Nano Day 2026 will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ledbetter A, B, and C of the Donaghey Student Center. The event will showcase nanotechnology research taking place across 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock through faculty presentations, student research posters, laboratory tours, and opportunities for networking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Registration for the event is now closed.

Nanotechnology involves studying and manipulating materials at an extremely small scale, often at the level of individual atoms and molecules, with applications spanning fields such as medicine, electronics, energy, and advanced materials.聽

Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, launched Nano Day in 2025 as a way to bring together researchers and students working across disciplines.

鈥淲hen I started Nano Day at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2025, one of my goals was to create a space where our faculty members and students could come together to share ideas, highlight the exciting nanoscience and nanotechnology research being conducted across our campus, and build new connections,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淣anotechnology is inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, materials science, and many other fields.鈥�

This year鈥檚 event will feature an invited presentation from Dr. Saw Hla of Argonne National Laboratory, a leading researcher in nanoscience and nanoscale materials. His presentation will give attendees an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge developments in nanotechnology and engage with an internationally recognized scientist.

Students will also have the opportunity to showcase their own work through judged poster presentations, interact with researchers, and learn more about different areas of nanotechnology.

鈥淓ngaging directly with the scientific community and interacting with internationally recognized researchers are invaluable experiences that complement their academic education and help prepare them for future careers in science and technology,鈥� Guisbiers said.

In addition to research presentations and laboratory tours, Nano Day will provide opportunities for attendees to network and build connections across disciplines. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing student poster presentations.

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鈥淎I in Production鈥� marked the second time 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has hosted an AI InTheRock meetup, which creates open spaces for people across industries and backgrounds to connect, share ideas, and discuss the growing role of AI.

The Sept. 30 event brought together attendees for food, networking, presentations, and an open discussion among the audience and presenters. It featured presentations from Ouachita Labs and Arkana Laboratories on production machine learning, clinical AI, GPU infrastructure, and the use of AI models in renal pathology.

The event reflects 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 broader efforts to connect its academic expertise with the growing real-world applications of AI.

鈥淎I is rapidly moving from something we study and experiment with to something that is actively transforming how organizations operate and solve problems,” said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. “At 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, we want to be a place where students, faculty, industry partners, and the broader community can come together to explore these applications, learn from one another, and responsibly turn AI innovation into real-world impact for Arkansas.”

Matt Olson, co-founder of AI InTheRock, emphasized the importance of the discussion as AI continues to move beyond its familiar role as a search tool.

鈥淎I in production is an important conversation right now because it affects everyone,” he said. “It’s not just a search tool; it can actually run processes. It can communicate with people. That’s why everyone should know about AI’s role in production.鈥�

That shift also changes how people should think about AI and what it can do. Olson said one common misconception is viewing AI simply as a tool for finding information, rather than as technology that can help people solve problems, navigate situations, and accomplish tasks that previously were not possible.

鈥淚t’s not just a search tool. It can craft deals, listen to conversations, help mitigate situations, and come up with solutions,鈥� Olson said. 鈥淚 believe it’s less about artificial intelligence and more about a superpower, not a super intelligence. It’s a powerful tool that can give you the ability to do things you couldn’t do before.鈥�

The next AI InTheRock event, 鈥淎I Distilled,鈥� will be Oct. 21 at Little Rock’s Skyline Event Venue. Phil Brandon, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus and founder and CEO of Rock Town Distillery, will discuss how the local distillery has used AI in its operations. For more information about upcoming AI InTheRock events, visit .

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Thomas, a Little Rock native, participated in the program to strengthen her preparation for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, a standardized exam used in the medical school admissions process, while gaining a better understanding of the medical profession.

鈥淚 applied to the program because I wanted to become more prepared and competitive for medical school, but I gained much more than academic preparation,鈥� said Thomas, a biology major with a chemistry minor. 鈥淭he mentorship, clinical exposure, physician interactions, and guidance from medical professionals gave me a clearer understanding of the path ahead and strengthened my confidence that I am pursuing the right career.鈥�

Thomas spent her mornings volunteering on a surgical floor at 糖心Vlog传媒MS, where she transported patients to pre-op, assisted patients鈥� families, and saw how surgical teams operate. Her afternoons included MCAT preparation, professional development, and conversations with physicians, residents, medical students, and admissions representatives. She also gained hands-on experience through ultrasound and suturing labs.

The program gave Thomas her first opportunity to shadow a physician in a clinical setting. She especially enjoyed shadowing a surgical oncologist, which helped her further explore her interest in oncology and surgery.

鈥淪eeing the combination of patient care, teamwork, and problem-solving made me even more excited to pursue medicine and look forward to experiencing clinical rotations during my third and fourth years of medical school,鈥� Thomas said.

