemistry major who will attend the MSTP Summer Research Program at Vanderbilt University. He will work within an infectious disease–focused laboratory. During the program, he will shadow a physician-scientist and be paired with a Vanderbilt MSTP student mentor. 

Speaking of the opportunity, Asberry said, “The opportunity to shadow a physician-scientist and fully immerse myself in a medical research environment is incredibly meaningful to me. I’ll also give a poster presentation, deliver my second oral presentation and receive funding to attend another conference. These experiences will help me grow both as a researcher and as a future physician-scientist. Academically, it felt like confirmation that I am on the right path toward becoming a physician-scientist. It was reaffirming to know that a prestigious institution saw the same potential in me that my mentors have seen.”

MSTP summer programs are typically very selective and students who are chosen are one of a handful selected from the hundreds that usually apply. Students who attend the programs will be able to participate in laboratory work, physician shadowing, mentorship, and professional development. These summer programs are pipelines into M.D./Ph.D. training.

For more information about Middle Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.