- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Student Work at Student Research and Creative Works Expo��

John Hill — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 13:32:47 +0000

More than 90 undergraduate and graduate students showcased their academic work at the Student Research and Creative Works Expo held April 8 at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. This year’s event took place outside beneath tents between the Ottenheimer Library and the Physics building. It was the first in-person expo in three years. The projects, some of which were inside the library, covered such major areas as applied bioscience, art history, biology, business information systems, chemistry, computer science, criminal justice, engineering, fine arts, history, mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, philosophy, physics, political science, public administration, and theatre. The gathering also featured research projects by winners of the Signature Experience Awards. The grants fund a signature experience, such as a research project, creative activity, or community project. The goal is to enrich the students’ academic experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Among those who completed creative work was Meaghan Herbold, a senior physics major. She presented her project “Applied Physics for the Design and Construction of Articulated, Electronic Wings.” Massive 14-foot-long red wings made of poplar wood, bamboo, faux fur, and goose feathers dominated a spot in the library. Herbold builds and designs costumes based on pop culture. She applied physics to construct the wings to be worn by a human. “I studied ornithology papers and I studied the anatomy of birds,” she said. What she learned was “impractical for human application and this design is more efficient.”

Emma Chambers showcases her homemade paint during the 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Expo.

Nearby, senior Emma Chambers, who is completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting, presented her creative work project, “Sourcing from Nature: Making and Using Paint from Locally Sources Pigments.” “This is Arkansas-based paint,” she explained, pointing to sample colors that ranged from dark brown to pale yellow. Chambers collected soil and rock from Bauxite to make the paint which she used in three paintings. Chambers’ mentor is Krista Schoenin. Cool, windy conditions outside challenged a few students to keep their research posters upright. But for Michael Flowers, a senior mechanical engineering technology major, it was near perfect weather for his research project “Cost Benefits of Adding Wind-turbine Generator.” “This is a feasibility study to see how adding a vertical axis wind turbine can add efficiency to a solar panel array to reduce lithium battery storage,” Flowers said. By using a wind-powered generator, he predicted that about 6.4 solar panels would not be needed, and that battery storage requirements would be reduced by half thus creating “a more effective renewable energy.” Flowers worked on the research with fellow students Stephen David and Garrett Phelps. Dr. Mamdouh Bakr is their mentor. Ruby Trottor’s research focused on “Nanomaterial Effects on Degradation of Polymer Biomaterials.” The senior chemistry and Spanish major said biomaterials degradation is a very important aspect to consider when they are used for medical purposes – depending on how long the materials need to remain in the body. “At the intersection of materials chemistry and biomedical research, our polymer and graphene nanomaterials have shown remarkable promise in bone tissue regeneration technologies,” Trotter said. “Through an investigation of the degradation profiles of the polymer along and with graphene, we have determined that graphene materials may slow the degradation of the polymeric biomaterial.”

Chancellor Christina Drale, center, reviews student research projects during the 2022 Student Research and Creative Works Expo. Photos by Ben Krain.

The expo is a place where “students see themselves as researchers,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, director of undergraduate research at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “We get students in contact with a faculty mentor as early as we can so it’s about building a community of research.” Ecke said the event also highlights “the diversity of our student population, various cultures, and ethnic populations. To be able to see yourself in this space and see people thriving is encouraging to our future students.” For Robert Elliott Hagberg, a business major contemplating switching to engineering, it was a chance to explore new areas. “I was hoping to strike up some good conversations with people on topics that I’m interested in,” he said. “I had a great time, and I got to talk to people and learn a lot of new stuff. I like art, construction, and design.”Several students and faculty members said they were glad that the research expo was in-person versus virtual (recorded videos) as it had been in recent years due to COVID-19. “It’s a great opportunity to practice my presentation skills,” said Tayler Gamble, a senior majoring in biology and chemistry. Her research focused on “Studies in the hydridic reduction reactions of alkynyl hydrazones via sigmatropic rearrangement to form allenes.” “So, in our lab we use the methods of synthetic chemistry to produce allenes,” Gamble said, explaining that allenes are an integral part of the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals and numerous natural products. “In order for us to produce these allenes, we first have to create alkynyl hydrazones which are molecules that will act as precursors to the final rearrangement step that will allow us to produce allenes.“ Gamble’s mentor is Dr. Brian Walker. Some faculty members said the event gives them the opportunity to support students. “I love having it in person because I can go up, we can talk to each other, and I can see and sometimes touch the work,” said Johanna Lewis, an associate dean in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Science, and Education. “The enthusiasm is much better in real life. I am constantly amazed and delighted by our students.” For music professor Rolf Groesbeck, it was a chance to support those who are taking or have taken his classes and learn about the work that‘s happening on campus. “About three-fourths of the students exhibiting here are my students or my former students,” he said. “Plus, I appreciate the opportunity to see what other departments are doing.” This story was written by Bobbie Handcock.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Forms First Steel Band