She said her coursework at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock gave her a strong foundation for the academic side of the program, particularly its focus on MCAT preparation. Courses in anatomy, physics, biology, General Chemistry I and II, psychology and organic chemistry covered subjects she encountered while studying for the exam.

Courses such as Organic Chemistry I and II, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy have also challenged Thomas to develop new study methods and focus on understanding and applying material rather than simply memorizing it. She said those experiences have helped her become a more disciplined and adaptable student as she prepares for medical school.

Thomas has also received support through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. She credited Donaghey Scholars directors Dr. Jessica Scott and Dr. Simon Hawkins with helping guide her through important decisions about her classes and degree plan. She also works with Donaghey mentors Nistha Neupane and Maria Waite, who have supported her journey toward medical school and helped her navigate challenging courses.

The Donaghey Scholars program has also supported Thomas鈥� research experiences, including helping fund an opportunity for her to present research at an American Chemical Society conference in Atlanta.

Beyond Donaghey Scholars, Thomas has spent the past year conducting research in Dr. Wei Zhao鈥檚 lab, where she has grown as a researcher and received opportunities including a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship grant, travel grants, and Signature Experience Grants. She also credited organic chemistry professor Dr. Juliette Rivero with supporting her academically and helping secure funding for her research presentation.

“Her discipline, resilience, and focus on her goal of becoming a medical doctor set her apart as one of my most dedicated students,鈥� Rivero said. 鈥淟ydia is a wonderful representation of our Trojan community, and I’m very proud of her. I have no doubt that the same drive will carry her all the way to becoming a great physician.鈥�

Thomas said the support she has received from faculty and mentors across campus helped shape her experience at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and given her confidence as she pursues her goals in medicine and research.

鈥淓ach of these mentors has supported me in a different way, whether through academics, research, financial support, mentorship, or simply believing in me,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淭heir encouragement has given me opportunities I might not have had otherwise and has helped me become more confident in myself as a student. More importantly, they have helped me realize that I belong in spaces where I can pursue both medicine and research, and their support has played a significant role in the person and future physician I am working to become.鈥�

Thomas is also involved in several campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, Pre-Health Club, McNair Scholars, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the American Chemical Society, and Art Club. She said those experiences have helped her build leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills that proved useful while interacting with medical professionals during the 糖心Vlog传媒MS program.

The summer experience ultimately strengthened Thomas鈥� decision to pursue medical school and gave her a clearer picture of the career she is working toward.

鈥淥verall, this experience strengthened my decision to pursue medical school because it allowed me to see medicine in a real-world setting,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚 left the experience feeling even more certain that I want a career where I can work directly with patients, be part of a healthcare team, and use my knowledge and skills to make a difference in people’s lives.鈥�

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On Thursday, Sept. 24, leaders from education, industry, government, and workforce organizations convened on campus to discuss聽strengthening partnerships and finding new ways to meet the region’s evolving workforce needs. Panel discussions, student and mentor reflections, presentations, and breakout sessions were among the highlights, and student interns and their mentors shared their experiences with experiential learning, offering a firsthand look at how partnerships between the university and employers can help prepare students for the workforce. Topics for breakout sessions included聽artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nursing, social work, early childhood education, business development, and corporate business training.

Preparing individuals for a first job is only one element of the mission for universities; 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock also creates opportunities for advancement, upskilling, and re-skilling, said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale. Universities like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock are engines of economic growth and talent development, not only via traditional degrees, but certificates, skills training, professional education, internships, applied learning, and customized programs developed alongside employers.

“We begin by listening — employers must have a voice” — and feedback from business and industry identify any gaps in education, which can be addressed to meet the needs of an evolving economy, added Drale. “That spirit of collaboration is at the heart of today’s summit.”

Connecting students with employers hiring right now is paramount, and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Workforce Development Center “does incredible work” preparing students for careers, Gov. Sarah Sanders noted in a video that helped kick off the summit.

Indeed, the center was designed to impact students not only at the start of their work lives, but throughout their careers, noted聽Dr. Aaron Duvall, the university鈥檚 executive director of workforce development. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and other聽four-year universities are critical in the second tier of workforce development, assisting students who want to progress in their careers by adapting, evolving, and adding skills while also helping employers tap into resources and expertise.聽

And programs offered by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock all demonstrate strong return on investment for graduates, said聽Dr. Ken Warden, commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock “is a gem, a tremendous asset to this community.”聽

Warden was part of a panel discussion moderated by聽Hunter Field, editor of Arkansas Business, that also included: Jack Thomas, senior vice president of economic development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber; state Rep. Mary Bentley; and Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Steven Person.

“Nationally, it’s a numbers game,” as roughly 8,000 more individuals age out of the American workforce daily than those who age into it, so states and regions must attract individuals from elsewhere to fill various job openings, said Thomas. Without an adequate local workforce, areas risk “economic stagnation.”聽

The top challenge for economic developers currently is making sure a competitive workforce is available for industry, and with technology altering jobs rapidly, the problem can’t be solved by working in silos, said Bryan Day, executive director of the Port of Little Rock and a “proud” 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate. “That’s why we’re all meeting here (at the summit), to solve workforce challenges of today — and tomorrow — together.”

