Less than a year ago, Priya Yadav, Ph.D, left her home in India to undertake postdoctoral research training at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as part of the U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA program. The initiative provides international scholars with opportunities to collaborate on advanced research projects while fostering cross-cultural exchange and capacity building in the U.S. academic community.
Yadav is one of two international scholars currently conducting research at UAPB as a J-1 visa scholar.
She is working under the supervision of Sankar Devarajan, Ph.D, associate professor and program director of nutrition and food science for UAPB’s Department of Human Sciences, on a project that evaluates the bioactive potential of various rice bran varieties of Arkansas-grown rice cultivars for their efficacy against the risk factors of chronic diseases. Project collaborators include the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas School of Medical Sciences.
Yadav’s research focuses on the extraction, characterization and comparative analysis of phytochemicals with potential anti-aging, cardiovascular protective, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. She said one of the key successes of the project has been the optimization of the extraction protocol, which significantly improves the yield and activity of bioactive compounds, particularly gamma-oryzanol, flavonoids and phenolic acids.
“Dr. Yadav has truly hit the ground running, making impressive progress during the short time she has been here at the university,” said Pamela Moore, Ph.D, associate dean for global engagement at UAPB. “An important aspect of her work includes mentoring high school and undergraduate students. Two nutrition and food science students from UAPB’s Department of Human Sciences are participating in hands-on experiential training intended to build their interest in scientific research and careers in the biomedical sciences fields. The high school student she mentored earned several awards at regional and state science fairs.”
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Moore said that through the BridgeUSA program, UAPB leverages its 1890 land-grant mission to connect international scholars with research, teaching and community engagement opportunities in the Arkansas Delta.
“Administered by the Office of International Programs and Studies within the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, BridgeUSA brings scholars from around the world to collaborate on STEM-focused projects with real-world applications, while also fostering cross-cultural exchange. This not only advances UAPB’s global engagement strategy but also strengthens the university’s role as a small institution making a big impact on research, innovation and cultural understanding.”
Devarajan said Yadav has made significant contributions to his project, exhibiting strong expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques, along with skills in nanotechnology.
“These strengths are valuable assets to our project on nutrition and chronic diseases, particularly in the area of hypertension and diabetes research,” he said. “In regard to her role as a mentor to our undergraduate students, she has helped them excel in aging and hypertension research.”
Yadav said her experience has been enriching, as it has exposed her to valuable international research capabilities and allowed her to engage with diverse academic perspectives. She said she was grateful for the opportunity to work with renowned experts in nutritional and biomedical sciences research discipline.
“The exciting part about my work is that it provides an opportunity to make a tangible impact on individual and community well-being,” she said. “Bridging academic research with practical application in community health brings purpose and relevance to my scholarly efforts. I have also enjoyed training and sharing knowledge and support with the students I guide — they will become the next generation of scholars.”
Reflecting on her visiting status as a J-1 visa scholar, Yadav said that in today’s increasingly globalized world, international collaboration and cultural exchange are essential components of higher education and research.
“These interactions provide a platform to come together and share diverse ideas, perspectives and methodologies that enrich research and innovation,” she said. “By fostering international collaborations, researchers can address global challenges more effectively.”
Yadav said her time at UAPB has given her new perspectives and a clearer understanding of where she wants to take her career.
“My goal is to continue integrating community-driven approaches into my research as initiated by my mentor, Dr. Sankar Devarajan, and I believe the skills and insights gained here will be essential for future innovative research,” she said. “Moreover, acquiring research training with experts at UAMS provides me with broader perspectives on interdisciplinary research and teamwork across academic and professional dimensions. My experiences in research have helped me gain insights that will influence my approach to future research projects.”
Will Hehemann is an extension specialist of communications for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.