Three University of Arkansas students have been selected to be Science Venture Studio fellows for the spring 2021 cohort. The UA Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation selected Ashta Malhotra, Toma Tomonari and Jean Morales as the incoming fellows.
During the fellowship, the three students will be paired with early-stage technology startups, providing them first-hand experience with market research, customer discovery and grant writing. The fellows will work with the startups for one semester as the companies work toward a Small Business Research and Innovation or a Small Business Technology Transfer proposal.
Malhotra is a doctoral student at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) as well as a 2019 TL1 Scholar at UAMS for Science Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellowship. Malhotra is also a member of Synflo, a student team that is developing new techniques to reduce surgery risks and costs connected to vascular grafts.
Tomonari is a University of Arkansas senior who is receiving a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Tomonari was previously a team member at the McMillon Innovation Studio and part of a team that sought to streamline Walmart’s online and in-store shopping experience.
Morales, who obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas, is currently working towards a master’s degree in microelectronics and photonics.
Established in summer 2020 by Startup Junkie, the Science Venture Studio assists Arkansas companies in the early stages of commercialization apply for and secure federal grants.