Gathering roughly 150 individuals together to discuss workforce problems and solutions “was exactly what the day was designed to do,” seconded Duvall. “Hopefully, connections were made between businesses, community leaders, and university stakeholders that will generate new and innovative partnerships and solutions as we attempt to build a stronger Central Arkansas together.”

Arkansas must also increase higher education participation, which is roughly 20 points below the national average, “a fixable problem,” and concurrent enrollment is one path, but concurrent enrollment in Pulaski County — home of Little Rock — also lags behind the state average, Warden said. Universities are also under increasing pressure to meet basic needs of students — from food insecurity to childcare — because “you can’t educate them without meeting those basic needs, first.”聽

And while universities can — and do — teach various technical skills, it’s the “durable skills,” like showing up on time, fitting into a culture, and collaborating adroitly, that are often missing with today’s job applicants, Warden said. “You learn workplace skills by going to work,” which is why experiences like internships are such a pivotal part of college.聽

“Old-school skills” remain necessary, even in an age of advanced technology, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Thomas said. “Business decisions are data driven, but they also want to do business with people, (particularly) people they trust.”

The human connection is “more important than ever right now,” and interns develop meaningful connections in professional environments, said Dr. Rex Wilkins, assistant professor of Spanish at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Internships really are invitations to a rising generation “to participate in making organizations and communities better, and you will find great energy, vitality, and opportunities in our Trojan interns.”

Interns cultivate valuable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and conflict management, and “it’s a powerful thing” to help interns build those traits, said Tonya聽Villines, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Arkansas. “Hosting interns is a great experience.”聽

And her organization has found tremendous success with interns from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, hiring three of them full time, including聽Antwanette Smith,聽Villines said.聽“We love our interns, and we’re so thankful for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock — they’re the greatest.”聽

Internships also help students discover whether a specific career is truly for them or not, Smith noted.聽

Structured internships at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provide discipline-specific learning and experiential training, but the university needs partners to offer these chances to students, said Wilkins, president of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. “You see students come out of their shells and grow” through internships.

Additionally, interns provide fresh perspectives and return on investment when given opportunities, said聽Dr. Yogi Pandit, founder and CEO of FlowZone, as well as an adjunct professor of Applied and Physical AI at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.聽“Invest in them, prepare them well, and they will do an awesome job.”聽

Senior Madison Thomas, a biology major and member of the Little Rock Trojans track and field team, had a pair of internships this summer, with FlowZone and Texas-based physical therapy practice聽Re/Align.聽

The experiences were “amazing, (with) hands-on learning impacting other people,” said Thomas,聽an ambassador for the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps. “It’s really beneficial.”聽

Md. Samin Morshed,聽a Ph.D. student in computer science at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, was able to use technology聽at his FlowZone internship that he’d learned about in school, he said. “You need industry experience — it helps you become more professional.”聽

Youth need to see various career paths, then start on those roads, rather than merely taking short-term jobs that don’t ultimately lead to long-lasting聽careers, said Bentley, serving her sixth term in the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 54.

Person, director of technology for the Clinton School of Public Service and soon-to-be-sworn-in as the representative for District 77 in the Arkansas House, is hyper-focused on making sure young adults — ages 19-24 — are equipped with “tangible skills,” then matching them with jobs requiring those skills, he said. “Then, you can put a dent in the problems of today.”

As younger generations emerge in the workforce, however, complications can arise between them and older generations, but each generation brings something different, and it’s incumbent upon workers of all ages to help everyone flourish, said聽Minnesota-based workforce speaker Scott Zimmer, who discussed managing an intergenerational team at the summit. For example, punctuality and polished communication are critical when interacting with Baby Boomers, as they signal respect and build credibility, while intentionality is prized with members of Generation X, who are often juggling myriad responsibilities, such as caring for both children and parents.聽

Millennials were raised in a collaborative environment, encouraged to provide input, so in a workplace setting, they want to have their voices heard, while Gen Z — the group now between roughly ages 16 and 30 — is risk averse, pragmatic, and practical, Zimmer noted. “True digital natives” accustomed to rubrics in school, Gen Z wants a roadmap for success in their careers.

“Invest in young talent,” Zimmer advised. “Involve them, don’t ignore them.”

Duvall also thanked the event’s sponsors — Port of Little Rock (presenting),聽JPMorgan Chase (lunch),聽Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (refreshments), and聽Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield (closing reception) — for helping make the inaugural workforce summit such a success, noting that their “commitment聽to workforce development extends well beyond this event.”聽

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With support from a $72,419 grant, University of Arkansas at Little Rock researcher Dr. Sujan Ghosh is working to make that possible by developing a three-dimensional tissue scaffold that more closely mimics the microscopic architecture of the human small intestine.

