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

Doctoral student creates software that can detect emotions

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 22 May 2019 12:47:32 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate has created a computer program that can identify emotions on a person’s face in real time.�� Suzan Anwar, of Little Rock, graduated May 11 from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a Ph.D. in computer and information science. In August, she will begin a new position as an assistant professor of computer science at Philander Smith College, where she has taught robotics courses for the past year. �� Anwar and her dissertation advisor, Dr. Mariofanna Milanova, professor of computer science, created a face analysis package that uses face and eye detection and eye tracking software to recognize emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, and surprise. The second part of the system can track the position of a person’s head and what their eyes are looking at when they feel a specific emotion. The software has the potential for a variety of real-world applications. “I’d like for it to be used in the medical field to help kids with special needs,” Anwar said. “It can be used in marketing to see what products are grabbing people’s attention. In education, you can use it for non-native speakers to see what emotions they experience while learning a new language.” The software has already been used to ensure that weary truck drivers do not fall asleep at the wheel. “A trucking company uses it to give alerts to truck drivers who are falling asleep while driving,” Anwar said. “An alarm will go off on the driver’s phone, and the trucking company will receive a call to say they have a driver asleep.” Anwar also sees a future for the application in security to identify people who are about to commit a criminal act. “We’ve previously worked on a project for airport security,” she said. “We can link facial and emotion recognition with behaviors to learn if a person is acting suspiciously. When we see images or videos of attacks in the news, the people responsible are often acting suspiciously. If someone had noticed, I think eventually we could avoid a lot of these attacks.” Anwar earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science in Iraq, where she worked as a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Salahaddin University for 12 years. “My husband (Jarjees Khaidir) started here in 2009 while I was back in Iraq completing my master’s degree,” she said. “He encouraged me to apply to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock after he saw how good the Department of Computer Science is.”

Suzan Anwar is a graduate student researching real-time facial recognition and eye-gaze estimation. Photo by Ben Krain.

Now that her studies are completed, Anwar, her husband, and three children are going on a trip to visit her family in Iraq before she begins her faculty position at Philander Smith in August. The couple has two daughters, 14 and 17, as well as a 4-year-old son, whom Anwar calls her “Ph.D. baby,” since she had him during her first year of doctoral studies. As an instructor and research assistant at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Anwar’s research all began with a memorable trip to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “I had a course with Dr. Milanova, and you have to submit a project at the end of the semester,” she said. “We took a trip to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where the researchers showed us a computer with a special camera. Children with autism would sit in front of the computer, and it would do emotion detection and eye gaze analysis. The problem is that kids don’t want to sit still for the research. The researchers asked if we could develop software that can detect emotions and gaze estimation on a tablet.” After a year, Anwar and Milanova completed a program that can track the children’s emotion and eye gaze all while they are playing games on a tablet. “The kids don’t even know the system is working while they are playing on the tablet,” Anwar said. “Children with autism don’t often look people in the eye. Sometimes, they only communicate through games. We saw that children show emotion while they are playing on the tablet, and the researchers are hoping to learn how this can help children with autism communicate better.” At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Anwar has won several awards, including the Outstanding First Year Ph.D. Student Award and the Top Ph.D. Student Award from the Department of Computer Science. Additionally, she has won the Applied Innovation Award and Outstanding Publication Award at the College of Engineering and Information Technology Open House.

Surprise family visit makes commencement even more special for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock grad

