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

Ghosh Named Interim Associate Dean of Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

John Hill — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:34:49 +0000

Dr. Anindya Ghosh, chair of the Department of Chemistry, has been named the interim associate dean for the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “I am pleased that Dr. Ghosh has agreed to serve in this important role in the college,” DCSTEM Dean Lawrence Whitman said. “W�� are fortunate to have a recognized scholar and an experienced leader in STEM as a new associate dean in DCSTEM. I look forward to working with him as the college moves forward.” In his new role, Ghosh will be valuable to DCSTEM’s overall mission and goals. His responsibilities include international agreements, pre-med student coordination, college curricular reviews, and graduation. He also serves as college safety coordinator, K12 STEM teaching coordinator, College Space/Lab coordinator, and STEM Hub supervisor. “In this position, I look forward to working with the College Dean Lawrence Whitman and all other leaders of the college and the university toward the shared mission and goal of supporting students, faculty, and staff,” Ghosh said. His research group at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock focuses on work surrounding green catalysis and synthesis. They use simple materials and renewable resources to develop various functional and smart materials and catalysts that can be used in applications such as small molecule activation, pollution remediation, renewable synthesis, sensor, biomedicine, fuel cell, and supercapacitors. His research has been supported by funding from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, private companies, the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy. After joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as an assistant professor in 2007, Ghosh was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2012 and to professor in 2017. He has served as chair of the Department of Chemistry since 2019. Additionally, Ghosh has previously served as interim associate dean for research and graduate programs at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Kansas, and a senior research chemist at Halliburton Energy Services to develop oil-field chemicals. Ghosh obtained his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University, working in designing and synthesizing environmentally benign oxidation catalysts for remediation of hazardous pollutants. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from Calcutta University in Calcutta, India, and his master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, India. Ghosh was the recipient of the university-wide Faculty Excellence Award in Research in 2014 and 2020 and was selected as the Professor of the Year by the Central Arkansas American Chemical Society in 2015. He is the recipient of the Kenneth G. Hancock Memorial Award from the American Chemical Society and the Heinz Scholarship given by the Heinz Foundation. He is also a co-recipient of the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 1999 by the Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, he serves as a member of the editorial board for the journal Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences: Molecular Diagnostics and a guest editor of Vacuum Technology & Coatings.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Honors Safe Foods Co-Founder Carl Rosenbaum, Raises Record-Breaking Amount for STEM Student Scholarships

John Hill — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:20:47 +0000

A visionary entrepreneur and businessman who recognized the potential of a revolutionary new product developed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences was honored with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s 2021 Fribourgh Award. More than 250 people celebrated Carl Rosenbaum, co-founder of Safe Foods, as he received the award during an Oct. 21 reception at Chenal Country Club. The James H. Fribourgh Award honors individuals who have made considerable contributions to the state of Arkansas through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It was a record-breaking night as ��Vlog��ý Little Rock raised more than $206,000 for student scholarships, which is the highest amount ever raised during a Fribourgh Award Ceremony. Proceeds will be used to create the Carl Rosenbaum Endowed Scholarship Fund that will help ��Vlog��ý Little Rock attract and retain high-achieving, full-time undergraduate students majoring in science and mathematics. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale declared Rosebaum as a shining example of someone who has dedicated his life to using science for good. “As a pioneer in the food safety industry, Carl Rosenbaum shows us the power of science to serve humanity, and he shows us what it means to choose our aspirations well,” Drale said. The event’s presenting sponsors include Jerry and Sherri Damerow, 2017 recipients of the Fribourgh Award, the Board of Safe Foods Corporation, and Arkansas Glass Container Corporation. Jason Curry, pastor at The Church at Rock Creek and founder of Finish Empty®, served as the emcee for the ceremony. Jerry Damerow, a close friend of Rosenbaum, said he had the good fortune to see the story of Safe Foods unfold when he served as associate director of the medical technology accelerator, ��Vlog��ýMS BioVentures. “Carl became intrigued with a technology that researchers at ��Vlog��ýMS had come up with, the use of cetylpyridinium chloride, to eliminate harmful food pathogens,” Damerow said. “These previous meat recalls were expensive, both in terms of money and reputation for the companies. Carl set up a new company, Safe Foods, to hold that license. Safe Foods is just a wonderful addition to our community. I think this illustrates the importance of research coming out of our universities. Safe Foods is now the premier food safety company in the country. What Carl did with his patience, persistence, and prayer getting Safe Foods through those early years and getting the product to the market is incredible and one of many reasons he is being honored.” Chris Coleman, president and CEO of Safe Foods and Rosenbaum’s grandson, said his grandfather is a strong leader who he admires greatly. “I was 22 when I started working at Safe Foods, and I’ve been here for 21 years now,” Coleman said. “My grandfather has been the strong leader that has brought us through the hard years of starting a new company to the fun years of celebration and success. The culmination of where we are right now is a product that protects over 300 million servings of food every day. We are looking forward to another 20 years of success and growth.” While accepting his award, Rosenbaum spoke about how many people are responsible for making Safe Foods a success. He invited three of his friends, co-workers, and family members to stage: Rush Deacon, former CEO of Safe Foods, Curtis Coleman, founding president and CEO of Safe Foods, and Chris Coleman, current CEO and president of Safe Foods. He presented each of them with a gavel and thanked them for their hard work and service.

