Offered in association with the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, the Academic Research Associates (ARA) Program offers premedical undergraduate students a unique opportunity to observe clinical medicine and participate in biomedical research. The program takes place within the Emergency and Surgery Departments at Community Regional Medical Center, and participants may join the program through Fresno State as an elective course.
Our program was developed by Dr. Greg Hendey and Brandy Snowden and has been revamped by Jannet Castaneda. The ARA program is based on a similar program designed by Dr. Judd Hollander at the University of Pennsylvania in the mid-1990s.
The Academic Research Associate position is an important responsibility requiring maturity, initiative, diligence, and excellent interpersonal skills. In addition to gaining experience in conducting medical research and acquiring familiarity with how the emergency department functions, associates can learn about careers in Medicine from the doctors, nurses, and medical students.
The data collected by the Academic Associates are analyzed by the faculty doctors and their associates in support of many ongoing clinical research studies. Our goal is to publish each study in a medical journal, with the hope of increasing medical knowledge and improving patient care.
Academic Research Associates
Academic Research Associates - Spring 2024
Harmeet Singh
Hello my name is Harmeet Singh, I am a student at Fresno State who is currently pursuing a Biology Degree, who is hoping to one day attend medical school. In the future I hope to return to the Central Valley and one day work as a physician here. Currently I am a scribe at the Hanford ED, hoping to gain clinical and patient experience while scribing there. My research interests involve working with people throughout my community to gain a better understanding of what their concerns and needs are. Some of my hobbies include spending time with my friends and going on hikes. I also enjoy watching and playing basketball in my free time.
Imaandeep Bual
Imaandeep is an ARA student who is currently a sophomore at California State University of Fresno pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. During his free time, he enjoys working out, exploring the outdoors, playing video games, and hanging out with family and friends. At Fresno State, he researches in a plasma research lab that focuses on modifying organic and biodegradable polymers for biomedical use. With his experience in research as an ARA student and as a research lab student at Fresno State, Imaandeep hopes to better understand the importance of research in medicine. Along with his studies at Fresno State, he works as an emergency medicine scribe at Saint Agnes Medical Center to learn about the responsibilities providers have in the emergency department. Imaandeep is interested in conducting research on habits that will help prevent or control chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and other common illnesses. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Imaandeep has a strong personal connection to the Central Valley, and he plans on attending medical school and serving in the Central Valley as a physician.
Kevina Pinto
Kevina Pinto is an ARA student who is majoring in Biology with a pre-med emphasis at CSU Fresno. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, reading, traveling, watching movies, and baking. Some of her other interests include creative writing, film production, forensic science, and learning more about nature- especially oceans! Kevina also enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community both on and off campus. She is interested in participating in research involving aspects of community health and the issues affecting that in the Central Valley, such as the connection between patient demographics and health outcomes. After graduation, she plans on attending medical school.
Rynee Wijesinghe
Rynee Wijesinghe is a junior attending Fresno State. She is pursuing a Psychology degree with a minor in chemistry, and is hoping to join the Psychology honors program later this year. She moved to the Central Valley when she was 8 years old. Rynee’s hobbies include traveling, reading, and attending high fitness classes. Rynee is particularly interested in researching topics related to mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. After graduating, Rynee hopes to attend medical school. She is interested in primary care medicine, and hopes to return to the Central Valley as a physician and serve underserved communities. As an Academic Research Associate, Rynee is excited to see the behind the scenes action of clinical research.
Shailey Shah
Shailey is an ARA student studying at California State University Fresno as a part of the Smittcamp Family Honors College. She is pursuing a major in Biology as well as minors in Physical Sci- ence and Spanish. Some of her favorite hobbies include hiking with her sister, painting, and dancing! Shailey hopes to eventually attend medical school and become either a pediatrician or an OB/GYN. She is particularly interested in working with underserved communities to increase access to quality healthcare. Shailey would like to conduct research regarding socioeconomic barriers in healthcare. As an Academic Research Associate, Shailey is eager to collaborate with her peers and help facilitate clinical research projects!
Harkabir Bual
Hello, My name is Harkabir Singh Bual and I am a pre-med junior at Fresno State. After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to go onto medical school and pursue a career in emergency medicine. I gained this passion for the emergency setting during my time as a scribe at Kaweah Delta Medical Center. As a researcher, I enjoy participating in studies where I can directly interact with the peo- ple of my community. In my spare time, I love staying active. I enjoy hobbies such as powerlifting, MMA fighting, and playing basketball. When I wish to relax, I like cooking and reading.
Vang Yang
I am a fourth-year student pursuing a Biology degree at Fresno State. Some of my interests include exercising, drawing, gaming, cooking, and eating. I am also interested in gardening, but I have never had the time to focus on it. However, if I ever do get the opportunity, I would love to plant some mango and lime seeds. Aside from my hobbies, I am also interested in clinical research, and I hope to gain experience through the Academic Research Associate program. I plan to apply to medical school after graduating from Fresno State and continue my education to become a physician. My ultimate goal is to serve the community here in the Valley as a physician after completing my education.