Ghosh, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, received the grant through the Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) to develop the bio-inspired model.

The small intestine contains tiny finger-like projections called villi and pockets between them called crypts. These structures play important roles in nutrient absorption, stem cell maintenance, and tissue regeneration, but they are difficult to accurately reproduce for laboratory models.

鈥淎 tissue scaffold is essentially a three-dimensional framework that provides cells with a structure to grow on, much like the framework of a building supports its construction,鈥� Ghosh said.

In this project, the scaffold will recreate the villi and crypts to provide intestinal cells with an environment that more closely resembles the one found in the human body. Researchers will then use the scaffolds to support the growth of intestinal organoids, miniature versions of intestinal tissue grown from cells.

Traditional cell cultures are generally grown on flat surfaces, which do not capture the complex three-dimensional structure of the intestine. Animal models can provide greater biological complexity but can be costly, present ethical concerns, and do not always accurately represent human biology.

鈥淏etter models will allow researchers to understand how intestinal tissue develops, responds to injury, and regenerates after treatments such as radiation therapy,鈥� Ghosh said. 鈥淯ltimately, this work could accelerate discoveries in regenerative medicine and improve how new therapies are developed and tested.鈥�

The grant will support the design, fabrication, and testing of the scaffolds using stereolithography-based 3D printing. As part of the project, Ghosh will optimize the printing process to reproduce the microscopic villus-crypt structures and characterize the scaffolds’ surface morphology, mechanical properties, and structural accuracy.

Researchers will then culture human intestinal organoids on the scaffolds and evaluate how the engineered tissue responds to radiation exposure and how well it is able to regenerate.

Beyond radiation injury, the model could eventually help scientists study conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, as well as evaluate potential drugs and treatments.

More realistic laboratory models could also reduce researchers’ reliance on animal experiments by providing another way to study how human intestinal tissue responds to disease, drugs, and injury.

While the current project focuses on developing and validating the scaffold, the technology could eventually have applications in personalized medicine. Patient-derived cells could potentially be grown on customized scaffolds, allowing researchers to study how an individual’s tissue responds to different treatments.

Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, said the project reflects both the interdisciplinary nature of research at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the opportunities that research creates for students.

鈥淭his project is a great example of how 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock researchers are bringing together expertise across disciplines to address complex problems with real-world implications,鈥� Berry said. 鈥淒r. Ghosh鈥檚 work not only has the potential to contribute to advances in biomedical research, but it also creates valuable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies and research methods.鈥�

Ben Anderson and William Heap, both mechanical engineering seniors, are already contributing to the project, and they will gain experience in areas such as computer-aided design, high-resolution 3D printing, materials characterization, microscopy, mechanical testing, and biomaterials research.

Anderson is focusing primarily on materials science and additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. While the researchers have successfully reproduced the villus-crypt structures using stereolithography, Anderson is working to create the model through extrusion-based bioprinting. The technique uses organic hydrogel-based materials that can more easily support living cells, an important step toward creating a more biologically realistic tissue model.

For Anderson, the project has also provided an opportunity to explore the intersection of mechanical engineering, biology, and chemistry.

鈥淚t is particularly exciting for me to not just use these advanced additive manufacturing techniques, but to learn how to do so competently,鈥� Anderson said. 鈥淧erforming biomedical engineering work as a mechanical engineer has also been good experience as someone who already has secondary interests in biology and chemistry. Additionally, it allows me to explore interdisciplinary work that I have not done before.鈥�

Heap is approaching the project from a different angle, using computational modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to study blood flow through the tissue scaffold. His work includes developing simulations and analyzing factors such as velocity and pressure to better understand how the scaffold could perform in a biological environment.

鈥淲hat excites me the most is being able to apply CFD, an area of mechanical engineering that I have become very interested in, to a research environment like this,鈥� Heap said. 鈥淭issue scaffolds have complex geometries and flow conditions, which makes modeling them a challenging engineering problem.鈥�

Heap said the experience will also help him develop a stronger understanding of computational modeling and fluid dynamics as he prepares for future opportunities in those areas.

Anderson and Heap will also work with biomedical researchers to learn tissue engineering techniques, organoid culture methods, and data analysis, preparing them for careers and graduate study in engineering and biomedical fields.

Ghosh said the opportunity to combine engineering, materials science, and biology is one of the most exciting aspects of the project.

鈥淎dvances in additive manufacturing now allow us to recreate biological structures with unprecedented precision, opening new possibilities for developing laboratory models that closely resemble native human tissues,鈥� Ghosh said.

Looking ahead, Ghosh hopes to eventually incorporate additional cell types and biological cues to create increasingly sophisticated intestinal models.