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 16 May 2019 17:53:28 +0000

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate got the surprise of a lifetime when her family from California flew all night to surprise her on graduation day.�� Vivian Littrell’s May 11 graduation from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice was already a special event, since the 71-year-old grandmother of four and mother of two was finishing her lifelong goal of earning a college degree. “I decided that I wanted to complete my bachelor’s degree before my youngest grandchildren were out of high school,” said Littrell, a first-generation college student from Little Rock. “I’ve been out of college since 1984, when I last attended Philander Smith College. I wanted to major in adult education with a minor in psychology. That was my objective back then, but now many years later, I have a different agenda.” Littrell has always been passionate about helping others and dreamed of being an attorney. She now hopes to use her degree to help minorities navigate the criminal justice system. “I want to volunteer with a nonprofit to help people navigate the criminal justice system who have no idea what is going on,” she said. “So many people are caught up in the criminal justice system that don’t know anything at all about the procedures, and I want to use my knowledge to help them.” As a divorced single mother, Littrell left college 35 years ago to concentrate on providing for her children. She spent her career working in employment training and counseling and as a recruiter for adult education, so Littrell never forgot the importance of a good education and career. Her family has been immensely supportive and gave her a nudge to return to college. “It was my daughter Tyrneese who suggested that I return to college after I had bilateral knee surgery in 2011,” she said. “She told me to find something to do, and a good thing to do would be to return to school and complete my bachelor’s degree.” When Littrell enrolled at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2013, she took classes on the Little Rock campus but eventually opted to go online because it was more convenient for her as she cares for her 93-year-old mother. She’s grateful to the many professors and staff members who have helped make her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock a success. “When I first came, I was nervous. I’m thankful to Ms. Susan Boling, who helped me a lot. She taught me academic literacy,” Littrell said. “I’m also grateful to criminal justice professors Dr. James Hurst and Dr. Timothy Brown and Ms. Karen Wisdom. Most of my instructors were sensitive to the needs of a nontraditional student and worked with me in getting a clear understanding of what was expected of me. Many of my classmates were kind enough to help me with notetaking in class. I also have to give kudos to the entire staff in Student Support Services and the Disability Resource Center.” Littrell is also especially grateful to Dr. Andrew Deiser, interim chair of the Department of World Languages, who helped her pass her foreign language requirement. “I didn’t know anything about a foreign language, and Dr. Deiser tutored me one-on-one himself,” Littrell said. “There are also two young ladies in that division, Bryana Herrera and Autumn Payne, who tutored me as well. Dr. Deiser has helped me more than any other professor at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. He did everything he could to help me pass my Spanish course. Without him, I wouldn’t have graduated. I also wouldn’t have graduated without the help of my department chair, Dr. Mary Parker, or Reed Claiborne from the Disability Resource Center. ” Since Mother’s Day was the day after graduation, Littrell’s son Corey planned a brunch on Saturday where family members from Bryant, Dumas, Hot Springs, and Little Rock were planning to visit. Littrell, an inquisitive woman who loves a good mystery, had suspicions that her son was keeping a secret.

Graduate Vivian Littrell, right, reacts reacts in shock after her niece Chauntee Coleman, off camera at left, makes a surprise visit to Littrell’s graduation ceremony at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on May 11. Photo by Ben Krain.

“My son told me I better clean my room before ‘they come,’ and then he trailed off,” she said. “I don’t know who ‘they’ are, and I wonder if someone is coming that I don’t know about.” On the other side of the country, Littrell’s niece, Chauntee Coleman, graduated from the University of Southern California with a Ph.D. in social work on May 10, one day before Littrell’s graduation. Littrell was disappointed that she wouldn’t get to see her niece graduate, but didn’t know her family had a big surprise in store. “My aunt has been the rock of the family and has made many sacrifices for her children, nieces, and nephews along the way,” Coleman said. “My entire family and I flew overnight after my graduation to attend my aunt’s graduation and support the final stop of her educational journey. She was quite disappointed that she would not be able to see me graduate due to the proximity of dates.” At the special brunch where Littrell did not suspect she would receive a surprise visitor, the appearance of her baby sister from California was the first of many surprises. “During the prayer, while we were holding hands, I felt a sudden jerk then opened my eyes. I saw my baby sister standing next to me! They say I jumped out of my shoes!” Littrell said. “At the graduation, Ben Krain (university photographer) came up to me and told me he had another surprise for me. A woman walked out covered in graduation regalia. I couldn’t figure out who it was. When I realized it was my niece, I lost it. I couldn’t believe she was there. It was just so special. And to learn that my niece’s husband and children had come too, it was more than I could take!” Littrell’s special day was made even more perfect since her niece was allowed to attend the ceremony and be by her side as she received her degree. “For the school to take the time to help with this and to let my niece walk and sit with me while I received my degree, it was just overwhelmingly special,” she said. “I will cherish this special moment forever, and I will forever be grateful to God and everyone for making my day so special.” In the upper right photo, Vivian Littrell, right, reacts with tears of joy after her niece Chauntee Coleman, left, makes a surprise visit to Littrell’s graduation ceremony at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Photo by Ben Krain.��

