UA Little Rock Alum Turns Passion for Health Into an Impactful Research Career

Fueled by a passion for improving health outcomes and serving others, Kieshona C. Searles has built her career around research, education, and patient care. That passion inspired her to pursue her master’s degree in health education and promotion. The research regulatory coordinator at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) earned her graduate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2025.

“I chose the medical and research field because I’ve always been passionate about improving health outcomes and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” she said of her career. “I’m drawn to the combination of science, education, and service – knowing that the work being done behind the scenes in research can directly improve patient care.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in health sciences from UA Little Rock, Searles wanted to deepen her expertise. The Little Rock resident chose the graduate degree in health education and promotion because of its strong focus on public health and practical application in the medical field.

“The program offered coursework and research opportunities that aligned directly with my interests in improving patient outcomes and supporting health initiatives, which complemented my professional goals in healthcare and research,” she said.

As a research regulatory coordinator at ACRI, Searles manages research protocols, ensures regulatory compliance, and helps facilitate studies designed to improve pediatric care.

Balancing graduate school with a 40-hour work week taught her valuable skills in time management, organization, and prioritization. “I learned how to stay focused under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously,” she said.

Searles described her time in the program as a period of significant growth.

“There were difficult moments and times that tested my discipline, but overall it was an incredibly rewarding experience,” she said. “The program allowed me to grow professionally and personally, gain valuable skills in health education and research, and feel proud of accomplishing a major milestone in my career.”

Some of her favorite memories center on writing her thesis titled “The Impact of Solo Runners vs. Group Runners on Stress Levels and Mental Health.” 

“As a runner who has completed a marathon and plans to run more, I’ve personally experienced how powerful running can be for stress relief and mental clarity,” Searles said. “I became curious about whether the experience differs when you run alone versus with a group.”

Her thesis found that group runners reported better stress management and mental health than solo runners, though the results were not statistically significant, Searles said.

Designing and evaluating health programs, applying research methods to real-world challenges, and effectively communicating health information to diverse populations were among the most valuable lessons she took from the program.

Dr. Amar Kanekar, a professor and graduate program coordinator for health education and promotion,  praised Searles’ commitment as she pursued her master’s degree. “She was a very dedicated student who worked hard on her research and was very good at communication, and hence I am proud of her work and work ethic,” he said.

Searles credits her support system, including her partner, for helping her reach the finish line.

“He celebrated every small victory, from finishing a tough assignment to submitting a paper, and always reminded me that progress, no matter how small, was worth acknowledging,” she said.

Her family and friends were also constant cheerleaders. “Through God’s strength and their unwavering belief in me, the challenging moments became manageable, and the entire experience was transformed into something joyful and meaningful,”  Searles said.

She said earning her master’s degree was a journey of faith, perseverance, and growth that prepared her for her next step. She is now exploring Ph.D. programs. 

“Every late night, every challenge, and every small victory reminded me that I was never alone in this journey,” Searles said. “Achieving this degree taught me the power of faith, determination, and community, and I hope my story inspires others to trust in God, lean on their loved ones, and keep moving forward even when it feels impossible.”