Meet the 2023 Summer Interns
Tanya Apurva
Intern, Data Governance and HDME Services
I want to see myself as a manager directing multiple projects and contributing towards the company’s success.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Master’s of Information Quality, December 2023
Arkansas Department of Education, Graduate Research Assistant, 2022 - 2023
Riley Aud
Intern, Value Payment Strategy
After college, I plan to pursue a career in either mathematics or computers. I am not sure which route I will take yet, but I hope to achieve my goals through this current internship and other shadowing positions.
University of Arkansas at Monticello, Mathematics and Computer Information Systems, 2024
- Chancellor’s List, Fall 2020 - Spring 2023
- Arkansas Academic Challenge and ACT Scholarship, 2020
- School of Computer Information Systems Rookie of the Year, 2022
- School of Computer Information Systems Junior of the Year, 2023
- Sigma Zeta, Member, 2022 - Present
- Chi Sigma lota, Scholarship Officer, 2022 - Present
- Sigma Sigma Sigma, President, 2021 - Present
- Student Ambassador, Member, 2021 - Present
- Marketplace II, Clerk, 2020 - 2021
- University of Arkansas at Monticello, Math and Science Tutor, 2020 - 2022
- University of Arkansas at Monticello, Police Department Student Worker, 2022 - present
Dillon Cordel
Intern, Legal and Government Relations
My goal is to practice as an attorney within the corporate and business field. Throughout law school, I have clerked/interned for various organizations and networked to help prepare me to enter this field.
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law, Juris Doctor, Rising 3L, Spring 2024
- Missouri State University, Master of Business Administration, Summer 2023
- Missouri State University, Bachelor of Science in Business Finance, 2019
- Arkansas Attorney General's Office, Law Clerk, Spring 2023
- Association of Arkansas Counties, Litigation Clerk, Fall 2022
- Taylor and Taylor Law Firm, Law Clerk, Summer 2022
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law Library, Spring 2022
- LegalNet, Inc., Data Analyst, 2018 - 2021
Jake Darby
Intern, Actuary
My goal is to become an actuary by passing the prerequisite exams and gaining experience as an analyst.
University of Arkansas, Statistics, 2024
- Chancellor’s List, 2020 - 2023
- Dean’s List, 2022
- Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, 2020
- University of Arkansas Honors College Fellowship, 2020
- National Merit Scholar, 2020
- Cru Campus Ministries, Member, 2022 - 2023
- Alpha Lambda Delta, Treasurer, 2022 - 2023
- Alpha Lambda Delta, Member, 2021 - 2023
Aaron Devine
Intern, Group Markets
Post college, I want to become a business analytics expert with practical experience developing important insights. Someday, I would love to be in a senior analyst role at a leading company. This internship is one step toward achieving that goal. I am excited to learn more practical business skills this summer. I also hope to secure one more internship before I graduate. During that internship, I will acquire more experience that will help me practice the skills I am learning in the classroom and apply them to the real world. I hope these skills will help me land my first analytics job.
John Brown University, Data Analytics and Economics, Junior, 2024
- President's List, 2022 - 2023
- Dean's List, Fall 2021
- Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, 2023
- Walton Family FDN Data Analytics Fund Recipient, 2023
- Trustee's Academic Award, 2023
JBU Ironfist Ultimate Frisbee, Member, 2021-2023
- John Brown University, Teaching Assistant, 2022 - 2023
- Chick-fil-a, Team-Leader, 2019 - 2023
Danielle Goode
Intern, Workplace Planning
My professional goals are to pursue a career in Human Resources Management after completing my MBA.
University of Arkansas, Management with a Human Resources Concentration, Senior, 2024
Philipp Haessner
Intern, Medicare Advantage
My future career goals relate to a job position in healthcare data analysis. My undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences develop the necessary background knowledge about topics that relate to healthcare and medicine. Furthermore, my masters degree in applied data analytics prepares me to work with different programming languages that are necessary to translate data into practical implementations.
- University of Central Arkansas, Applied Data Analytics, 2024
- University of Central Arkansas, Masters degree in Data Processing
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany, Bachelors degree in Nutrition
- ASUN Conference Outdoor Track and Field, All Academic Team, 2022
- ASUN Conference Cross Country, All Academic Team, 2023
- Beta Gamma Sigma, Member, 2023 - Present
- Decision Science Institute, Member, 2022 - Present
- Rewe Company, Salesperson, 2019 - 2021
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Nutritional Research Intern, 2019 - 2020
- Schuelerhilfe Eisenach, High School Tutor for Mathematics and Chemistry, 2018 - 2020
Disreal Herron
Intern, Social Work
My professional goals include working with different vulnerable communities to implement positive change. Another professional goal of mine includes advocating for social justice for vulnerable populations through legislation. The way I plan to achieve these professional goals is by gaining all the knowledge possible from the internship at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. In addition, I plan to take my LMSW licensure exam this summer and work towards meeting the requirements to receive my LCSW. After I receive my LMSW and LCSW, I will have access to more opportunities to achieve my professional goals.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Masters degree in Social Work, 2023
- Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehab, Social Service Director, March 2017 - October 2018
- Pathfinders INC, Mental Health Para Professional, August 2016 - March 2017
- State of the Heart Counseling Services, Life Skills Instructor, May 2010 - April 2016
- UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Social Work Intern, January 2008 - March 2023
- Arkansas Department of Human Services, Family Service Worker, January 2007 - January 2019
- Little Rock School District, Substitute Teacher, August 2005 - August 2010
- Psychiatric Research Institute, Social Work Intern, January 2005 - January 2008
- Collaborative Counseling Associates, Case Manager, January 2001 - January 2007
Jonathan Holland
Intern, Tech Advancement and Productivity Solutions
I want to work for a company that appreciates me while also allowing me to utilize my skills to help them grow. I want to achieve this goal by giving it my all at this internship with ABCBS. The executives, my coworkers, and my supervisors (pretty much everyone here) are very friendly and kind. The intern program here is utterly fantastic. This is a company I would absolutely want to work for, so I'm going to give this internship 120%.
