UAPB Students Advance USDA Rice Bran Health Research

Written By Lexx Thornton

Two students majoring in nutrition and food science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) were recently selected to serve as research assistants for a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) project. Tamya Hulum and Jae’Nyla Welch are studying the medicinal properties of Arkansas rice bran cultivars under the guidance of Dr. Sankar Devarajan, associate professor and director of the nutrition and food science program at UAPB, and Dr. Shengyu Mu, professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). 

Dr. Devarajan said the project centers on finding new solutions to aging and heart health. It supports the UAPB Department of Human Sciences’ broader mission to strengthen undergraduate research capacity in nutrition and food science while empowering students through experiential learning opportunities. By focusing on food-based interventions for disease prevention, the research bridges the gap between laboratory science and real-world nutrition solutions. 

“I am extremely pleased with the outstanding research, dedication, and scientific rigor demonstrated by Ms. Tamya Hulum and Ms. Jae’Nyla Welch,” he said. “This experience is a significant stepping stone in shaping their future careers in nutritional and biomedical sciences.” 

Dr. Sankar and the students exemplify the mission of UAPB’s Department of Human Sciences, Dr. Marilyn Bailey, interim chair of the department, said. 

“Through teaching, research, and service, our aim is to provide engaging and fun learning that happens in the classroom with meaningful research and service opportunities that prepare students for careers, graduate programs, and leadership roles in a competitive global environment,” she said. 

Dr. Devarajan said UAPB’s collaboration with UAMS has become a strong pipeline for student advancement in terms of educational and career opportunities. 

“Notably, one of our recent nutrition and food science graduates, Ms. Madison Purifoy, was also involved in this research initiative and is now pursuing her doctoral studies at Kansas State University,” he said. 

Hulum’s research investigates the antioxidant properties of Diamond rice bran extract. Her findings show the extract’s potential in protecting vascular cells from aging-related damage and position Arkansas rice bran as a promising candidate for future nutraceutical development. 

“Participating in this project has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience,” she said. “It has enriched my understanding of how dietary habits influence the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes, in particular. The research was not just about mixing solutions or running tests – it was about contributing to findings that may one day help prevent aging-related diseases or improve people’s quality of life.” 

Hulum said the experience has inspired her to pursue a career that bridges nutritional and biomedical sciences. 

“I am a social person and enjoy daily interactions, so I envision my future in a more people-centered role, working directly with patients, serving as a nutritionist on a professional healthcare team, or even working as a private chef or sports nutrition professional for athletes,” she said. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Hulum plans to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. 

In her work on the project, Welch studies how certain immune cells called M2 macrophages, normally helpful for healing, can sometimes harm the heart by causing excess scarring. Her research aims to understand this process and find ways to protect the heart while keeping healing balanced. 

“While the lab environment and the objectives of my project initially seemed complex, consistent hands-on experience helped me build confidence, from mastering basic techniques to contributing to more advanced aspects of the project,” she said. “I started to understand the connection between nutrition and chronic diseases clearly. Participating in this project has allowed me to gain knowledge that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my college journey and future research.” 

Welch’s favorite aspect of the project was working with test subjects to explore real-world health challenges, particularly within the context of her internship project. 

“This research internship experience provided me with a better understanding of my long-term goals and has inspired me to continue pursuing opportunities in research,” she said. “I am incredibly thankful for this internship and everything it has taught me about my field and myself.” 

Both Welch and Hulum expressed their gratitude for the constant support and encouragement they received from Dr. Devarajan and Dr. Mu, as well as Dr. Priya Yadav, a visiting postdoctoral scholar who is contributing to the project through the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Bridge Program.