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Hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock鈥檚 Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (DCSTEM), the event will bring together Central Arkansas鈥� growing AI community to explore how AI is transforming education, industry, innovation, and the broader community.

is a monthly meetup that brings together the Central Arkansas community to learn, share ideas, and explore real-world applications of AI.

This month鈥檚 event, 鈥淎I @ 糖心Vlog传媒LR x FlowZone by TruEx,鈥� will highlight AI initiatives at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as well as a real-world collaboration involving FlowZone by TruEx.

鈥淐entral Arkansas has an opportunity to be a leader in how we use AI, and that starts with connecting the people who are learning, building and experimenting with the technology,鈥� said Matt Olson, co-founder of AI in the Rock. 鈥溙切腣log传媒 Little Rock is an important part of that ecosystem, and we鈥檙e excited to bring the AI in the Rock community to campus to learn from what the university is doing and share ideas about where we go next.鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock leaders will offer perspectives on the university鈥檚 AI efforts. Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School, will discuss the university鈥檚 broader AI strategy, faculty collaboration and long-term vision. 

鈥淎s chair of the AI Council at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, I am committed to cultivating a cohesive, cross-disciplinary AI ecosystem,” said Berry. “Our vision is to bridge academic expertise with community needs, ensuring that we not only equip our students with future-ready skills, but also serve as a catalyst for innovation across Central Arkansas.”

Marla Johnson, inaugural tech entrepreneur-in-residence, will cover AI Hackathon events, industry collaborations, the startup ecosystem and experiential learning. 

鈥淎fter riding emerging tech waves 鈥� web, mobile, social, online video, search 鈥� and training people across the country to turn new tech into new opportunity, I’m now equipping the next generation of Arkansas innovators with AI skills 鈥� professionals inside existing companies and students launching brand-new ones,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淚’m doing it so they can solve real problems that matter, not just chase what’s trendy.鈥�

Executive Director of Workforce Development Dr. Aaron Duvall will examine workforce transformation, employer expectations and how Arkansas businesses can prepare for an AI-driven future.

“AI is changing the skills employers value and the way work gets done,” Duvall said. “For Arkansas businesses, the opportunity is to prepare now by investing in their people, identifying where AI can improve their operations, and building a workforce that knows how to use these tools effectively and responsibly.鈥�

The event will also highlight 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 growing academic offerings in AI, including the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, AI-focused courses, graduate programs and industry-ready certificates. Attendees will learn how these programs prepare students with the skills and experience needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven workforce.

鈥淎I is rapidly transforming how we learn, conduct research, innovate and work, and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has an exciting opportunity to help shape that transformation in Arkansas,鈥� said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of DCSTEM. 鈥淭hrough our academic programs, interdisciplinary research and partnerships with industry and the community, we are preparing students not simply to use AI, but to become the innovators and problem-solvers who will help define how it is applied responsibly in the real world.鈥�

The conversation will also explore the challenges of using AI, including responsible AI use, human oversight, deepfakes and misinformation, and lessons learned through practical applications of the technology.

The event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Engineering and Information Technology (EIT) Building. It is free and open to everyone, with food and beverages provided. Space is limited, so please register in advance. Visit the to learn more and RSVP.

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Thomas, a native of Houston and member of the Little Rock Trojans track and field team, interned at Re/Align in Humble, Texas, under Israel Lopez, a physical therapist and owner of the practice. Re/Align specializes in sports therapy, with a focus on injury prevention and rehabilitation.聽

During the internship, Thomas observed Lopez as he worked with patients, learning how he evaluated their needs and developed individualized treatment plans. Under his guidance, she also gained experience with patients and learned techniques such as scraping, cupping, and mobility stretching.

鈥淭his experience gave me a better understanding of how physical therapists work with athletes and how mobility and recovery can impact performance,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淢ost importantly, it confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in physical therapy.鈥�

Thomas said one of her biggest takeaways was recognizing the importance of understanding human anatomy and how different parts of the body work together.

鈥淭he body does not work in isolation; every muscle, ligament, and tendon is connected and can influence how the body moves as a whole,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淯nderstanding how these structures work together and how movement in one area can affect another is essential to effectively evaluating and treating patients.鈥�

The experience also gave Thomas an opportunity to connect what she has learned at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with her future career. She applied terminology from her Science of Biology course during the internship and looks forward to taking anatomy this fall.

鈥淚 am very excited for this semester because I will be taking anatomy, and I am confident that it will allow me to better understand what I learned from Re/Align,鈥� Thomas said.

As a student-athlete, Thomas also found that the strength and athleticism she developed through track and field helped her while working with patients.

鈥淚 learned that physical therapists need to be mobile, strong, and comfortable using their own body weight when working with patients,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淢y experience as an athlete helped me feel more comfortable using my strength while also learning how to apply it safely and effectively.鈥�

Thomas鈥� connection to Re/Align began when her brother sought treatment from Lopez for a shoulder injury that had restricted his range of motion. Thomas accompanied her brother to an appointment and struck up a conversation with Lopez about her interest in becoming a physical therapist.