Carl Rosenbaum, 2021 Fribourgh Award recipient, thanks three of his friends, co-workers, and family members for their hard work and dedication to Safe Foods: Rush Deacon, former CEO of Safe Foods, Curtis Coleman, founding president and CEO of Safe Foods, and Chris Coleman, current CEO and president of Safe Foods. Photo by Jen Missouri Photography.

“It’s interesting how God works in your life,” Rosenbaum said. “Years ago, God gave me the ability to sell. I found out that in life you come across friends, and friends are what help you. This day, Safe Foods touched 300 million meals in the world. One out of 10 venture capital companies doesn’t make it, and I know why. It’s pretty tough. At age 86, you think about a lot of things. One of the things you think about is that you aren’t much longer on this Earth. You also think about your friends, and you also think about how God has led you in your life. God has always been faithful to Safe Foods.” Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, said that Fribourgh events have raised more than half a million dollars for scholarships since they started in 2010 and that 30 students have received scholarships from the proceeds. “These scholarships are providing our students with the opportunity to get a great education and make a positive impact in the community,” Whitman said. “One of our scholarship recipients is a nontraditional student who has chosen to become an educator and will soon start teaching physics at a community college in Arkansas. This is just one example of the impact of your generous gifts at work. Your support of our students impacts their lives, impacts your lives, and impacts our community. Another Fribourgh scholarship recipient, Nabeel Alwan, graduated from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in May with two bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology. He is now applying to medical schools and plans to practice internal medicine or general surgery. “This scholarship has meant a lot to me,” Alwan said. “It gave me a push forward and the motivation to pursue my goals. It also gave me time to focus on research, and I was able to get published as an undergrad student for my research on combination therapies for cancer treatment. Growing up, my community was underdeveloped in having access to medicine care, and I want to help change that as a doctor.”

Gov. Hutchinson Touts Benefits of Tech Careers during Euronet Panel at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 18:13:30 +0000

Gov. Asa Hutchinson spoke about how education and industry partners like and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock can work together to build the state’s technology workforce during a Technology Careers Town Hall Meeting hosted by Euronet and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on Nov. 5. Gov. Hutchinson spoke with Tony Warren, Euronet Software president and managing director, and Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, about the work that Euronet is doing in the software industry in Arkansas and what ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is doing with education. “I am very proud of Dr. Whitman and the work you are doing here to focus on computer science and cybersecurity,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “The role ��Vlog��ýLR plays is critical to our state. You are the hub right here in the capital city. You have a great program that is very historic, that is well recognized, and producing graduates. I’m here today to kick off and emphasize how important this is to our state.” The town hall meeting was dedicated to encouraging students to pursue careers in information technology and coding. “Euronet Software is a huge supporter of the great programs at University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” Warren said. “W�� believe the people in this room represent the future of technology in our state, our nation, and our world. The university teaches students to be well rounded in all aspects of Information Technology (IT) and produces excellent candidates for our many job openings in IT.” The technology career panelists included Whitman; David Sanders, technical product owner, Euronet; T.J. Mahaffey, software development manager, Euronet; Mary Gay Olsen, senior director of development, Euronet; Jerry Horani, chief technology officer and chief information officer for VCC Construction; Joshua Carroll, client solutions architect, Euronet, and an announcer for Little Rock Trojans, who moderated the panel. “I really do believe that the future is what you guys are doing,” Whitman said. “The opportunities are limitless, and I am glad you are taking advantage of this panel. I really think the key is paying attention to what they are saying. They want people who really care about what they are doing, who are innovative, and who are really passionate about their work.”