John Hill — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:57:42 +0000

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you steel drums, make a Steel Band. That was the first thought that came to Dr. Justin Bunting, director of percussion studies, when he arrived at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2019 and a search of percussion equipment in the Fine Arts Building led to a fruitful discovery. “I went through all of the percussion storage rooms, and I found that we had a bunch of steel drums in cases,” Bunting said. “We didn’t have a steel drum ensemble, so my eyes lit up when I saw them. I knew we had to do something with them. We had a full set of steel drums but we had no stands. The drums were there, but we didn’t have stands to put them on or sticks to play them with.” While ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has never had such a band in the past, Bunting has experience leading a steel band of similar size at Western Colorado University. “Steel bands in general can grow very, very large. In Trinidad, which is where steel drums come from, it can have 20 or 30 people,” Bunting said. “I knew I had arrangements of music that would work here because they worked at Western Colorado. It translated very easily.” His work has come to fruition with a six-member steel band that began in the fall 2020 semester. There are aspects of the band that are completely unique, according to its dedicated members. Emma Chambers, a junior fine arts major, has enjoyed playing previously in the Wind Ensemble and was excited for the opportunity to join a new band. “I really love the music in the Steel Band,” Chambers said. “It’s a really small band, so we mesh together and got to know each other very well. Our director also made our practice schedule after checking on everyone’s class schedules. That’s the first time that’s happened for me. I’ve learned a lot of new things because I’ve never played steel drums before. It’s helped me improve my rhythm and sight reading.” Alejandro Alvarez-Barreiro, a junior mechanical engineering technology and Spanish major, is also a budding music maker whose latest project was creating a xylophone out of bottles. “I enjoy learning and playing and making instruments,” Alvarez-Barreiro said. “My main instrument is the tuba, so I’ve enjoyed learning how to play the steel drums. We also play a lot of different types of music from Bruno Mars to Jamaican. If we ever have the chance to play on campus, it will bring a lot of smiles.” Dr. Bunting said it’s been an exciting experience to see how quickly the band members have taken to the steel drums, especially since only some of them had previously played�� percussion instruments. “I’ve been impressed by how quickly the students have picked up the instruments and been able to play them,” Bunting said. “I felt the enthusiasm for the group would be there. This is an instrument you are learning from scratch. The steel drum is not like any other instrument that everyone has played. Last semester, everyone was looking at the instrument for the first time. I was impressed with how eager they were to learn. By the end of the semester, we recorded a virtual concert and they played seven songs. I was blown away that we could get away with playing that many songs after one semester.” As one of the band members with previous percussion experience, Stephanie Gimenez, a student from Miami, has a slight advantage over some of her fellow bandmates. “I saw it as an opportunity to play a new instrument, even though I’ve been playing percussion since I was a young child,” Gimenez said. “I wanted to balance myself out as a percussionist. All of my friends are in this band. It’s my first and last semester in the Steel Band, so I wanted to seize the opportunity. It has definitely opened my eyes up to playing with other musicians. Percussionists usually accompany the band, but we get to play the melody and be front and center in the Steel Band!” Kevin Fitzgerald, a senior music theory and music history major, agrees that the Steel Band has been a way for him to expand into popular music and is quite a change from his traditional piano performances “The Steel Band seems more like a fun hangout with friends,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s not as stressful as some bands I’ve been in, and we play a lot of popular music. It’s a good way to incorporate popular music into a college music curriculum. You don’t often hear Bruno Mars or Billy Joel in a traditional college ensemble.” You can check out the Steel Band in action with the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Percussion Ensemble in the recording of the . Any student who would like to join the Steel Band may contact Bunting at jbunting@ualr.edu.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Dedicates New Student Mural “Koi” in Ottenheimer Library

