UTA student earns prestigious research fellowship
University of Texas at Arlington biology student Nishi Modi has been selected to participate in a prestigious summer program focusing on cardiovascular research.
Modi, who will be a junior, was one of five students chosen from more than 250 applicants nationwide for the University of Houston’s Houston Experience for Advancing Research and Training (UH-HEART) program. UH-HEART, funded by the American Heart Association, engages undergraduates in hands-on cardiovascular research and career preparation.
Students receiving UH-HEART fellowships will spend 10 weeks this summer conducting intensive, full-time research under the mentorship of University of Houston faculty. Fellows will engage in interdisciplinary research, receive a $6,000 stipend and attend the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions, a global conference for cutting-edge cardiovascular research, on July 13-16 in Boston.
“Since I hope to build a career in biological research, I believe this program will allow me to learn and explore new experimental techniques,” Modi said. “I am also excited to participate in the conference, which will help me shape my presentation skills.”
Modi began working in the lab of Loic Fort, UTA assistant professor of biology, in October and learned about the UH-HEART program when Dr. Fort mentioned it.“Nishi was the first student to express interest, and although the application process was highly competitive, she fully committed to it,” Fort said. “Throughout the process, she showed focus and professionalism. I am very proud of Nishi’s accomplishment. Her selection as a UH-HEART fellow will open new doors as she continues her scientific training, and it also highlights the strength and promise of UTA students on a national stage."
Modi grew up in Surat, India, and said she chose to attend UTA because of its strong STEM programs, research opportunities and supportive academic environment.
“I wanted to study at UTA to gain hands-on research experience and opportunities for both personal and professional growth,” she said. "I chose to major in biology because I have always been curious and enjoyed learning more about how the human body works and how even small changes at the cellular level can have a major impact on health and disease. That curiosity led to a strong research interest in biology.”
Modi said that after receiving her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in biology and build a career in research.
- Greg Pederson, College of Science
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.