Getting an inside track on technology careers

The panelists also gave students an inside look at their careers, how the hiring process works, and what they should be doing as students to get an edge in their careers. Horani, who is a 2002 graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, spoke about the value of internships for students. Horani got an internship at VCC Construction, which builds and develops software solutions for the construction industry, and has worked there ever since. “I really feel that being a student, going to school, and having the school find an internship helped make a bridge from a student to the workplace,” Horani said. “I think it’s a really awesome thing that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock does. I try to do more of it now that I can. I go and work with students to bring their talents to the workplace. There is a lot of need for your talent. I can tell you almost every company in town is looking for technology engineers to be a part of their teams.”

Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks about career pathways and opportunities during a Euronext technology careers panel hosted by the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Donaghey College of STEM. Photos by Ben Krain.

At Euronet, the recruiting process begins with a screening with an internal recruiter, followed by an interview with a hiring manager and members of the team to make sure you fit in with the team. “W�� have internal recruiters because they understand our company and our culture and our needs,” Olsen said. “It’s really to get a feel for if the position is what you are looking for. Believe it or not, the interview process is a two-way street. The company wants to make sure you are a right fit for them, but you also need to make sure the company is a right fit for you.”

Expanding technology education and careers in Arkansas

One of Gov. Hutchinson’s goals has been to expand computer science education in the state. Arkansas became the first state in the nation to mandate that computer science classes are offered in high school. High school students taking computer science in Arkansas has increased 20 percent in the last year alone. There are now more than 12,500 high school students in Arkansas taking computer science classes. “Arkansas is leading the nation in comprehensive computer science education programming,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “The fact is that the national average for schools that offer computer science is 52 percent. Arkansas leads the nation with 92 percent of our high schools offering computer science.” In addition to increasing computer science education, Gov. Hutchinson said that working with industry partners has been a key to success for expanding computer science education and workforce opportunities. “That is where Euronet Global has been so critical,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “They are here because we have to make sure education matches the needs of industry and that we have a good communication flow. We are partnering with industry and this panel today demonstrates that.” Gov. Hutchinson has also worked to make sure that job opportunities are available in Arkansas so that graduates don’t have to move out of state. “I wanted to create a micro hub of technology companies and startup companies here in this state as well as to have the talent pool understand the needs of our long-term industries,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “W�� created an accelerator program where the state puts in money and partners with industry in certain categories, (fintech and healthcare). We put in funds and industry matches it and all of a sudden we’re bringing startup company talent from across the globe right here in Little Rock, Arkansas. We are growing in our technology startup companies as well as our major industries that need our tech talent. That has exceeded my expectations.” The day after the panel, Gov. Hutchinson traveled to Israel on an international economic development trip where he would speak at the Prime Minister’s Smart Mobility Conference that focuses on technology and solutions for the future of transportation.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman Visits ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, NuShores Biosciences

