As a top research university, Wayne State provides access to a world-class education and unparalleled research opportunities to all students, including undergraduates. 

For Devavarth Sureshkumar, a rising senior majoring in biological sciences in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, an experience with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) strengthened his passion for medicine and set him on the path to becoming a surgeon. 

“Programs like UROP are crucial in what I’d call true academic mobility – the  kind that takes us from textbooks to breakthroughs, from learning science to doing science,” said Sureshkumar.  

Outside of the classroom, Sureshkumar has gained invaluable, hands-on research experience in a cutting-edge biomedical lab through UROP. The program connected him with faculty mentor Howard Matthew, Ph.D., professor of chemical engineering, to work on a research team focused on constructing bio-artificial livers, which mimic real liver function using healthy rat cells. These models, still in the experimental stages, could one day revolutionize how liver disease is treated. 

The project allowed Sureshkumar to explore, in a real-world setting, the nature of scientific inquiry — driven by curiosity, mentorship and innovation. He recently presented his work at the annual Warrior Scholars Conference, where he received a top award for his poster presentation. 

“It’s so much more than just doing experiments. It’s about learning to think like a scientist, to collaborate and to communicate big ideas in ways that make a difference,” said Sureshkumar. “I never imagined I’d be involved in such advanced research as an undergraduate. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of something with such profound potential impact on medicine.” 

For Matthew, who has more than 20 years of experience leading research in tissue engineering, mentoring students like Sureshkumar is rewarding.  

“One of the most rewarding aspects of mentorship is guiding students through mastering not just technical skills, but critical thinking, leadership and communication,” he said. “Devavarth has shown exceptional promise, and I believe he’s on a path to become both a highly skilled surgeon and a leader in biomedical science.” 

With Matthew’s mentorship, Sureshkumar has developed a solid foundation that will serve him well in medical school and as a physician. The research opportunity allowed him to gain experience in data collection, project planning, and presenting research with clarity and confidence.  

Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs emphasized the importance of such experiences.  

"Wayne State is deeply committed to providing students with meaningful research opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world impact,” Provost Clabo said. “Devavarth’s journey reflects how mentorship and experiential learning can inspire academic excellence and prepare students to lead in today’s rapidly evolving world." 

By: Darlene A. White