Henderson State University sophomore Heather Buffalo is the first recipient of the Caver-Hudson Aspirnaut STEM Award, which is described as a transformative opportunity to expand student engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. 

The award was established through a partnership between the Arkadelphia university’s Caver College of Aviation, Science and Nursing and the Aspirnaut program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Helping to create it were 1962 Henderson graduates Dr. Troy Caver and Dr. Billy Hudson. 

Buffalo, an engineering major from Glenwood, distinguished herself as a student leader both inside and outside the classroom, Henderson State said in its announcement this week. 

The program is a 10-week summer internship providing participants with full-time research experience on biomedical topics, including renal biology and disease, while also developing critical professional and communication skills along with wellness training. Buffalo’s work will be hands-on mentored laboratory research alongside scientists.

“Henderson’s engineering department has done an incredible job thus far preparing me for the field, and I can’t wait to get my first look at it,” Buffalo said in the university’s announcement. “Of course, none of this would happen without Dr. Caver, Dr. Hudson, and the support from the university as a whole. I am getting to achieve one of my childhood dreams because of their dedication to science and the individual.”

Buffalo is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in physics. 

The program is designed to increase participation and success in STEM, especially among students from rural backgrounds. More than 80 of the program’s 400 summer participants over the past 18 years are from Arkansas, Henderson State said in the announcement. More than 70% of those students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in STEM fields or entered the STEM workforce. 

“This award represents the very best of what Henderson State stands for — opportunity, innovation, and student success,” said Henderson State Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry. “Heather Buffalo has already demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, and determination in her academic journey.”