Alicia Dorn | School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
John Mitchell, a graduate student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences (SAFHS) recently completed a paid internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Over the course of 10 weeks, he worked firsthand with ARS scientists based at the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center (DBNRRC) in Stuttgart, Ark. Because of his work during the internship, he is now employed with the organization.
Mitchell is majoring in agriculture regulations, with a concentration in plant sciences. He is a native of Fordyce, Ark. who hopes to become a geneticist/plant breeder. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business from UAPB in Spring 2022.
Mitchell said he decided to sign up for the internship program because he wanted to work in an environment that provides cutting-edge research funded by the government.
“Interning with DBNRRC made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself,” said Mitchell. “Everything that is done at DBNRRC is making a difference in the world. I’m happy to help with that.”
During the internship, Mitchell’s responsibilities varied. He worked with agronomists, pathologists and geneticists. He said he did greenhouse sampling, measured abiotic stress, checked leaf temperatures, and collected data from sensors that show the temperature and soil moisture of fields, plants, etc.
Dr. Jeremy Edwards, DBNRRC research geneticist, said because Mitchell did so well in his internship position, the organization offered him a paid, part-time position. He is a biological science aide who helps with various projects.
“The work John is currently doing will help him with his thesis research for his master’s degree,” said Edwards. “We’re hoping that John is going to be a great future leader in the rice research community.”
Dr. Jai Rohila, DBNRRC research agronomist said it was a pleasure working with Mitchell.
“He is a very quick learner and a wonderful co-worker. He works well independently, but he’s also a great team player,” said Rohila.
Mitchell said the most enjoyable part of his experience is working with the plants.
“I have a ‘green thumb’,” said Mitchell. “I have a garden and I grow the best tomatoes.”
Mitchell advises that undergraduate students take advantage of internship opportunities.
“The internship opportunities will help students decide their future,” said Mitchell. “Through the opportunities, you will find your passion. I studied agriculture business, crop insurance and other Extension careers before I realized how much I really love working with plants.”
Sathish Ponniah, associate professor at UAPB, expressed that he is very excited that Mitchell is employed with DBNRRC.
“Since he is working with DBNRRC, he will learn their advanced phenotyping techniques in rice and teach me about them. I am happy to partner with the organization and share my expertise as well. We plan to continue the internship with DBNRRC in the coming years.”
Dr. Nina Lyon-Bennett, assistant dean for academics for SAFHS, said Mitchell’s accomplishment marks the beginning of an undergraduate internship program that will provide UAPB students with professional work experience year-to-year. The goal is to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research experience that helps them to apply textbook knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world experiential learning opportunities.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
UAPB News 