Two MTSU students selected for prestigious medical scientist training programs

Collage featuring male student seated on bench outside and female student holding a bell.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Two Middle Tennessee State University Honors students have been selected for highly competitive Medical Scientist Training Program summer research opportunities, placing them among a small group of undergraduates nationwide preparing for careers as physician-scientists.

Alexis Katz, a biology major, was accepted into the University of Iowa MSTP summer program, while Donye Asberry, a biochemistry major, was selected for the Vanderbilt MSTP summer program. Both programs are 10-week, paid research experiences designed for undergraduates interested in pursuing combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees.

Alexis Katz, biology major. — Alexis Katz

Donye Asberry, biochemistry major. — Donye Asberry

MSTP summer programs provide intensive exposure to biomedical research and clinical medicine through laboratory work, physician shadowing, mentorship and professional development. Participants typically receive a stipend and often housing and travel support. These programs are considered a key pipeline into M.D./Ph.D. training and are known for their selectivity.

Dr. April Weissmiller, associate professor, biology. — Dr. April Weissmiller

“These schools are nationally recognized for research and medicine, most likely receiving hundreds of applications from across the country to fill a small number of slots,” said April Weissmiller, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biology. “This speaks to Donye and Alexis’ high work ethic and commitment to scientific research, and their ability to communicate what they have done and where they want to go in a compelling application package.”

Weissmiller has mentored both students through research training at the university and emphasized the importance of early, comprehensive preparation.

“Undergraduates in my lab receive training across all aspects of science, from idea generation to experimental design, execution, analysis and interpretation,” Weissmiller said. “There is a strong focus on building technical skills and conceptual understanding of the biomedical research space, all of which allow students to contribute meaningfully to a summer research experience.”

Student Donye Asberry, a biochemistry major, working inside an MTSU science lab. — Shown here this spring working inside a science lab at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Donye Asberry, a biochemistry major, has been selected for the highly competitive Medical Scientist Training Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center this summer. (MTSU photo by Robin E. Lee)

At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Asberry will participate in the MSTP Summer Research Program, where he will work in an infectious disease–focused laboratory while gaining clinical exposure and mentorship. The program includes shadowing a physician-scientist, participating in MSTP events, being paired with a current Vanderbilt MSTP student mentor and presenting research at the program’s conclusion.

“The opportunity to shadow a physician-scientist and fully immerse myself in a medical research environment is incredibly meaningful to me,” Asberry said. “I’ll also give a poster presentation, deliver my second oral presentation and receive funding to attend another conference. These experiences will help me grow both as a researcher and as a future physician-scientist.”

Asberry, a first-generation college student, said being selected as one of eight students chosen from hundreds of applicants was especially affirming.

“Academically, it felt like confirmation that I am on the right path toward becoming a physician-scientist,” he said. “It was reaffirming to know that a prestigious institution saw the same potential in me that my mentors have seen.”

Alexis Katz, a biology major at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., stands beside her research poster presentation at the university’s Scholars Week 2026 showcase. — Alexis Katz, a biology major at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., stands beside her research poster presentation at the university’s Scholars Week 2026 showcase held in late March in the Student Union Building. Katz has been accepted into the highly competitive University of Iowa Medical Scientist Training Program over the summer. (Submitted photo)

Katz will attend the University of Iowa MSTP summer program, where she will be matched with a mentor whose research aligns with her interest in cancer biology. The program offers laboratory research, physician shadowing, application preparation and one-on-one meetings with physicians and M.D./Ph.D. administrators.

“I initially thought the only way to work in human health was to become a clinician,” Katz said. “After joining a research lab at MTSU, I realized how much I loved conducting research. Learning about the M.D./Ph.D. path showed me that I could both conduct groundbreaking research and directly translate discoveries to patient care.”

Katz said encouragement from Weissmiller played a key role in her decision to apply.

“Once I learned there were programs specifically geared toward future M.D./Ph.D.s, I knew this would be an incredible opportunity,” she said. “Being selected tells me that others believe I could be a successful physician-scientist, and that means a lot.”

Donye Asberry, left, a biochemistry major, standing next to faculty mentor April Weissmiller, right, associate professor of biology, inside science lab. — Shown here this spring inside a science lab at Middle Tennessee State University’s Science Building in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Donye Asberry, left, a biochemistry major, has been selected for the highly competitive Medical Scientist Training Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center this summer. At right is faculty mentor April Weissmiller, associate professor of biology. (MTSU photo by Robin E. Lee)

Weissmiller emphasized that mentorship is often the deciding factor in helping students secure national research opportunities.

“Good mentorship is not focused solely on producing data,” she said. “It involves guidance and insight to help each student navigate their own unique path in research and medicine.”

Both students view the upcoming summer as a defining step in their academic and professional development.

“I am beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Katz said. “I can’t wait to begin the program.”

Weissmiller added, “An immersive summer research experience never leaves the student the same as they started. I look forward to seeing how Donye and Alexis use this experience to shape their trajectory moving forward.”

— Robin E. Lee (robin.e.lee@mtsu.edu)