��Vlog��ý Little Rock, community partners to host six-week film, discussion series on immigration in America

Ajani Oyindamola — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:39:13 +0000

A $1,300 grant from the National Endowment for Humanities��brings the immigration program series,��to Little Rock.��The grant was awarded to��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Ottenheimer Library and Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity, as well as the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), El Zocalo, and Philander Smith College. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is one of only 32 cultural and educational institutions in the U.S. selected to participate in the “Becoming American” series, a project by Cite Lore in collaboration with the Immigration and Ethnic History Society and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. The series events, which are free and open to the public, will feature documentary film screenings and scholar-led discussions designed to encourage an informed discussion of immigration issues against the backdrop of our immigration history. The discussion will include topics like immigration and work, the history of immigration in American, prejudice against immigrants, and immigration in popular culture. Events include the following:

��Thursday, March 7, 6 p.m. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Downtown. “The Century of Immigration: 1820-1934” chronicles the period when 40 million immigrants entered the U.S., making immigration a major and defining aspect of American life. Film excerpts from “New York: A Documentary Film” and “The Jewish Americans” followed by a discussion led by Marta Cieslak, assistant professor of history.
��Thursday, March 14, 5:30 p.m. CALS Williams Library. “Between Two Worlds: Identity and Acculturation” looks at how immigrants react and adjust to living in a new country and culture, and how they bridge the divide between the traditions and values of their native countries. Film excerpts from “The New Americans” followed by a discussion by Neveen Shafeek Amin, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology.
��Saturday, March 23, 3 p.m. CALS Dee Brown Library. “Family and Community” explores how family ties and community institutions have played an essential role in successful migration and adaptation to American life. Film excerpts from “My American Girls” followed by a discussion led by Adriana Lopez-Ramirez, assistant professor of sociology.
��Tuesday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Ottenheimer Library Room 535. “Promise and Prejudice” explores the tension – historic and current – between Americans’ acceptance of immigrants, including the celebration of their own immigrant heritage, versus the periodic backlash prompted by concern about the economic and cultural effects of newcomers. Film excerpts from “Welcome to Shelbyville” followed by a discussion led by Brian Mitchell, assistant professor of history.
��Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m. CALS Nixon Library. “Help Wanted? Immigration and Work” looks at the economic side of immigration, chronicling the essential part immigrant labor has played in building America, as well as the conflicted relationship American workers have had with immigrants. Film excerpt of “Destination America” followed by a discussion led by Brian Mitchell, assistant professor of history.
�� Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m. CALS Ron Robinson Theater. “Immigration and Popular Culture” examines the ways the media and popular culture have historically taught newcomers how to “be American,” and how the rich contributions of different immigrant groups have transformed American culture and art. Film excerpt of “The Search for General Tso” by Ian Cheney followed by a discussion led by Andrew Amstutz, assistant professor of history.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student’s degree is 20 years in the making