John Hill — Wed, 26 May 2021 14:08:42 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock dedicated a new student mural in the lobby of Ottenheimer Library during a ceremony on May 11.�� The new mural, entitled “Koi,” is eight feet wide and 16 feet long. Emma Chambers, the student artist who created the mural, hopes the peaceful painting of fish swimming in a koi pond will bring a sense of calm and tranquility to all who see it. “Previously, I was struggling with grounding myself, especially during the pandemic,” Chambers said. “I lost my sense of place as I believe many of you also did. Meditating, looking at koi fish, and finding my inner peace were some things that helped me. I wanted to give that to other students by sharing my love of koi fish and giving everybody else a sense of place.” The mural is the result of the first campus-wide competition designed to honor and highlight the wonderful work of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s student artists. Chancellor Christina Drale praised the mural as “the people’s choice.” “This project is also special because it represents a unique collaboration that represents the best of who we are at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Drale said. “This effort was so successful, and the results so marvelous, that I am encouraging the Building and Grounds Committee to continue the collaboration and make this an annual event.” The campus partners involved in the student mural competition and installation include the Student Government Association (SGA), the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Facilities Management, the Department of Art and Design, and Ottenheimer Library staff. “Most of you probably know that koi are a type of carp fish bred for their vibrant colors,” Drale said. “You see them frequently in garden ponds. What you might not know, and what Nancy Hamilton has graciously shared with me, is that in Japan, the koi is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, but also of perseverance in the face of adversity. I have to say, I can’t think of a better symbol for the year we’ve been through than that. And what a wonderful testimony to the resilience of our students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock!” SGA President Landon DeKay said the idea for a student mural competition originated with former SGA President Katie Zakrzewski in 2019. When DeKay began his presidency last fall, the SGA was determined to bring the student mural to fruition.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student artist Emma Chambers, left, is congratulated by her friend during a dedication ceremony for the mural at the Ottenheimer Library. Photo by Ben Krain.

“It’s been a very hectic school year, and we need something bright to lift our spirits. The mural is very beautiful,” DeKay said. “SGA wants to get students involved on campus. We are very excited to showcase student artwork around campus, and we hope to continue this tradition for years to come.” Chambers, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts major with a concentration in painting, said it took two weeks to complete the mural. She received help from several of her professors in the Department of Art and Design, including Ricky Sikes, Peter Scheidt, and Kensuke Yamada. A patron from the library helped prime the mural, and her brother helped her paint. “The mural turned out very well,” Chambers said. “I have a whole new appreciation for teamwork. Painting is solitary, but I had no idea how many people were involved in the creation of a mural.” In the upper right photo, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student artist Emma Chambers, center right, poses in front of her winning mural with Student Government Association President Landon DeKay, left, Chancellor Christina Drale, center left, and Nancy Hamilton, Faculty Senate Building and Grounds Committee member, far right, during a dedication ceremony for the mural at Ottenheimer Library. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s New Mural to be Unveiled May 11

John Hill — Wed, 05 May 2021 15:34:37 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will unveil a new mural at Ottenheimer Library on Tuesday, May 11, that was chosen by thousands of students and employees at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� The Student Government Association, in conjunction with the Faculty Senate Building and Grounds Committee, held the university’s first student mural contest during the 2020-21 school year.�� A dedication ceremony for the new mural will begin at 11 a.m. May 11 at Ottenheimer Library Lobby. Chancellor Christina Drale will preside over the unveiling with remarks from SGA President Landon DeKay and the artist.�� Emma Chambers, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts major with a concentration in painting, won the competition, receiving more than 750 votes for her design of fish swimming in a koi pond. “I am really into painting fish, especially koi fish,” Chambers said. “I grew up with a koi pond, and I’ve always been interested in the form of the fish. It’s very graceful. I wanted to provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation. I wanted something that would be calming and pleasant for students.” Chambers also said she also drew inspiration for her design from the koi fish mural in downtown Little Rock that was painted by Matt McLeod and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. She received a $1,000 stipend to complete the mural during the month of April. The mural will be eight feet wide and 16 feet long. Chambers is a Little Rock native and member of the Donaghey Scholars Honor Program. In addition to the BFA, she is earning minors in applied design-ceramics and Spanish. After she graduates in spring 2022, Chambers plans to attend graduate school to further her study of ceramics or open an art studio.

Chambers wins ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student mural competition

John Hill — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 13:33:22 +0000

Emma Chambers, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts major with a concentration in painting, has won the first student mural competition at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.�� “I was really excited that I won the mural contest,” Chambers said. “I hoped that I would get it because I believed in myself and my painting.” The Student Government Association, in conjunction with the Faculty Senate Building and Grounds committee, created the mural contest open to all ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. Chambers received more than 750 votes for her design of swimming koi fish. Chambers will paint the mural that will be placed on the west side of the Ottenheimer Library Lobby entrance. It will be eight feet wide and 16 feet long. She will receive $1,000 to complete the mural, including $150 for support materials, $650 for preparation, construction materials, and cleanup, as well as a $200 artist stipend. “I am really into painting fish, especially koi fish,” Chambers said. “I grew up with a koi pond, and I’ve always been interested in the form of the fish. It’s very graceful. I wanted to provide a sense of tranquility and relaxation. I wanted something that would be calming and pleasant for students.” Chambers said she also drew inspiration for her design from the koi fish mural in downtown Little Rock that was painted by Matt McLeod and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. Chambers is working with Ricky Sikes, artist-in-residence of painting, Peter Scheidt, assistant professor of furniture and woodworking, and Thomas Clifton, chair of the Department of Art and Design.