Impressed by Lopez鈥檚 approach to working with athletes, Thomas asked if she could return to Re/Align for observation hours.

鈥淚 was amazed by the results and immediately knew I wanted to learn more about his approach,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚 asked Israel if I could come to Re/Align for observation hours, and the rest is history!鈥�

Beyond the clinical experience, Thomas said the relationships she built during her internship were among the most meaningful parts of the summer. She met people from a variety of backgrounds and learned from their experiences and perspectives.

鈥淭hese connections showed me the importance of building relationships and being open to learning from everyone I encounter,鈥� Thomas said.

The internship ultimately reinforced Thomas鈥� goal of becoming a physical therapist by showing her the impact physical therapists can have on their patients.

鈥淚 saw firsthand how proper treatment, guidance, and understanding of the body can help someone recover, move better, and return to doing what they love,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚t made me realize that being a PT is not just about treating injuries, but also about helping people become the best version of themselves.鈥�

For other 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students interested in internships, Thomas recommends taking advantage of every opportunity to learn.

鈥淚 would tell students to be a sponge and soak up as much information as possible, especially when you are doing something you genuinely love,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淓very experience is an opportunity to learn something new, so stay curious and be willing to ask questions.鈥�

She also encouraged students to build meaningful relationships and be themselves.

“Everyone is their own brand, and how you present yourself, communicate with others, and let your personality shine can take you a long way,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淢ost importantly, be yourself, stay open to learning, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.鈥�

Looking ahead, Thomas is excited about classes that will bring her closer to her goal of becoming a physical therapist. She is also looking forward to fall training with her track and field teammates and coaches and continuing to grow as an athlete and teammate. Thomas will also serve as an ambassador for the Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps, an organization she said has played an important role in her college experience.

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Those are the kinds of moments dozens of University of Arkansas at Little Rock students experienced while studying abroad during the last academic year. From Scotland and Peru to the Bahamas and beyond, 65 students returned home with new perspectives on their academic fields, greater confidence in themselves, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

“Study abroad gives students the opportunity to connect what they’ve learned in the classroom with experiences they simply can’t have on campus,” said Drew Smith, coordinator of study abroad. “Whether they’re studying business, history, science, or the humanities, they’re seeing their education come to life while developing the confidence, adaptability, and global perspective that will serve them long after graduation.”

For accounting student Reese Davidson, one of those moments happened in Scotland.

While touring a local business, she listened as leaders explained how the company balances products that generate immediate revenue with others that take years to develop. Suddenly, concepts she had studied in accounting courses made perfect sense.

“Hearing that made the concepts of product sequencing and maximizing equipment usage click in a real-world setting,” Davidson said. “It showed me exactly how a business can sell fast-turnaround products to fund the future development of a premium flagship product.”

The experience reinforced her decision to pursue accounting while showing her just how global the profession can be.

“This experience has made me even more solidified in my chosen field of study,” she said. “More than anything, realizing how portable and globally relevant accounting is makes the future look incredibly vast.”

Some of her biggest lessons, however, weren’t part of the itinerary.

Navigating an unfamiliar city challenged her to rely less on GPS and more on observation. What began as a weakness became one of the most rewarding parts of the trip.

“Stepping away from GPS allowed me to observe the environment more closely,” she said. “Wrong turns became unexpected discoveries.”

For history major Cal Chaney, learning came from stepping into places he had spent years studying.

His faculty-led course paired readings and discussions with visits to historic sites, allowing students to experience firsthand the people, places, and events that had previously existed only in books.

“Going to see some of these medieval cities is so different from getting to read about them,” Chaney said. “You begin to see how history connects: not just across places, but across time. It gives you a completely different perspective on what you’ve been studying.” 

The experience was far more than sightseeing.

Students spent long days exploring cultural and historical landmarks before returning to complete journal readings, reflective writing assignments, and discussions that connected what they had experienced with the course material. By the end of the program, those reflections became the foundation for a walking tour created by the students themselves. 

“It was an intensive program but so worthwhile,” Chaney said. “We were reading, writing, and exploring every day. I learned more in those 16 days than I could have in a semester. Being immersed in the culture was an incredibly rare opportunity.” 

The experience also sparked a new interest in learning French and strengthened his confidence in navigating unfamiliar places and cultures.

“Learning to communicate with people and adapt to situations different from what you’re used to is something that stays with you,” he said. “It’s a skill that will help me wherever I go next.”

For Syd Joheim, the classroom stretched beneath the surface of the ocean.

Studying biology and geology on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas meant snorkeling through coral reefs, collecting field samples, and examining geological formations she had previously encountered only in textbooks.