John Hill — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:28:29 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and its spinoff company, NuShores Biosciences, received a visit from Sen. John Boozman Oct. 29 to check out the ongoing research and scientific advancements at the institutions. Sen. Boozman first visited NuShores Biosciences to get a firsthand look at innovative labs and projects underway in central Arkansas. NuShores CEO Sharon Ballard and Dr. Alex Biris, director of the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, gave the senator a tour of the facility and reviewed the initiatives to commercialize the bone and tissue regeneration technologies. “I’m grateful for Sen. Boozman’s support of NuShores and our licensor ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Ballard said. “He asked great questions and enjoyed discussing our science and manufacturing efforts with our team. It was quite the energy boost to have a sitting senator take such interest and encouragement in our work!” Sen. Boozman also learned about the manufacturing processes for the NuCress Bone Scaffold that has been developed at NuShores with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army Medical Command. “NuShores is doing groundbreaking work to help improve bone regeneration technology, and I enjoyed getting to learn more about its operation and research, which could ultimately help prevent amputations,” Sen. Boozman said. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, the senator toured the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS), the Emerging Analytics Center (EAC), and the Cyber Arena in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to see the amazing projects taking place in information science, computer science, cybersecurity, and augmented and virtual reality. “Sen. Boozman’s visits are always a delight,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM. “W�� appreciate his support of the vital research at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and the manner in which he engages us to ensure that we are providing impact for all Arkansans.” Sen. Boozman and his staff have worked with the university for the last several years in helping secure federal funding for many of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s research projects focused on national security. “The important research conducted at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is leading to breakthroughs and discoveries that enable us to better safeguard our country against emerging threats,” Sen. Boozman said. “I’m proud to support the development of innovative strategies advanced by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock researchers that offer solutions to enhance our national security and preparedness.” In , Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy endowed chair and distinguished professor of information science and director of COSMOS, shared how his research team is using social media analysis to defend against global disinformation threats. One example is COSMOS’ in partnership with the Arkansas Attorney General’s office. COSMOS’ research is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense and National Science Foundation. “W�� deeply appreciate Sen. Boozman for his unwavering support to the research conducted at COSMOS for strengthening the social and cognitive security apparatus that is furthering the U.S. Department of Defense’s mission, particularly enhancing force protection and operation security against adversarial information operations,” Agarwal said. “During the visit, Senator Boozman inspired and encouraged to keep up the groundbreaking research that is of national and strategic importance.” In the Cyber Arena, Sen. Boozman met several students enrolled in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s new cybersecurity degree program, which is working to fill the gap of qualified cybersecurity professionals needed to protect network security throughout the country. “W�� appreciate Sen. Boozman’s work to bring cybersecurity workforce development and research opportunities to Arkansas. Our students have tremendous talent and creativity in developing solutions to defend the nation, and the senator works hard to continue providing them with opportunities to make use of those talents.” said Philip Huff, assistant professor of cybersecurity. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has received numerous grants and created partnerships for workforce education and cybersecurity. These grants are helping ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to provide K-12 cybersecurity education to students in Arkansas, the country’s first graduate certificate in cybersecurity education, and a for first responders.

Sen. John Boozman visits with Dr. Alex Biris and other workers at NuShores Biosciences.

“The State of Arkansas is providing outstanding support for research and teaching in computer science and cybersecurity,” said Dr. Albert Baker, chair of the Department of Science. “The federal support Sen. Boozman has secured for productive research programs at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is producing actionable results for the state and the nation. We are genuinely appreciative that the senator took the time to review the funded research projects.” Dr. Jan Springer, director of the , discussed the work the center is doing to enhance the nation’s border security. “Our team in the Emerging Analytics Center showcased their work on automated detection of organic threats in x-ray scans for Sen. Boozman,” Springer said. “Throughout this project, the senator has emphasized the importance of innovating border security and has helped us tremendously in securing funding for developing tools and techniques to meet this national priority.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Euronet Worldwide to Host Technology Careers Town Hall Meeting with Gov. Hutchinson

John Hill — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:56:08 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Euronet Worldwide will host a Technology Careers Town Hall Meeting featuring Gov. Asa Hutchinson as the opening speaker on Friday, Nov. 5. The Town Hall Meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Schueck, McCarty, Lexicon Inc. Auditorium in the Engineering and Information Technology Building at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Gov. Hutchinson and the panelists will discuss career pathways and opportunities in technology with students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.��The goal of the Town Hall event is to encourage college students to pursue careers in coding. “Euronet Software is a huge supporter of the great programs at University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” said Tony Warren, Euronet Software president and managing director. “The university teaches students to be well rounded in all aspects of Information Technology (IT) and produces excellent candidates for our many job openings in IT. We are so honored that Gov. Asa Hutchinson will be speaking at the event. His actions to grow high-tech jobs in Arkansas are achieving phenomenal results.” The panelists include Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; David Sanders, technical product owner, Euronet; T.J. Mahaffey, software development manager, Euronet; Mary Gay Olsen, senior director of development, Euronet; and Jerry Horani, chief technology officer and chief information officer for VCC Construction. Joshua Carroll, client solutions architect, Euronet, and an announcer for Little Rock Trojans, will moderate the panel. “As the governor has promoted computer science and coding in the state, we must ensure that our curriculum aligns with the changing opportunities in information technology,” Whitman said. “W�� are grateful that Euronet is hosting this town hall on our campus to support all the IT majors on campus. The career paths are much more than just becoming a coder, and the process to prepare and achieve the first IT job is different than it has been in the past. The panel will help students navigate to the first step in a rewarding career.” Following the panel, students will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the panelists, and a pizza luncheon will be provided.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock receives $1 million planned gift from Damerows to support science scholarships