Harding University, Computer Science, 2023
- Dean's List, 2021
- Computer Science Senior Capstone Competition Winner, 2023
Walmart, Grocery Pickup Associate, 2019 - 2022
Kayla Hollinger
Intern, Inclusion and Diversity
After college, I hope to work in health policy, regulatory affairs, and health tech. I plan to achieve these goals by obtaining a lot of experience in these fields and learning from those who have come before me. I will apply my undergraduate and graduate knowledge so that I will contribute to the company.
- University of Arkansas, Master of Public Health, 2nd year graduate student
- St. John's University, Biology, 2021
Vishal Jeyam
Intern, Tech Advancement and Productivity Solutions
I want to work either in the artificial intelligence/machine learning field or in cybersecurity. Hopefully this experience leads me to a better decision for my future. I plan on achieving this by attempting projects that use artificial intelligence/machine learning concepts and projects with cybersecurity concepts.
University of Arkansas, Computer Science, 2025
- Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, 2021
- University of Arkansas Leadership Award Scholarship, 2021
- Association of Computing Machinery, Member, 2020 - Present
- Arkansas Food Innovation Center, Student Hourly Worker, February 2022 - Present
- University of Arkansas Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Teaching Assistant, January 2023 - May 2023
- University of Tennessee, Undergraduate Research Intern, June 2022 - July 2022
- Kumon, Grader, August 2018 - October 2018
Kennedy Kinley
Intern, Blue and You Foundation
I hope to work full-time as a professional writer by gaining work experience through this internship.
University of Central Arkansas, English and Professional Writing, 2023
President's List, 2020 - 2023
University of Central Arkansas, Student Worker, 2019 - 2023
Mark Kuykendall
Intern, Benefits Design and Compensation
My professional goals after college include earning my Master's degree in Business Administration and pursuing a career in a field that I enjoy with a company that is supportive of their employees. To achieve my goal of earning an MBA, I have enrolled in the MBA program at Arkansas Tech University and will graduate in May 2024. I can achieve my other goal through networking and making connections with others.
- Arkansas Tech University, Master of Business Administration, 2024
- Arkansas Tech University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance, 2023
- Dean's List, 2019-2023
- Joseph L. Moore Outstanding Economics and Finance Award, 2023
- ATU Who's Who, 2023
- ATU Tradition Keeper, 2023
- Campus Life Service Excellence Award, 2023
- Student Activities Board Excellence in Collaboration, 2023
- Student Government Association, Senior Senator, 202 2- 2023
- Beta Gamma Sigma, Member, 2022-2023
- Presidential Leadership Cabinet, Secretary, 2021 - 2023
- Student Activities Board, Spirit Events Chair, 2021 - 2023
- Inter-Fraternity Council, Vice President of Internal Affairs, 2021 - 2022
- Sigma Pi, Treasurer, 2021- 2023
- University Honors, Member, 2019 - 2023
- Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Human Resources Assistant, 2022 - 2023
- Arkansas Tech University, Student Worker, 2022 - 2023
- Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Employee Benefits and Compensation Intern, Summer 2022
Lauren LeRoy
Intern, Compliance Systems and Accreditation
This summer, I plan to start studying and taking the CPA exam. In the fall, I will return to Arkansas Tech to get my Master's degree in Business Administration and complete the 150-hour requirement for the exam. After I finish my MBA, I hope to work for a public accounting firm to perform tax or audit. Eventually, I would like to work for private accounting firm or become a college professor.
- Arkansas Tech, Bachelor's degree in Accounting, 2023
- Arkansas Tech, Master of Business Administration, Graduate Student, 2024
- Dean's List, 2019 - 2023
- Academic and Arkansas Lottery Scholarships, 2019 - 2023
- BKD Foundation Scholarship, 2021 - 2022
- AICPA Scholarship, 2021 - 2022
- Gary K. Burris Outstanding Accounting Award, 2023
- Honors Program, Member, 2019 - 2023
- Accounting Club, President, 2022 - 2023
- Arkansas Tech, Student Worker, 2021 - 2023
- Barnes and Noble, Cashier, 2021 - 2022
- East Side Baptist Church, Children's Ministry Assistant, 2019
- Harper Dental, File Clerk, 2018 - 2019
Anna Mason
Intern, Medicare Advantage
I hope to pursue a career in public health and help with the health inequity issues in the United States. I will achieve this goal by first earning my Master's degree in Public Health at the University of Virginia and then by applying my relevant experience and training to a job in public health policy, policy consulting, or a related field.