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:12:00 +0000

Most people may remember 1999 for the song (“Party Like It’s 1999”), the Y2K scare, and the excitement of the start of a new millennium.�� For Edna Rodgers, 1999 is the year she first embarked on earning her Master of Arts degree in professional and technical writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After nearly 20 years, her hard work and heartaches have come to fruition with her upcoming graduation on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Jack Stephens Center. “I feel great,” Rodgers, 66, of Little Rock, said. “I just feel like I have run that mile and finished the race. It’s a real good feeling.” Rodgers earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Philander Smith College in 1995, but it wasn’t long before she realized she wanted to get a graduate degree to improve her chances at getting a better job. “When I worked at Children International, the former director, Cheryl Chapman, inspired me to pursue a field in technical writing,” she said. “I wanted to improve my writing skills and develop myself further professionally. Later, when I went to work at ��Vlog��ýMS, I had to take a lot of meeting minutes and help with CV revisions for faculty members. I also helped revise the course syllabi and post them online. When you do a lot of writing and editing projects like that, you really need to know how to write and format different documents.��Besides personal development and helping me with my work assignments, I was interested in teaching at a junior college. I always wanted to be a teacher growing up, but I never pursued it. Since I have my degree, I can pursue that now. A lot of people have a second career that they love after they have retired. I am one of those people who would like to obtain a second career as a part-time editor and technical writer.” While working on her master’s degree, Rodgers usually took one course a semester as well as having to balance work and raising two daughters. “Another reason why it took me so long to get my master’s degree was because of a life-threatening illness, a battle that nearly cost my life,” she said. “I thank God each day for restoring my health. There were so many challenges in between that time, which is what took me so long to graduate. All of them were beyond my control. I was determined to finish what I had started because I just wouldn’t feel good about myself if I hadn’t.” After finishing the coursework for her master’s degree, Rodgers began working on her thesis in 2008. After facing a series of life challenges, Rodgers got back to her research and successfully defended her thesis this month, a project in which she researched methods designed to teach senior citizens computer literacy skills. “I remember when I first started out using a computer, I was actually intimidated by it,” she said. “I didn’t know how to use it, and I faced a lot of anxiety using the computer until I was given more assignments to use the computer instead of a typewriter. That is the main reason I wanted to do that topic.” She is thankful to her thesis advisor, Dr. Karen Kuralt, and her thesis committee, Dr. Allison Holland and Dr. Earnest Cox, for helping her complete this monumental achievement. After graduation, Rodgers wants to use the training manual she created as part of her thesis project to teach older adults at Dunbar Community Center in Little Rock. “A lot of the adults I surveyed mentioned wanting to learn computer technology to pay their bills, keep in touch with their family and friends, and wanted to get better job opportunities,” she said. Now that her school work is finished, Rodgers plans to spend time with her family before embarking on the search for a new job. “I got laid off from ��Vlog��ýMS in February, but it worked out for my good because I was able to go ahead and complete my thesis. I looked at it as a positive,” she said. “I feel like now that I have my master’s degree, I am hoping it will open doors for me to obtain a technical writer or an editor position. Now that my school work and thesis defense is completed, I am planning on relaxing for a little while and enjoying my only granddaughter, Jasmine, who is 2. I spend a lot of time with her. Eventually, I will start looking for an editor or technical writer position.” In the upper right photo,��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate student Edna Rodgers is surrounded by master’s degree thesis project papers dating back to 1999, the year she started working toward her own master’s degree. Photo by Benjamin Krain.

Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity to co-sponsor mayoral debate on race, diversity, and equity

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:31:05 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity is partnering with the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission of the City of Little Rock to host a mayoral debate on issues of race, diversity, and equity Thursday, Oct. 11, at Philander Smith College.�� The debate with the five candidates running for mayor of Little Rock will be from 7-8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. in the M.L. Auditorium of Philander Smith. The mayoral candidates include Frank Scott Jr., Warwick Sabin, Baker Kurrus, Vincent Tolliver, and Glen Schwarz. The debate’s moderator will pose questions crafted by the partnering organizations and community members. Questions for the debate can be submitted by email to racialandculturaldiversity@gmail.com. The event is also sponsored by the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Clinton School of Public Service, Philander Smith College, and the Social Justice Institute.

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

Doctoral student creates software that can detect emotions

Surprise family visit makes commencement even more special for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock grad

����Vlog��ý Little Rock, community partners to host six-week film, discussion series on immigration in America

����Vlog��ý Little Rock student’s degree is 20 years in the making

Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity to co-sponsor mayoral debate on race, diversity, and equity

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

Surprise family visit makes commencement even more special for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock grad

��Vlog��ý Little Rock, community partners to host six-week film, discussion series on immigration in America

��Vlog��ý Little Rock student’s degree is 20 years in the making