University of Arkansas assistant professor Tameka Bailey has always been curious about the world — and science, in particular. Growing up in the small town of Gould in the Arkansas Delta, Bailey channeled that curiosity into her studies, eventually earning a doctorate from the U of A in cell and molecular biology and returning to teach and conduct research. 

One aspect that stood out about her journey was the mentorship she received from professor Doug Rhoads, who, at their first encounter, told her that the U of A was the place where she belonged. That encouragement and personal connection stuck with Bailey and has since inspired her to reach out to other young people who — not unlike herself previously — hadn’t considered what possibilities might be available to them. 

Every summer since 2015, Bailey returns to the Arkansas Delta determined to inspire a new cohort of students to love science and envision the opportunities available in so-called STEAM fields — science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

What started as a camp at the Dumas Community Center has evolved into a weeklong immersive experience involving a field trip to Fayetteville, tours of the campus and hands-on lab work. For many, it’s the first time they’ve had a chance to visit Northwest Arkansas, much less a college campus. Students tour Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, stay in one of the residence halls and work with current students before returning home to organize a showcase of their work for family, friends and the community.

Bailey’s Biomedical Research Camp focuses on the ages between fifth grade and seventh grade because she sees that as a pivotal time for when students decide whether or not they’re going to study in the STEAM fields.

And it works.

Ava Allen with student mentor David Hoehn

Ava Allen, a rising sixth grader, attended the camp in 2022 and said it was the first time she had done lab experiments and the first time she had visited Fayetteville. Prior to the camp, Allen said she was not as interested in science, but the experience changed her mind. By the fourth day of camp, she expressed a desire to become a dermatologist. 

Camp participants have already started enrolling at the U of A as students as well. Since its inception, two of the inaugural participants have become Razorbacks — accomplishing yet another goal Bailey set out to achieve.

In August 2022, Bailey’s program received a $1.25 million grant from the Science Education Partnership, which is sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, a component of the National Institutes of Health. The grant is a key indicator that others also recognize the importance of her work to make the STEAM fields more diverse. 

Learn more about Bailey’s outreach in “Full STEAM Ahead” and find additional Short Takesvideos here.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.