Kelsey Hayes

Recent Biology graduate with strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, actively pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. Science-minded and passionate about healthcare, with experience collaborating with both peers and professionals in academic and clinical settings. Dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and contributing to a patient-focused medical team.

• Participated in Intercollegiate Rodeo and Amateur Rodeo Associations
• Design and craft handmade fabric items including keychains, chapstick holders, dog bandanas, and other custom accessories.

• Basic Life Support Provider

• Awarded to the President List (4.0 GPA) for Southern Arkansas University for outstanding achievement and dedication to academic excellence. Awarded this achievement during the Fall of 2023 and Spring 2024.
• Awarded the honor of being a Scholar American for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association for the 2022-2023 season and the 2023-2024 season. This is awarded for a 3.5 GPA or better and points in a college rodeo throughout the season.
• Presented as the Team Captain of the Southern Arkansas University Rodeo Team by the Coach for showing outstanding leadership capabilities along with a strong work ethic to lead fellow team members.
• Awarded to the Dean's List for Southern Arkansas University for outstanding achievement and dedication to academic excellence. Awarded this achievement during the Spring of 2021, Fall of 2021, Spring of 2022, Fall of 2022, and Spring of 2023.

• While observing PA-C Josh Hall at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, AR, I joined him during his rounds of cardiovascular inpatients and participated in consultations for acute cases throughout the hospital. I gained insight into the evaluation and management of complex cardiac conditions and observed team-based care in action. A key highlight was assisting with the removal of a pericardial drain, which provided valuable procedural experience.
• While shadowing Dr. Evan Watts, MD in the cath lab, I observed a variety of cardiovascular procedures including cardiac catheterizations, transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR), and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). This experience provided valuable insight into interventional cardiology and advanced imaging techniques, as well as the critical decision-making involved in managing complex cardiac cases.
• While shadowing Jessica Franques, PA-C, I had the opportunity to observe her in action and gain a deeper understanding of the Physician Assistant’s role in healthcare. At Gold Cross Urgent Care, I assisted her as she evaluated and treated patients from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of health concerns.
• While shadowing Kyle Keith, PA-C, at the Collom & Carney Family Medicine Practice, I had the opportunity to assist with patient assessments, follow-up visits, new patient evaluations, and Medicare wellness exams.
• While shadowing Morgan Wyrick, PA-C, in a cardiology setting, I gained a deeper understanding of her role as a Physician Assistant in cardiovascular care. I observed ECG procedures, discussions about GLP-1 therapy options, and the administration of Leqvio injections. Additionally, I had the opportunity to observe Mrs. Wyrick as she conducted assessments and follow-up visits with cardiology patients.
• While observing Dr. Jason Franks, a board-certified internal medicine physician, I was able to assist with patient assessments, follow-up appointments, new patient evaluations, and pre- employment assessments. Working alongside Dr. Franks, we studied patient's ECGs, assisted reading X-Rays and lab reports. Occasionally, I assisted with multiple shave excision procedures removing skin lesions and, if needed, further operations to remove tumor cells.

• The Southern Arkansas University Rodeo Team proudly sponsors a Special Needs Rodeo in partnership with Magnolia Specialized Services. This event is designed to provide individuals of all ages—from toddlers to adults—with special needs the opportunity to engage in a fun and inclusive rodeo experience. Participants enjoy a variety of adapted rodeo activities in a safe and supportive environment, allowing them to interact with our student-athletes and horses. It is a meaningful event for both the community and our team, and sharing the joy of rodeo.
• Each Halloween, the Southern Arkansas University Rodeo Team partners with the University’s Agriculture Department to host a Halloween Rodeo event for the community. This family-friendly event offers children and adults the opportunity to trick-or-treat and participate in a variety of agriculture-themed activities. The evening concludes with a special “Halloween Rodeo,” where our student-athletes and their equine partners compete in costume, adding a fun and festive twist to the traditional rodeo experience.
• During the "Make Magnolia the Capitol for the Day" event, the Southern Arkansas University Rodeo Team had the honor of meeting Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. During her visit, the Governor spent several hours with our team, learning about our program and the various rodeo events in which we compete. She also had the opportunity to interact with us as student-athletes and observe one of our team practices.
• I was tasked with taking blood pressure and demographics on incoming 9th grade and high school students that were going to be competing in sports for Magnolia High School in the 2024-2025 school year.
• I had the opportunity to volunteer at a benefit barrel race supporting Columbia County Animal Protective Services. The event was organized to help raise funds for the care and well-being of local animals in need. As a volunteer, I helped take entries, manage the money, announce contestants, and assist with the payout to the winners. It was a rewarding experience to contribute to such a great cause while supporting both the local equestrian community and animals in need.

• I was able to work under the supervision of Dr. Daniel McDermott to determine the effectiveness of LPS in stimulating RAW264.7 cells, we stimulated macrophages and examined MHC Class ll expression via flow cytometry. Next, we examined the ability of carboxylated beads to enter the RAW264.7 cells via fluorescent microscopy. This data was vital for the validation of the model system which will be used to examine the ability of LPS-induced NO to delay phagosome maturation during secondary spread.