- University of Virginia, Chemistry, Medical Anthropology, Graduate, 2023
- University of Virginia, Public Health, Graduate Student, 2024
- University Achievement Award, 2019 - 2023
- Dean's List, 2022
- Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Summer Internship Scholarship, 2022
- Alpha Delta Pi, Member, 2020 - 2023
- Cavalier Daily, Writer, 2019 - 2023
- Children's Miracle Network Hoothon, Member, 2020 - 2023
- Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicare Program Analyst Associate, 2022 - 2023
- Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Medicare Advantage Intern, Summer 2022
Madison Myatt
Intern, Direct Marketing
My goal after college is to secure a job that provides continued growth opportunities and challenges. I want to make a positive impact in my field.
University of Central Arkansas, Finance, 2024
Arkansas Academic Challenge, UCA Excellence Scholarship, 2020 - 2024
Walmart, Online Delivery and Pickup Associate, 2021 - 2023
Sayli Naik
Intern, FEP Pharmacy and HEDIS
After graduation, I want to secure a position where I can utilize my knowledge and skills to gain practical knowledge. I would like to work in the analytics field. I will try to understand the process, tools, and learn from the senior leaders.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Information Quality, 2023
Shakil Rafi
Intern, Health Economics
I want to join a company as a data scientist role. I plan to do so by broadening my skills and experience in the area leveraging my mathematics background. My dissertation focuses on the use of neural networks to solve certain differential equations. In addition, I have taken on a wide range of roles for the last couple of years to really showcase my skills as applicable to the real world.
University of Arkansas, Applied Mathematics, Ph.D. Candidate, 2024
Lawrence Jesser Toll Jr. Endowed Fellowship, 2021
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Student Member
- American Mathematical Society, Student Member
- Graduate Student Colloquium, Treasurer
- University of Arkansas Department of Data Science, Teaching Assistant, 2023 - Present
- University of Arkansas Department of Mathematical Sciences, Senior Graduate Assistant, 2020 - 2022
- University of Arkansas Department of Mathematical Sciences, Graduate Assistant, 2016 - 2020
- RSS Wears Ltd, Assistant Business Analyst, 2015 - 2016
- Sodexo, Inc., Concessions Manager, 2011 - 2013
Katy Reagan
Intern, Internal Operations Training and Staff Development
After college, my goal is to be a full-time employee for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield in a copywriting position. I plan to accomplish this by participating fully in this internship program, taking all networking opportunities, learning from the supervisors and peers around me, producing great work, and pushing myself in what I think I'm capable of. I will also be completing a copywriting internship in the fall to gain more experience before graduating college.
To pursue writing in a creative outlet, I have the professional goal of having one of my personal creative nonfiction essays published in a major publication each year. To reach this particular goal, I will submit three of my essays to five to seven appropriate literary journals/magazines per year.
University of Central Arkansas, Writing Studies, December 2023
- Presidential Scholar, 2020 - 2023
- Up-and-Coming Writing Major Award, 2021
- UCA Purple Society, 2023
- Outstanding Student in Writing, Rhetoric, and Information Design, 2023
UCA Feminist Union, President/Vice-President/Member, 2022-2023/2021-2022/2020-2021
- Vortex Magazine of Literature and Fine Art, Reader/Judge and Social Media Marketing Assistant, 2021 - 2023
- Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU), Member, 2020 - 2022
- Conway Scene Blog, Freelance Writer, 2022 - 2023
- Marketing Choices, Intern (Unpaid), 2022 - 2023
- Starbucks, Barista, 2022 - 2023
- Dollar General, Key Holder 2022 - 2023
Guillermo Soto
Intern, Benefits Design and Compensation
My goal is to achieve SHRM credentials and obtain an MBA through dedicated study time and prioritization of efforts.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Management, 2024
- Chancellor's List, Fall 2020 - Spring 2022
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, College of Business Student Ambassador, 2021 - 2023
- Phi Kappa Phi, Member, 2022 - Present
- Beta Gamma Sigma, Member, 2022 - Present
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Human Resources Society, Secretary, 2022 - 2023
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Human Resources Society, Treasurer, 2023 - Present
United States Navy, Chief Fire Controlman (E-7), 2000 - 2020
Vincent Turturro
Intern, Actuary
I aim to become a healthcare insurance actuary. I will gain a better understanding of the actuarial profession and professional expectations through this internship.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Bachelor of Science in Math, 2020
- Dean's List, 2016 - 2020
- Chancellor's Academic Distinction and Governor's Scholarship, 2016
- Actuary Club, Treasurer, 2018 - 2020
Lisa Academy North, Student Summer Assistant, June 2016 - August 2016