One lesson stood above the rest. After studying crossbedding — how sediment is deposited — in class, Joheim finally found herself standing in front of remarkably clear examples shaped over thousands of years.

“Being able to see these near perfect examples of structures and processes I studied in class was incredibly helpful to both my understanding of the class material and my understanding of my field of study overall,” she said. 

The experience also deepened her appreciation for how biology, geology, and the natural world are interconnected.

“I knew the subjects were connected,” she said. “To actually see that interconnectedness in action was awe inspiring.” 

When she returned home, she found herself seeing Arkansas differently as well.

“I now look at my hometown with a little bit more wonder and with the goal of making it a place where people and nature can thrive together,” she said. 

By the time geology major and Donaghey Scholar Ella Campbell returned from Peru, she knew one thing for certain: the more she learned about the world, the more she wanted to understand it.

As a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s premier undergraduate honors program, Campbell receives a scholarship that includes support for study abroad. The experience gave her the chance to see geology beyond the classroom and only deepened the curiosity that drew her to the field, leaving her eager to keep exploring, asking questions, and learning more about the world.

“My experience studying abroad in Peru this past semester has been nothing short of spectacular,” she said. “This experience has taught me so much and has given me incredible opportunities to expand my understanding of the world, my educational goals, and myself.”

She said the experience strengthened not only her passion for geology, but also her desire to continue exploring, learning, and asking questions, an approach to learning emphasized in the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program.

“I leave my study abroad journey as both simultaneously satisfied and insatiable because I now carry an even greater hunger for learning, experiencing, and understanding,鈥� she added. 

Smith said that while every destination is different, the impact often follows a familiar pattern.

“The goal isn’t simply to take students somewhere new,” Smith said. “It’s to create experiences that challenge them to think differently about their studies, themselves, and the world around them. When they return to campus, they bring that curiosity and confidence into every classroom, internship, and career they pursue.”

More details on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Study Abroad program can be found online. With nearly 600 approved programs, there’s an experience to match the goals and dreams of any student.

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Through the new Pre-Med/Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine Pathway Program, qualified students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock before continuing to NYITCOM at A-State to complete a D.O. degree.

“Our medical school was founded with a pointed mission to train physicians to help address the ever-growing shortage and, in turn, health disparities, that exist in our state and region,” said Shane Speights, D.O., dean of NYITCOM at A-State. “To meet that mission, we must get more students in our pipeline who have ties to the state and are passionate about practicing here. Partnerships like this one with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock are extremely impactful in doing that.鈥�

The partnership marks an important milestone for both institutions. While NYITCOM at A-State has previously established pathway partnerships within the Arkansas State University System, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is the first institution outside that system to acquire the pathway program, and the collaboration expands opportunities for aspiring physicians across Arkansas.

“The journey to becoming a physician begins long before medical school,” said Dr. Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little. “By creating a clear pathway between our institutions, we’re giving students the confidence, guidance, and opportunities they need to pursue one of the most challenging and rewarding professions while building their future in Arkansas.”

Each year, up to 10 students will be admitted to the pathway program through a joint admissions process between 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and NYITCOM-Arkansas. The program is open to students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, particularly biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. 

Eligible applicants to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock may also be considered for the pathway if they meet the eligibility requirements and are selected by the joint 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥揘YITCOM committee. Current 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students can enter the pathway during their freshman or sophomore year. Junior-level students may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they have completed most pathway requirements and can fulfill the remainder within the required timeline.

The pathway builds on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s strong STEM programs and commitment to preparing students for careers in health care through undergraduate research, faculty mentoring, and experiential learning. Students considering the pathway can contact 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and/or NYITCOM at A-State for additional details.

“Strong partnerships create strong opportunities,鈥� said Dr. Anindya Ghosh, associate dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM). 鈥淭his collaboration positions 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and NYITCOM at A-State to welcome and support talented students by offering a seamless pathway to medical school while preparing the next generation of physicians to serve Arkansas communities.”

Eligible students will officially apply for admission to NYITCOM at A-State their junior year at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and students who meet all pathway requirements may receive conditional admission without the traditional Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The pathway instead places greater emphasis on students鈥� academic performance over time, recognizing sustained success in rigorous science coursework while removing a barrier that can be costly for many aspiring physicians. 

“We are excited to partner with NYITCOM at A-State to provide our students with an outstanding pathway to medical school while showcasing the strength of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s STEM programs,” said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of DCSTEM. “This partnership creates new opportunities for aspiring physicians, strengthens undergraduate research and mentoring, and supports our shared commitment to developing the highly skilled healthcare workforce that Arkansas needs for the future.”

The pathway provides students with a clearly structured roadmap to medical school, along with comprehensive support from the beginning of their undergraduate studies through the completion of their D.O. degree. Participants benefit from early and ongoing engagement with NYITCOM at A-State faculty, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of what to expect in medical school. By progressing through the program as a cohort, students form a close-knit community, facing challenges together, supporting one another, and establishing lasting connections. This built-in support network helps ensure their success throughout the pathway and beyond. 