Emma Chambers’ winning design for the student mural competition

She is a Little Rock native and member of the Donaghey Scholars Honor Program. In addition to the BFA, she is earning minors in applied design-ceramics and Spanish. After she graduates in spring 2022, Chambers plans to attend graduate school to further her study of ceramics or open an art studio. Chambers will complete the mural by April 30, and Chancellor Christina Drale will preside over the unveiling in May. A specific date for the unveiling ceremony will be forthcoming.��

7 French Horns a caroling

Janea Snyder — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 17:17:11 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Director of Bands Ken Goff and the French horn section spread a little holiday cheer on Monday, Dec. 4, while performing short mini concerts at various campus locations. The ensemble played carols from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at eight campus sites where they had been invited to perform.��The group performed first for Chancellor Andrew Rogerson and then proceeded across campus to the Office of Communications and Marketing where they play traditional carols such as “Up on the Rooftop” and “Jingle Bells.” The ensemble also visited the Department of Speech Communication, the College of Social Sciences and Communications dean’s office, School of Social Work, the Engineering and Information Technology (EIT) dean’s office, the student lounge in the old Fine Arts Building, the dean’s office in the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, and the Food Court in the Donaghey Student Center ��The musicians included Dr. Goff and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students Emma Chambers, Kominisha Copeland, Julie Defoor, Neco Larimore, Nell Matthews, and Damion Snowden. Photo by Benjmin Krain

��Vlog��ý Little Rock announces Donaghey Scholars for 2018-19

Janea Snyder — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 16:46:13 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock welcomes 25 new Donaghey Scholars for the 2018-2019 academic year. The Donaghey Scholars Program admissions process is highly competitive. The most promising applicants are invited to campus for an interview. Admission decisions are based on academic record, test scores, leadership ability, community service, interest in other cultures, recommendation letters, admissions essays, and the interview. This year’s incoming class of Donaghey Scholars has an average ACT score of 31. Donaghey Scholars receive a financial package that includes full tuition and fees (up to 18 hours per semester), a stipend, financial assistance to study abroad, a housing subsidy, and a new laptop. The program features an interdisciplinary core curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, discussion, and project-based learning that engages with the city of Little Rock. The students, hometown, high school and intended major are:

Emma Chambers, of Little Rock, Pulaski Academy, Studio Art
Alondra Cruz, of Little Rock, Mills University Studies High School, Business
Olivia Fitzgibbon, of Little Rock, eStem, Public Relations
Lucca Garcia, of Sheridan, Catholic High School, Nursing
Sadie Goss, of El Dorado, Parkers Chapel High School, Criminal Justice and Biology
Mohib Hafeez, of Little Rock, Lisa Academy West, Biology and Chemistry/ Pre-Med
LaTambria Hampton, of Jonesboro, Academies at Jonesboro High School, Biology and Chemistry/ Pre-Med
Jordan Hancock, of Benton, Benton High School, Art History
Meagan Herbold, of Mabelvale, Bryant High School, Physics and Mathematics
Khristina Huff, of Cleveland, Clinton High School, Biology and Chemistry/ Pre-Med
Sabah Ismail, of Fort Smith, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Political Science
Nicholas Jaeger, of Leslie, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Computer Science
Savannah James, of North Little Rock, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Political Science
Amelia Jilek, of Alexander, Bryant High School, Philosophy/ Pre-Law
Greyson Kauffman, of Cabot, ��Cabot High School, Criminal Justice and Psychology
Sam Koon, of Little Rock, Little Rock Central High School, English/ Pre-Law
Sydney Kornelsen, of Fallbrook, CA, Escondido Charter High School, Chemistry
Hannah Krehbiel, of Fort Smith, Northside High School, Anthropology and Chemistry
Cecily Mobley, of Fouke, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Systems Engineering
Karson Oakes, of Paragould, Paragould Senior High School, Computer Science
Gage Pipkin, of Jonesboro, Westside High School, Theatre
Philip Plouch, of Little Rock, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Computer Science
Gabrielle Roberts, of Jonesboro, Academies at Jonesboro High School, Biology/ Pre-Vet
Aleigha Smith, of Ward, Cabot High School, Accounting
Ruby Trotter, of Houston, TX, Jersey Village High School, Biology and Chemistry/ Pre-Med

Photo by Benjamin Krain

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates Student Work at Student Research and Creative Works Expo��

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Forms First Steel Band

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Dedicates New Student Mural “Koi” in Ottenheimer Library

����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s New Mural to be Unveiled May 11

Chambers wins ����Vlog��ý Little Rock student mural competition