John Hill — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:24:02 +0000

Jerry and Sherri Damerow, longtime supporters of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Arkansas, have made a planned gift of $1 million to support scholarships for science majors at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.�� The gift will benefit the Jerry and Sherri Damerow Endowed Science Scholarship, which provides scholarships for students majoring in astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and Earth Science. The scholarship will provide assistance for education-related expenses including tuition, fees, books, and room and board. “This incredibly generous gift from the Damerows will be a wonderful legacy for two people who have steadfastly supported science education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for many years,” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale said. “As we expand our applied fields in the sciences, it is important to remember that basic science education remains the foundation for all that we accomplish in the applied fields. I am grateful to the Damerows for supporting this curriculum and for investing in our future.” Jerry Damerow, a former managing partner for Ernst & Young, and Sherri Damerow, a retired kindergarten teacher and artist, believe helping students earn a college degree in a STEM area represents a “commitment to lifelong learning,” a goal the couple has supported for many years. “There are multiple reasons why we decided to fund an endowed science scholarship at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Jerry Damerow. “First, we believe a strong ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is extremely important to Arkansas’ economy going forward, particularly Central Arkansas. We do not believe we can simply sit by and expect others to build and support this important university. Arkansas’ Women’s Hall of Fame member Dorothy Stuck once told me, ‘If we don’t build Arkansas, who will?’”�� The Damerows received the 8th annual Fribourgh Award in 2017, which recognizes individuals who have made considerable contributions to the state through the disciplines of mathematics and science. Jerry Damerow is a past president and current board member of the Dean’s Science Council and the Centennial Campaign Cabinet at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. His long history of civic and professional involvement includes serving as a member and past director of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, as past board chair of the EAST Initiative, as chair of �䲹��𳢾��԰�’s board of directors, as ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Business Advisory Council member, and as a former chair of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Council. “W�� believe we have been blessed and have an obligation to help other Arkansans realize their potential,” Jerry Damerow said. “Last, we believe our economy is going through a huge transformation driven by technology thereby dramatically increasing the importance of a STEM education. Many jobs are going away, and new ones will be created by scientists and engineers and those who qualify for those jobs will require a strong grounding in science and engineering.” Sherri Damerow has been involved in numerous charitable causes, including teaching computer skills to seniors at the ��Vlog��ýMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging and volunteering with Literacy Action of Central Arkansas and the Humane Society of Pulaski County. “Jerry and Sherri Damerow have been active in promoting our community for a long time, and this generous gift aligns well with their continuing gift of time in impacting our community for the better both now and in the future,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. “I am glad to know people like Jerry and Sherri.”

Whitmans make planned gift to benefit ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Donaghey College of STEM

John Hill — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:26:48 +0000

Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and his wife, Heidi Whitman, administrative coordinator for the Arkansas District Export Council, have made a planned gift, currently valued at $50,000, to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.�� “Heidi and I believe in the mission of the university and the mission of the college,” Whitman said. “W�� want to help out in a way that provides the most impact in the future. This is one area that not many people think to give to, and we want to highlight the importance of maintaining the Donaghey College of STEM.” The gift will benefit the Dean’s Fund for the Donaghey College of STEM, which provides general funding for projects that benefit the college. The Dean’s Fund has previously provided funding for laboratories, equipment, software, and professional development. “To provide a scholarship for students is a great legacy, but it is equally important to make sure that the labs and facilities where students study and learn are current and in good order,” Whitman said. “This helps a student to receive the best education possible.” The Whitmans feel it’s important to contribute to the future of STEM education and look forward to seeing the future innovations made by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. “A lot of STEM education is wrapped up in technology, and this is the college that will enable the STEM innovations of the future,” Whitman said. “W�� are preparing future professionals for careers that will change the way we live in the future.”�� “STEM innovations are often the foundation for new businesses and thus economic growth for Arkansas, which we wholeheartedly support,” Heidi Whitman added.�� The Whitmans live in Little Rock and have two sons and one granddaughter. Lawrence Whitman joined ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as the dean of the former Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology and a professor of systems engineering in 2015. Before joining ArDEC, Heidi Whitman worked as the program officer for Global Ties Arkansas, a nonprofit which contracts with the federal government to bring international delegates to Little Rock for professional training.