The pathway is also designed to help address the state’s growing need for physicians. By allowing students to complete both their undergraduate and medical education in Arkansas, the program works to educate and retain more physicians to serve communities across the state. 

“Our graduates who are from Arkansas hometowns stay in state more than 60% of the time, regardless of where they attend residency,” Speights said. “For those who are from Arkansas and complete their residency in Arkansas, that number rises to above 95%. That data shows the importance of building strong relationships with our local undergraduate institutions like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, (and) we are so grateful to them for partnering with us.”

The first cohort of the new Pre-Med/Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine Pathway Program is expected to begin in Spring 2027. Applications are now open for the Spring 2027 semester and are available to DCSTEM students pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, excluding seniors.

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Four years ago, Hicks failed an Air Force fitness test. When he looked for resources to help him improve, he found plenty of information but no clear place to start.

Hicks, a Searcy native and 2016 University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate, created a fitness app that puts physical fitness standards for all branches of the U.S. military in one place. Service members can calculate their scores, track progress, and follow training plans tailored to their fitness needs.

“Although I believed I was adequately prepared, I fell far short of the requirements,” Hicks said. “At that time, I found that the resources available to help me recover were scattered and lacked a clear, actionable starting point.”

When the Air Force released new fitness standards in 2026, Hicks decided to build the resource he had needed four years earlier.

“I wanted to create a tool to support my fellow service members who may be facing the same challenges I encountered,” said Hicks said, who credits his time as a Donaghey Scholar with shaping how he approaches problems.

“Zach has always been curious and eager to take advantage of every opportunity, and I think that’s served him well living abroad,” said Dr. Jessica Scott, associate director of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program who remembers Hicks as someone eager to learn and take advantage of new opportunities. “One of the things I remember most about him is his positive attitude toward learning and his instinct to look for solutions.”

Hicks chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for its chemistry program and undergraduate research opportunities. He enrolled as a chemistry major on the pre-med track and learned about the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program during his freshman year. After being accepted, Hicks extended his studies and earned a second bachelor’s degree in biology.

He said the culture of the Donaghey Scholars Program had the greatest impact on him.

“I was deeply impressed by a community of individuals, and more importantly leaders, who genuinely cared about students and their unique qualities,” he said. “While we shared a background of impressive academic performance, the program’s dedication to celebrating and encouraging individuality is what truly left a lasting impression.”

The program also gave Hicks an opportunity to study abroad, something he said he likely would not have pursued otherwise, and that international experience continues to serve him, now stationed with the Air Force in Tokyo.

“While visiting other countries is valuable, living abroad for an extended period is truly priceless,” he said. “Learning to adapt to other cultures is a universally useful skill that continually improves my experience in the military.”

After 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Hicks continued his path toward becoming a physician and joined the Air Force. The opportunity to graduate from medical school without debt initially attracted him to military service, but the people he has met have inspired him to stay.

“It is the exceptional people I work alongside and the individuals I serve daily that have inspired me to continue my career here,” he said.

Hicks’ interest in technology grew at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where his Donaghey Scholars scholarship provided him with a MacBook. Although he didn’t study coding or app development, he later taught himself those skills and released two iOS apps before creating his military fitness app.

Hicks found that existing resources could calculate fitness scores but often didn’t show service members how to improve. His app combines fitness calculators with step-by-step training plans that adjust to a user’s performance and focus on areas that need improvement.

“I hope this app provides an intuitive starting point and a clear path for fitness progression,” he said.

Hicks also wanted the app to be available to Android users. He taught himself the Kotlin programming language and built an Android version, making it his first app released on the Google Play Store.

Learning a new programming language followed a process Hicks honed as a Donaghey Scholar and has used throughout his career: identify a problem, research it, find reliable information, and put that knowledge into practice.

“Teaching the foundational skill of not only questioning a solution, but also knowing how to identify high-quality sources for the learning phase, is crucial for everything that follows,” Hicks said.

Scott said she wasn’t surprised to see Hicks put those skills to use.

“I’m not at all surprised he saw a need and used his skills to fill it,” she said.

Hicks said the curiosity encouraged during his time as a Donaghey Scholar continues to influence his work.

“Curiosity is a powerful catalyst for personal development, an ethos that my time in the Donaghey Program certainly cultivated,” he said. “I consistently seek to understand the people around me and actively look for new ways to expand my knowledge.”

Scott said Hicks represents the kind of well-rounded graduate the program hopes to develop.

“I’ve loved watching Zach thrive as a doctor, an artist, a husband and a father,” Scott said. “He’s exactly the kind of well-rounded person we hope our students become. We’re so proud of him and his service.”

To learn more about the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, visit ualr.edu/donagheyscholars.

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