About Us

Dr. Rebekah Margaret Samsonraj holds a doctorate in Bioengineering jointly from the National University of Singapore and the Institute of Medical Biology-A*STAR in Singapore. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Biotechnology from Anna University, India. She completed her postdoctoral studies at Mayo Clinic, Rochester following which she was appointed Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. She also served as Research Faculty at the Knight Campus, University of Oregon. Dr. Samsonraj’s research focuses on developing strategies for safe and efficacious mesenchymal stem cell therapies for a variety of clinical indications. She applies novel proteomics- and genomics-based approaches to understanding stem cell function. Dr. Samsonraj’s original work on establishing criteria for MSC potency allowed her to develop and patent a method for identifying sub-populations of stem cells with improved bone-forming ability, eventually leading to the identification of a novel genomic biomarker to assess MSC potency. Dr. Samsonraj has a passion for biomedical research education and has successfully mentored several students fostering high achievement in underrepresented students in STEM fields.

My name is Vitali Maldonado and I am a Russian-Bolivian international student at the University of Arkansas. I have been a researcher in Samsonraj lab ever since my sophomore year majoring in biomedical engineering. I think that stem cells are the future in the medical field and that they have the potential to help many people by treating diseases that have no effective treatment today. I enjoy watching TV shows, listening to music, and visiting new places.

My name is Neel Patel and I am a senior biomedical engineering major with a minor in mathematics. Some of my favorite hobbies are playing volleyball, beach and indoor, hiking, and going to the gym. I am fascinated with the idea of regenerative medicine as a way to help enhance a person’s survival. That is why I am interested in mesenchymal stem cell research because of its vast variety of human applications. I am so happy to be a part of the Samsonraj lab to further my fascination of regenerative medicine.

My name is Emma Smith, and I am a junior biomedical engineering student with a minor in marketing at the University of Arkansas. I think that regenerative medicine and stem cells are the future of the medical field and have the potential to treat and help many people who have diseases with no effective treatment plan. I am so happy to be apart of the Samsonraj lab (I started here as a freshman) to further my interest and learning of the regenerative medicine field! I also enjoy hiking, being with friends and family, and hanging with my dogs.

I’m I Kade Karisma Gita Ardana. I am a masters student at the Cell and Molecular Biology department, University of Arkansas. I am a Fulbright grantee from Indonesia where I studied Biology during my undergraduate program. I did several research in the field of medical genomics. To find a better treatment for cancer patients is my goal in the future, therefore I am so excited to be part of Dr. Samsonraj lab. I believe that MSC could be a way for better regenerative therapies. I have several hobbies including photography, playing guitar, singing, and cooking. My favorite things to do is culinary and nature exploration. 

My name is David Heinrichs. I am a senior in Biomedical Engineering from Fort Smith, Arkansas, and I am planning on pursuing a Graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering after graduation. Stem cell research is an engrossing topic that I’ve wanted to study since high school, and I’m excited to be a part of a lab that is passionate about regenerative medicine. Stem cell and regenerative medicine research is the future of the medical industry, so its exciting to be contributing to the field. I love being outdoors and hiking, climbing, camping, and kayaking.

My name is Taylor Williams and I am currently a senior biomedical engineering student at the University of Arkansas. I enjoy teaching fitness classes, trying new coffee shops, and traveling! I view being a member of the Samsonraj Lab team as an incredible opportunity and value the collaborative learning experience I have received so far. I am fascinated by STEM cells and their therapeutic potential. Regenerative medicine is the future of the medical field, and I am excited to be a part of it!

I am a sophomore honors biomedical engineering student at the University of Arkansas. I take pride in my education and my community. I currently reside also as a Vice President in Delta Gamma on campus.   I am excited about conducting in vitro research work on regenerative medicine with Dr. Samsonraj and her team

My name is Addie McLaughlin and I am a sophomore honors biomedical engineering major from Shawnee, Kansas! I love movies and all things coffee. I’ve always been interested in stem cell research and the extensive opportunities to be involved in undergraduate research is one of the many reasons I chose the University of Arkansas. I’m so excited to start my research with Dr. Samsonraj and her team.