Berry makes planned gift to support ��Vlog��ý Little Rock STEM students

John Hill — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:55:54 +0000

Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School, has made a planned gift, currently valued at about $50,000, to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to support the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). “I love this institution, and I love its mission,” Berry said. “This place has meant a lot to me. I am a first-generation college student. I couldn’t even dream of a Ph.D. when I first got here, but this place gave me more to dream about. I got hooked into chemistry and research, and I decided to get my Ph.D. I’ve always been thankful for the opportunities that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has given to me, and it’s natural to want to establish something to give back to the institution that has given me so much.” The Dr. Brian Berry Endowed Scholarship for the Sciences will provide funds for undergraduate ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students who are majoring in the sciences in the Donaghey College of STEM for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board. “The great thing about being in STEM is there are so many opportunities,” Berry said. “Majoring in STEM gives you a broad-based education. Moving into the future, a STEM major gives you a lot of possibilities. The skills that you learn are transferable to so many different areas. The future is consistently moving in a technological direction. STEM majors will be set up well to achieve great things as society continues to move in that direction.” Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of STEM, thanked Berry for providing students a way to achieve their dream of a college education. “Our college reaches students from many backgrounds with different needs,” Whitman said. “This scholarship is a welcome addition for our students who would not previously be able to complete a science degree, but will now have a scholarship opportunity to fulfill their dream of a career in the sciences.” Berry earned a Ph.D. in applied science/chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, both from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. He completed a postdoc at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a National Research Council postdoc fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) before returning to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as an assistant professor of organic chemistry in 2008. He’s served as the graduate coordinator and chair of the Department of Chemistry as well as the director of the Applied Science Program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� Berry’s advice for students to be successful in college is to choose a major that they love. “My parents never pushed me in a particular direction,” Berry said. “They told me to find something that you love, and you’ll never do a day of work in your life. That is what I would encourage students to do. Find something that you love and are passionate about, and everything will fall into place after that.”

Computer Science, Information Science programs earn continued ABET accreditation at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:01:21 +0000

Two undergraduate programs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics earned reaccreditation this fall. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Bachelor of Science degree programs in computer science and information science received reaccreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. The reaccreditation status is good through Sept. 30, 2026. “Accreditation is an external evaluation of the quality of our programs,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. “The process by ABET is rigorous, and I am thankful for the hard work put in by the chairs, faculty, and students to ensure the continuous improvement and quality in the curricula, resulting in the successful reaccreditation of the two programs.” Reaccreditation is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process that evaluates many factors, including curriculum, educational facilities, institutional support, faculty expertise, student performance, and outcomes. Many employers require degrees from accredited programs for employment in certain technical fields. The Department of Computer Science initially accredited in 1990 and the first Computer Science program accredited in the state, houses seven faculty members, 216 undergraduate students, and 23 graduate students. Additionally, the department offers a master’s degree in computer science and a Ph.D. in computer and information science. “Accreditation of undergraduate degree programs by ABET reinforces the confidence prospective, current, and graduating students can have in the B.S. in Computer Science program,” said Dr. Albert Baker, interim chair of the Department of Computer Science. “The department’s areas of opportunity for our students enable undergraduate students to participate in projects outside the classroom. These areas include cybersecurity, virtual and augmented reality, data visualization, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and mobile, smart systems, and software for IoT (Internet of Things). These opportunities in an ABET-accredited degree program make ��Vlog��ý Little Rock an outstanding place to study computer science.” The Department of Information Science has 13 faculty members, 145 undergraduate students, and 178 graduate students. Additionally, the department offers a bachelor’s degree in web design and development, an information technology minor, and graduate certificates in information quality and data science, as well as a master’s degree and doctorate in bioinformatics, information quality, and information science. “W�� are committed to keeping our curriculum academically solid and current with today’s computing careers,” said Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, chair of the Department of Information Science. “Since the web has become the major platform for how people and organizations work with their data, we have constructed our degree plan around what we see as the three main interacting themes that characterize the information science field: its interdisciplinary nature, the information systems, and cloud technologies that support the information life cycle, and how to better serve the people and organizations that need to derive insights from their data.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer new bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity

John Hill — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 16:02:20 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is introducing a new four-year degree program in cybersecurity in the fall 2021 semester to help meet the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals.�� The Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity will prepare students for challenging and rewarding careers dedicated to protecting the privacy of individuals, the security of society’s infrastructure, and national security. Graduates will be prepared for positions in high-demand fields, including security architect, digital forensics analyst, security systems administrator, and security analyst. “The Department of Computer Science has been actively involved in research and teaching in cybersecurity and information assurance for about 10 years,” said Dr. Albert Baker, interim chair of the Department of Computer Science. “The addition of a B.S. in cybersecurity is an exciting evolution of the department’s commitment to this aspect of national security. We are coordinating with the Arkansas Department of Education, representatives from Arkansas military contingents, and area industry leaders in the development of this program. Graduates of this program will be protecting all aspects of our digital lives.” The new degree program will attract more government and industry jobs to the region, while helping to fill a growing need for more trained cybersecurity professionals. The estimates that there will be 1.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2022. “Cybersecurity is a part of the daily lives of corporations, governments, and, now with many working from home, a part of our home lives,” said Dr. Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology. “Our outstanding faculty are able to provide cutting edge classes and equip the cybersecurity professionals of the future. I look forward to the first graduates of this program.” With the recent rise of people working at home as well as the rise in unemployment across the country, cybersecurity is more important than ever to protect online security as well as a great option for adults looking to learn new skills in a growing field. “The studies show an expected deficit of millions of jobs in cybersecurity around the world,” said Philip Huff, assistant professor of computer science and coordinator of the cybersecurity program. “The regional need for cybersecurity professionals is strong, and it’s not something that can be easily outsourced. The workforce needs far exceed the capacity of universities to prepare enough graduates to fill the need for cybersecurity jobs. Every university is and should be looking at how to prepare students to be competitive in the cybersecurity arena.” Students will also have the opportunity to work in the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Cyber Gym, a state-of-the-art, cloud-based lab that provides a scalable, accessible, and almost no-cost cybersecurity curriculum for high school students in Arkansas.

Philip Huff, left, and Sandra Leiterman, right, head the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Cyber Gym. Photo by Ben Krain.

“Philip Huff and the cyber team at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock have been great to work with,” said Lee Watson, CEO and founder of the Forge Institute as well as a member of the state’s Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force. “The Cyber Gym is a next-generation academic training program that will help prepare Arkansas students for much needed, high-paying jobs in cybersecurity.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has partnered with the Forge Institute to create workforce development and research opportunities as well as to provide internship opportunities for college students. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock and The American Cyber Alliance powered by Forge Institute are building some best practices that can be replicated across Arkansas, our region, and nation,” Watson said. “Collaboration in operational research is opening doors for a variety of opportunities. These efforts in training and operations will help better position our companies and our State to defend against growing adversarial threats.” The new degree also builds upon Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s emphasis on computer science in K-12 education. Students who had the opportunity to take computer science classes for years are now entering college and eager to continue their studies in a challenging and engaging curriculum. “Undergraduate students being able to do research on computer science and computing technologies, such as with Phillip Huff at the Cyber Gym and their Cybersecurity Program, is really something that should promote institutions like ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and their programs above those that are not doing research, that are not engaging in those activities that give their students a meaningful reason for the work they’re doing,” said Anthony Owen, state director of computer science at the Arkansas Department of Education. “It’s really the difference between the theoretical approach to computer science education that I received versus a hands-on and applicable approach to teaching computer science and its important concepts.”

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����Vlog��ý Little Rock to offer new bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity