Donaghey College of STEM - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Exploring the Human Mind: Inside ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Innovative Psychology Labs

Molly Coleman — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

What happens when people don’t get enough sleep? How does financial stress change the way we think? And what does it mean to interact with a system that can think back?

At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, psychology researchers are exploring these questions through a growing network of labs focused on sleep, cognition, and human-AI interaction.

Across three specialized lab spaces, faculty and students are examining how biological, cognitive, and technological forces intersect to shape human behavior. From tracking brain activity during sleep to modeling how stress affects memory and studying how people interact with AI systems, their work is helping answer questions that are increasingly relevant in everyday life.

Measuring Sleep and Its Consequences

In the department’s Biobehavioral Laboratory, often referred to simply as the sleep lab, Dr. David Mastin studies how sleep and sleepiness affect everyday life.

Sleep affects nearly every aspect of daily functioning, from reaction time and memory to mood and overall health. According to Mastin, many people operate at a deficit without realizing it.

“Almost everyone carries a sleep debt,” he said. “It’s like being overdrawn in your checking account. You owe your body sleep.”

He also notes that modern life makes that debt difficult to avoid, as artificial light, technology, and constant stimulation can disrupt natural sleep patterns and keep people from getting the rest they need.

That deficit can have serious consequences. Even one night without sleep can significantly impair performance.

“If you pull an all-nighter and we put you on a driving simulator, you would make as many mistakes as someone who is legally drunk,” Mastin said.

The space is equipped with tools designed to measure brain activity, including electroencephalography (EEG), which tracks brain waves during different stages of sleep. A nap bed and observation room allow researchers to monitor eye and body movement without disturbing participants, while biofeedback equipment measures the body’s physiological responses to different stimuli.

Beyond these tools, the lab also relies on controlled sleep tests that measure alertness and fatigue, providing objective data that can be compared with how participants report feeling.

Much of the lab’s research extends beyond campus. Mastin and his students frequently work in the community. Right now, for instance, they are studying firefighters to better understand how sleep impacts performance in high-stakes environments.

As part of this research, Mastin and his students attended a firefighter convention in Hot Springs to interview participants about their sleep habits. The next step is to digitize the survey to reach firefighters across different regions and cultures, with the goal of improving both their well-being and performance.

Students play an active role in the research process, contributing to ongoing studies and developing their own projects under faculty guidance. Through this work, the lab connects physiological measurement with real-world behavior, bridging psychology with biological and health sciences to show how sleep quietly shapes nearly every part of daily life.

Understanding How We Think Under Stress

Just down the hall, Dr. Colton Hunter’s cognitive psychology lab focuses on how stress shapes the way people process and remember information.

Hunter’s research centers on working memory, the short-term ability to hold and manipulate information. Specifically, he studies how socioeconomic status influences cognition, examining how stress from factors such as income, education, and environment contribute to changes in how people process and recall information — highlighting how psychological processes are shaped by broader economic and social forces.. His primary research examines the effects of financial worry on working memory.

“The idea is that your financial problems might be occupying mental resources,” Hunter said. “It’s like the equivalent of having too many tabs open on your computer. It’s going to slow down performance.”

In one common task used in his lab, participants are briefly shown a set of colored squares before the image disappears and reappears. They are then asked to determine whether anything has changed. While the task appears simple, it allows researchers to measure how much information a person can hold in mind, how accurately they respond, and how quickly they process what they see.

These tasks are paired with socioeconomic survey data and written responses in which participants reflect on financial stressors, personal challenges, and neutral daily experiences. Hunter’s research explores whether financial stress uniquely impairs cognitive performance compared to other types of stress.

“The idea is that for participants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, writing about financial worries would potentially take away from their working memory performance more than a neutral event, but also more than any other type of stressor,” Hunter said. “There’s something special about financial stress.”

A key feature of the lab is a high-powered computing system that allows Hunter to run complex statistical models and analyze large amounts of data quickly — work that would otherwise take days or even weeks.

The lab integrates students into every stage of the research process. Undergraduate participants contribute to ongoing studies as participants, while others serve as research assistants through independent study, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. This approach also allows Hunter to examine how financial worry affects cognition specifically within the student population.

Studying the Future of Human-AI Interaction

In the department’s newest lab, Dr. Mohsen Rafiei is exploring one of psychology’s quickest evolving frontiers — how humans interact with artificial intelligence.

Rafiei’s lab focuses on human-AI interaction, examining how people use, interpret, and trust increasingly sophisticated systems.

“We are trying to understand how people interact with AI,” Rafiei said. “We want to understand how you as a human being interact with a smart system so we can learn to optimize that system for you.”

One current project looks at how students use AI in their daily lives, including whether they trust the results from their questions — and whether or not that trust is warranted.

“AI systems are probabilistic, which means there is always a good chance they are wrong,” he said. “Many students don’t know this and trust whatever answer they are given. Our goal is to learn how to optimize this so we can address this problem.”

To study these interactions, Rafiei’s lab is equipped with advanced tools that allow researchers to observe both behavior and brain activity in real time. Eye-tracking technology reveals where users focus their attention on a screen, while EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems measure which areas of the brain are active during interaction. Virtual reality headsets allow researchers to build immersive environments — such as a classroom with an AI assistant — and study how people respond in more lifelike scenarios.

The lab also houses an incredibly powerful computer, known as an AI cluster, that allows researchers to run and customize AI models locally. By operating outside of internet-based systems, the lab can test models in a controlled environment without privacy concerns, giving researchers the ability to study how people interact with AI systems specifically designed for the experiment.

Together, these tools allow Rafiei and his students to examine not only what people do when interacting with AI, but also what is happening in their minds as they do it.

The work is inherently interdisciplinary, combining psychology with neuroscience, computer science, and physiology to better understand how humans engage with increasingly intelligent systems.

Students play a key role in that process, gaining hands-on experience working with AI models and advanced research tools. Skills gained in this lab prepare them for emerging careers in human-AI interaction.

“This is a new field,” Rafiei said. “We know about human cognition and perception, but how do we interact with another intelligent system? We don’t even know all the questions we need to ask yet.”

As AI systems become more advanced and increasingly human-like, the challenge becomes even more complex.

“It’s not like interacting with a tool,” he said. “It’s more like interacting with another intelligent being. And there are still so many open questions we need to answer.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Innovation in Psychology

Across all three labs, a common thread is clear: the future of psychology at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is increasingly hands-on, interdisciplinary, and grounded in real-world impact.

For Dr. Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychology, the new labs mark a turning point in the department’s identity.

“Research has clearly become more prominent,” she said. “We’re intentionally building a department that is more uniformly engaged in research.”

That shift is being driven in large part by new faculty hires, whose work is expanding both the scope and scale of research opportunities available to students. In the past, demand for research experience often outpaced availability. Now, that dynamic is reversing.

“We went from having more students than research opportunities to suddenly being in the opposite situation,” she said.

As the department grows, so does its emphasis on preparing students for careers beyond the classroom. Through lab work, students gain practical experience in skills Sherwin says are valuable across industries such as data analysis, problem-solving, and communication.

To support that growth, the department is also introducing a new “Research Experience” course this fall, designed to give students earlier and more accessible entry into lab work. The course allows students to begin developing research skills before moving into more independent, advanced projects.

“People don’t always realize how marketable research skills are,” Sherwin said. “That’s really where our discipline shines at the undergraduate level — teaching students how to manage and present data, think critically and analytically, and answer questions effectively.”

As psychology continues to intersect with fields like artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and data science, the work happening at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is positioned at the forefront of that shift.

With new labs, advanced technology, and a growing emphasis on student-driven research, the department is not only keeping pace with the future of the discipline — it is helping define it.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Graduate Student Combines Chemistry and Technology to Shape Future of Research

Justin Bates — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Growth has defined Stephen Afolabi’s journey. From his early studies in Nigeria to his research in the United States, he has moved from traditional chemistry into emerging work in machine learning. As he prepares to graduate with a master’s degree in chemistry from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Afolabi looks back on how much he’s grown.

Originally from Nigeria, he began his academic career at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he built a strong foundation in chemistry. At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, his work began to shift, and he developed his skill in multiple scientific disciplines.

“Completing my master’s degree in chemistry means a lot to me, both academically and personally,” Afolabi said. “It shows how far I’ve come, from building my foundation in Nigeria to developing my research interests at a more advanced level.”

He found a new direction combining chemistry with technology after seeing the limits of more traditional approaches.

“I saw how time consuming, and sometimes subjective, those methods could be,” he said. “That’s what pushed me to explore more data-driven approaches.”

That shift became central to his work in the lab.

“Stephen has been in my research group for about two years,” said Dr. Jerry Darsey, professor in the School of Physical Sciences–Chemistry and director of the Center for Molecular Design and Development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Although he chose to pursue a master’s degree rather than a Ph.D., he accomplished some very interesting and useful work for our center.”

Darsey said Afolabi developed a software program that allows the lab’s spectral data to be used in its artificial intelligence research. The spectrometer produces data in one format, and before it can be used in AI models, it has to be converted into another.

“Stephen wrote a program to make that conversion possible,” Darsey said. “He also built a bridge between our quantum simulation program and the data processing system. That kind of work makes our research more efficient and more connected.”

The program was written in Python, making it compatible with many of the lab’s existing research tools.

He also started working on ways to make it easier and faster to identify compounds using infrared (IR) data.

“For me, it wasn’t just about learning new tools,” he said. “It was about finding better ways to understand the data and make the process more efficient.”

Afolabi sees this work as part of a broader shift in how science is done.

“They can help us test ideas faster, handle large amounts of data, and find patterns we might miss otherwise,” he said. “They don’t replace chemistry, they make it stronger.”

That sense of growth hasn’t just happened in the lab. Moving to the United States meant adjusting to a new culture and academic system.

“That experience pushed me to become more independent and more confident in myself,” he said. “It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me grow.”

He also found value in working with students from different backgrounds, which helped him see problems from new angles.

His academic path has also shaped that perspective. Along with chemistry, he holds a Certificate of Achievement in Geology, which has influenced how he approaches scientific problems.

“It helps me look at problems in a more complete way,” he said. “Not just at the molecular level, but also how those ideas connect to real-world systems.”

Graduate school helped him grow into a steady, collaborative and persistent leader.

“Leadership isn’t always about being in charge,” he said. “Sometimes it’s about staying committed, helping others, and working through challenges together.”

He said studying in both Nigeria and the United States shaped how he understands science and the way he approaches problems. His early education focused on theory, while his graduate studies emphasized research and application.

“Both experiences shaped me in different ways,” he said. “Now I feel more prepared to approach problems from different angles.”

After graduation, Afolabi plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and continue working in computational chemistry and machine learning, with the goal of using his research to solve real-world problems in the environment and industry.

“I want my work to make things more efficient and more accessible — to help turn complex data into something useful,” he said.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock has been part of that same progression.

“I’m ready to keep growing and take on new challenges,” he said.

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Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 16

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:55:32 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock will confer approximately 1,125 degrees and certificates upon graduates during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, at the Jack Stephens Center.

Two ceremonies will take place throughout the day.

Undergraduates from the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 8 a.m.

Special guests for the morning ceremony will include Ms. Danyelle Walker, distinguished alumna, member of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, Walker is a nationally recognized consumer bankruptcy attorney with 30 years of experience advocating for debtor rights and expanding access to justice in Arkansas.

Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors, will also participate in the ceremony. A respected cardiologist and civic leader, Kumpuris has long championed educational opportunity, healthcare access, and community engagement in Arkansas. Through his leadership, he has supported initiatives that strengthen student success and advance higher education across the state.

Student Nistha Neupane, recipient of the 2026 Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award, will be recognized during the morning ceremony. The Whitbeck Award is the university’s highest honor presented to a graduating senior. Neupane, a biology and chemistry student, has earned recognition for her cancer research, leadership, and advocacy work focused on improving access and representation in medicine.

Undergraduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), along with all graduate students from the Graduate School, will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to Walker and Kumpuris, special guests for the afternoon ceremony will include Col. Nathaniel Todd of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Todd is a retired military officer and longtime public servant who has supported education, leadership development, and community engagement efforts across Arkansas through his professional and civic service.

Family members and guests are encouraged to review commencement policies and ceremony details before arriving on campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect at the Jack Stephens Center for all commencement ceremonies.

Live streaming information, parking details, guest information, and additional commencement resources are available at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Commencement Information.

For more information about ��Vlog��ý Little Rock commencement, contact the Office of Records and Registration at (501) 916-3110 or visit ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Commencement.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Professor Joins Board of Institute for Design Science and Public Policy

Samantha Koros — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Dr. Mohsen Rafiei, a faculty member at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the , a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the role of design science in legal and public policy discussions.

When asked about the initial reaction to joining the board, Rafiei described it as both an honor and a responsibility.

“It’s not just a title,” he explained. “IDSPP is doing important work that bridges research and public policy. The invitation represents an opportunity to contribute in ways that go well beyond traditional academic work.”

IDSPP is an organization dedicated to strengthening the relationship between design research, legal reasoning, and public impact. Its broader aim is to support applied design research and ensure that legal and policy discussions are informed by strong evidence. The organization contributes to public discourse through research initiatives, amicus briefs and working papers – all aimed at integrating scientific understanding of design into real-world contexts.

“The invitation felt like a natural fit because my work consistently explores the ways research can connect human behavior, design and decision making in practical settings. IDSPP’s commitment to bringing rigorous design-related research into public and legal contexts is deeply meaningful to me,” said Rafiei.

Design science plays an important role in public policy. Design shapes how people interact with products, systems, and institutions, affecting usability, access, behavior, and decision-making. This means design is not just a creative issue – it is also a public one. By bringing evidence-based approaches to design-related policy questions, organizations like IDSPP help ensure that legal and policy decisions are informed by scientific understanding.

Serving on the IDSPP board has already begun to challenge and expand Rafiei’s perspective as a researcher.

“It expands my thinking by pushing me to consider how research can function outside academic settings,” said Rafiei. “In research, we often focus on theory, methods and findings, but in a role like this, you also have to think about how evidence is interpreted in broader public, legal and institutional contexts. That is valuable because it pushes me to think more carefully about how research can be communicated, applied and made useful in higher-stakes environments.”

Rafiei also sees the opportunity as one that extends beyond his own work, with benefits for the university community.

He hopes to bring back stronger models for how academic research can translate into real-world impact, particularly in public conversations, policy decisions and interdisciplinary collaboration. For Rafiei, seeing how research is applied in legal and policy contexts reinforces the importance of scholarship that contributes to broader societal discussions.

Personally and professionally, the appointment represents a meaningful milestone for Rafiei, reflecting his commitment to research that extends beyond academia.

“It reflects the work I care about most – research that matters beyond academia,” Rafiei said. “It’s also a chance to work alongside experts from different fields, contribute my perspective, and continue growing as a scholar. It’s about connecting strong research with real-world application – that’s the kind of work I’m most passionate about.”

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From Connection to Opportunity: Spencer Knight Finds His Path at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

When Spencer Knight first chose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, his decision was grounded in practicality. The Donaghey Scholars Program offered him a path to graduate debt-free, an opportunity that allowed him to focus fully on his future.

What he found went far beyond financial support.

Knight, a double major in electrical and computer engineering, and physics, said he initially struggled to connect socially after arriving on campus.. Living in the residence halls, especially his time in North Hall, became a turning point. Surrounded by peers and immersed in new experiences, he gradually grew into someone confident, curious, and eager to engage with others.

“��Vlog��ý Little Rock fostered an environment where I was able to learn to engage with my community,” Knight said. “Through that, I was able to find a great number of opportunities.”

That growth proved transformative. Through connections he built on campus, Knight secured internships, including a NASA internship through the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium experience that helped define his career path.

Rather than pointing to a single breakthrough moment, Knight credits his success to steady, incremental growth.

“My growth comes in small steps,” he said. “A lot of small things have clicked over time.”

A key influence throughout that journey was the Donaghey Scholars community. Being surrounded by driven, like-minded students helped normalize ambition and reinforced his own goals.

“It’s a struggle to aim high when you feel like you’re the only one on that path,” Knight said. “But when your closest friends are passionate about their fields, it feels almost natural.”

Knight also found hands-on learning to be essential. Lab-based and project-focused courses gave him the ability to engage deeply with material and strengthen his academic foundation. Combined with internships earned through campus connections, these experiences prepared him for life beyond graduation.

Outside the classroom, Knight believes his greatest impact came through supporting others.

“College has been the toughest time of my life filled with adversity, and I know I’m not alone in that,” he said. “Being there for others…when done consistently over time can have a profound impact.”

Like many students, Knight faced challenges, especially staying motivated with coursework. But being surrounded by peers working through the same struggles made a difference.

“Struggling can be tough, but it’s a lot easier when you’re doing it with others,” he said.

Through study abroad experiences and conversations with a diverse campus community, Knight broadened his perspective and strengthened his sense of purpose. Now, as he prepares to graduate, he sees the future as wide open.

“Graduating means I finally have the freedom to find my path in the world,” he said. “And that is extremely exciting.”

As he graduates, Knight plans to pursue a career in engineering, building on the hands-on experience, technical skills, and professional network he developed at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

His advice to future Trojans reflects the mindset that guided his own journey: stay open, step outside your comfort zone, and invest in personal growth.

“When you do those things,” he said, “you’ll find yourself in places and situations you would never expect, and that’s where life-changing opportunities happen.”

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A Milestone Week: Graduation, Championships, and “I Do” for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Couple

Sydney Ambrus — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

An unforgettable week is on the horizon for Ragen Hodge and Sutton Manatt. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are preparing to graduate this May, compete in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Track and Field Championships, and get married—all within the span of just one week.

Hodge, a native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Manatt, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, were both introduced to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock through athletics. Hodge competes in jumps for Little Rock Track and Field, while Manatt is a pole vaulter.

The couple will compete on the day of the university’s official commencement ceremony but plan to participate in the Athletics ceremony the following Monday. Their wedding is set for Thursday, May 21.

“I am absolutely stoked to start this new chapter. I’m going to miss vaulting and running track, having a team, etc., but this new chapter is so exciting! Having a degree and chasing another, and getting to do that with my wife—sign me up!” Manatt said.

Hodge learned of the Donaghey Scholars Program and decided to apply to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“I was drawn to the scholarship opportunities, the chance to compete in track and field at the collegiate level, and the opportunity to study abroad through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program,” Hodge said. “Because of the DSHP funding and study abroad, I was able to continue studying Spanish in addition to my biology and pre-med studies, which has opened so many doors and allowed me to pursue new volunteer opportunities in the medical field that I would otherwise not have been able to.”

Manatt said his understanding of the university expanded during his athletic visit.

“It wasn’t until I came on my athletic visit that I learned about all the opportunities like Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC), Chi Alpha, and so much more. I fell in love with how close-knit the track team was and how much the coaches and admin really cared for the program and all the athletes,” Manatt said. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock has so many opportunities for students to graduate with no student loans, and with grad school in mind, that was huge for my family,”

Hodge is graduating with a double major in Spanish and biology, while Manatt is graduating with a degree in biology.

“Through personal and volunteering experiences, I came to see a significant need for compassionate, culturally competent healthcare in our communities and realized that medical school will give me the opportunity to one day fill this need,” Hodge said.

Sutton was inspired to pursue physical therapy during his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“I wanted to help people like me who have had injuries, back problems, health issues—all of the above. I want to be someone who can make a difference. In my years here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I’ve had so many different injuries, but each one of them I’ve been able to come back stronger because of our ATs (athletic trainers) and PTs (physical therapists),” Manatt said.

Both Hodge and Manatt reflected on moments during their time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock that made them especially proud. For Hodge, studying abroad in Valencia, Spain, stands out as a defining experience.

“One moment that has made me especially proud academically and personally was when I studied abroad in Valencia, Spain. After a couple weeks, I was able to confidently navigate the city and get to class, and I realized that I was actively living in a dream that I never thought I would be brave enough to make a reality,” Hodge said.

“My time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock greatly increased my confidence in my abilities, thanks to every professor who poured into me and encouraged me along the way,” she said.

Manatt pointed to his success with the track and field team as a source of pride.

“One thing that I’m especially proud of is the three Track and Field championship rings that I get to wear. Being a part of a winning team was always something I dreamed of, especially on the D1 level.” Manatt said.

“The bond that I’ve created with my guys on the team is something I’ll cherish and never forget,” he said.

They shared that the close bond with their team will be what they miss most after graduation.

“I am definitely going to miss getting to live and train and study with this group of people that are more like family than friends at this point, and I think it will be a big transition to not always have my workout and study buddies with me everywhere I go,” Hodge said.

“My circle of guys that I’m around most are so influential in my life. A few are going to be in my wedding, and many more are guys I know I can call at any time, and they will have my back or be there for me in an instant,” Manatt said.

After graduation, the couple will be moving to Oklahoma. Both have been accepted into the University of Oklahoma, where Hodge will attend medical school and Manatt will pursue physical therapy school.

As they prepare for their move to Oklahoma, both reflect on the significance of being closer to family in this next chapter.

“During our time here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, we have been able to spend more time with Sutton’s family, and it has been such a joy and blessing to have their support and get to know them over the past four years. I am really excited now to have that same opportunity with my family during our next chapter of life, and I hope that Sutton will be as encouraged by the support and love from my family during PT school as I was by his family during undergrad,” Hodge said.

“I joked with Sutton a couple of years ago that we would spend our undergraduate years here in Little Rock, in his home state and near his family, and then it would be his turn to live in my home state near my family for the next four years, so it is pretty funny to me that that is exactly how it has worked out,” she said.

“I’ve been so lucky to be close to home these past four years, being from Hot Springs. I’ve gotten to be at family events and watch my little brother grow up and be at his baseball games. It’s been really nice having them just an hour away, but I know Ragen has missed her family so much. Any chance we get to go up to OK and see her family, we always come back to school so rejuvenated and relaxed. I’m so happy that we get to spend the next four or so years closer to her family so we can give her family the same thing my parents have had the last four years,” Manatt said.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Honors Treece, Ambrus, Petray with 2026 Staff Achievement Awards

Justin Bates — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has honored three staff members for their exceptional work in the areas of personal growth, service to the university, and community service. Nathan Treece received the Personal Growth Award, Sydney Ambrus received the Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award, and Ronda Petray received the Community Service Award.

Established in 1989, the Staff Senate Achievement Awards recognize employees who have brought distinction to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock through personal achievement, service to the university, and service to the community. The awards are presented annually during the Staff Senate Awards Ceremony, which celebrates staff contributions and recognizes employees for their impact on the university and the broader community.

Learn more about each award and its recipient below.

Personal Growth Award

Nathan Treece, reporter and local host for Little Rock Public Radio, has received the Personal Growth Award. It recognizes an individual whose scholarship, research, or creative talent has been particularly outstanding.

“I would like to thank everyone at Little Rock Public Radio for considering me for this honor,” Treece said. “I couldn’t imagine a better group of people to work with. The team is so supportive of one another and works hard to bring critical information and educational programming to Arkansas’ airwaves every day.”

Treece earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications with honors from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2017. He previously worked as a public information officer for the Arkansas Division of Heritage and spent four years in television news as a producer for KARK and KLRT. In his current role, he serves as a reporter and host of NPR’s Morning Edition for Little Rock Public Radio.

Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award

Sydney Ambrus, social media coordinator and videographer in the Office of Communications and Marketing, has received the Ben Fry Service to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Award. It recognizes an individual who is distinctive in service through committees, special events, implementation of creative ideas, or support and encouragement of others.

“It is truly an honor to receive the Ben Fry Service Award. I love being out on campus, volunteering and collaborating with different committees and departments, and connecting with so many people across the university. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community,” Ambrus said.

Ambrus produces digital content that highlights university initiatives, student success, and campus life. She plays a key role in leading the university’s Maroon Monday campaign, a social media initiative that encourages students, faculty, and staff to wear maroon in support of the Trojans and helps build school spirit across campus.

Community Service Award

Ronda Petray, a program coordinator in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, has received the Community Service Award. It recognizes an individual who has been particularly successful in organizing community events or has had major achievements in civic, service, or specialty organizations.

“It’s obviously very exciting to win a monetary award and to be recognized for continued support and contributions to my department, to my college, and to the university as a whole — there’s no way I could have gotten anywhere near as far if I didn’t have my core support team around me,” Portray said. “Everyone I work with contributes to my daily successes. I couldn’t do anything without them all!”

Petray supports student success initiatives and academic programs and is actively involved in student engagement efforts on campus, including her work with student organizations such as the Math Club.

For more information about the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Staff Senate, visit ualr.edu/staffsenate.

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Whitbeck Award Winner: Nistha Neupane Focuses on Advocacy in Medicine

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:46:50 +0000

Nistha Neupane was in the middle of presenting her research at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Research Expo when she got the news.

“Honestly, pure shock,” she said. “Within a matter of two minutes, I was surrounded by my closest friends hugging me.”

The moment quickly turned into something else. Her first thought was to call her parents.

“As first-generation immigrants who built our lives from the ground up, they have sacrificed the world for me,” she said.

Neupane is the winner of the Whitbeck Memorial Award. Established in memory of Edward Lynn Whitbeck, a senior at Little Rock University who passed away in 1965, the award was created by Frank L. and Beverly Whitbeck to recognize exceptional academic achievement and leadership. Recipients receive a plaque, a monetary award, and deliver a speech at the spring commencement ceremony. She is completing degrees in biology and chemistry while spending more than three years conducting research in Dr. Noureen Siraj’s lab. Neupane’s work focused on developing gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapies, and she presented her research at national conferences, including the American Chemical Society. Neupane was recently selected as a semifinalist in America’s Startup, an official program of America250 that highlights emerging innovators from across the country.

Her research and entrepreneurial vision have also earned national recognition.

Born in Nepal, Neupane moved to the United States as a child and grew up relocating as her father pursued his Ph.D. She said those early experiences shaped her ability to adapt and build community, something that carried into her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

She chose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, which offered the kind of interdisciplinary education she was looking for. Its proximity to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provided the research and clinical opportunities to match.

At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she did both.

Her interest in medicine started long before college.

As a child, she dealt with years of chronic, undiagnosed pain while her family navigated the healthcare system without insurance. She said many doctors dismissed her symptoms until one physician took the time to listen and advocate for her, leading to the diagnosis of a tumor that was later removed.

“That experience changed how I see medicine,” she said. “I want to be someone who listens and advocates for patients who feel overlooked.”

Her perspective is also shaped by her family’s experiences. She recalls stories about her grandfather, who died in a rural village in Nepal where access to medical care was limited. During an internship in Kathmandu, she saw similar challenges firsthand while working in a hospital with limited resources.

That focus on access and advocacy has guided her work on campus.

Neupane served as president of the Pre-Health Club and co-president of the American Chemical Society student organization, helping students prepare for careers in healthcare and STEM. She also worked with the Committee on Racial Equity for Students to support her peers.

“To me, impact is about making the path clearer for the students coming after me,” she said.

Balancing research, leadership, and service required discipline. Neupane said she relied on the values her family instilled in her, along with a strong sense of purpose.

“There were times I questioned myself,” she said. “But I kept coming back to why I started.”

She credits faculty mentors across campus for helping her navigate challenges and grow as a student and leader, along with a close group of peers who supported her throughout her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

Looking back, she said those challenges helped her better understand the importance of community.

“They showed me that I was never doing it alone,” she said.

Receiving the Whitbeck Award, she said, is a reflection of that journey and the broader impact of her work.

“It means the world to know that the energy I poured into this campus was seen,” she said.

After graduation, Neupane will attend the University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine as part of the Class of 2030. She plans to pursue a career that combines clinical care, research, and community advocacy.

“I want to be a physician who takes the time to listen,” she said. “That’s what made the difference for me.”

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Purpose in Action: Taylor Ward Prepares for a Career Helping Others

Sydney Ambrus — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

A passion for helping others has shaped Taylor Ward’s path at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, leading her to pursue careers in both health care and law enforcement.

The Little Rock native will graduate in May with a double major in general biology and law enforcement — bringing together her interests in health care and public service.

Ward has long been passionate about helping others, developing an early interest in the medical field, especially working with children. She describes herself as compassionate and nurturing, with a strong desire to help heal others. Her interest in law enforcement emerged later, during her sophomore year of college.

“My parents worked in law enforcement for more than 50 years combined,” Ward said. “I was fascinated by their work and wanted to learn more on my own, so I took the initiative to enroll in criminal justice classes.”

Ward enjoys studying the law and has also explored an interest in forensic science. As she continued her coursework, she pursued an associate degree in law enforcement.

She chose ��Vlog��ý Little Rock because of its proximity to home and strong scholarship opportunities.

“Being able to receive 50% off tuition for the first two years of college was a blessing,” Ward said. “For the past four years, I haven’t had to pay out of pocket for tuition, thanks to my scholarships and, most of all, God.”

The university also holds personal significance for her, as both of her parents are alumni.

On campus, Ward has been actively involved in a variety of organizations, including serving as the Trojan Food Pantry coordinator and as a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, Student Activities Board, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Black Scholars Collective.

“Taylor has been a great asset to us in the office, for the Trojan Food Pantry and CLC,” said Teresa Esparza, a student success coach at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “She has always embraced what’s asked of her, whether it’s representing the pantry and the university at the Arkansas College Hunger Summit, appearing on THV11, or supporting CLC initiatives. She has remained engaged in the program while managing her academics and other extracurricular activities. I have no doubt her ambitious attitude will lead her to great things.”

Ward offers this advice to future ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students:

“College isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would have degrees. It takes sacrifice, time, consistency, and hard work. This is a time to learn who you are and work toward who you want to become. Make mistakes and learn from them, but be wise in your choices. Stay disciplined and keep working toward your goals. Most importantly, enjoy every part of college. The four years go by quickly, but the experiences are worth it.”

After graduating, Ward plans to apply to a physical therapy program.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Graduate Student Helps Identify Cold Case Victim After More Than 30 Years

Molly Coleman — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

What began as a quest to learn more about her family’s heritage has led one University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate student to help identify more than 60 previously unknown victims and perpetrators in cold cases across the United States and Canada.

One of those cases hit especially close to home. Stephanie Wyatt, an investigative genetic genealogist and a graduate student in ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Applied Communication program, recently played a key role in identifying the woman long known as the Conway County Jane Doe — a victim whose identity remained a mystery for more than three decades.

In February 2026, the 32-year-old woman was identified as Jamie Ann Moore, bringing long-awaited answers to a case that had remained unsolved since 1994.

Wyatt’s interest in communication is rooted in her professional background. She holds an undergraduate degree in public relations and previously worked in human resources before transitioning into genetic genealogy. She currently works for the Arkansas Department of Transportation while pursuing her graduate degree.

Returning to school was not always something Wyatt saw as attainable. She said her mother is the only person in her family with a college degree, and she will be the first to earn her master’s degree. “There was a lot of self-doubt at first,” Wyatt said. “But the support I found at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock gave me the confidence to believe I could be successful.”

Wyatt’s path into genetic genealogy began as a personal project. Her father’s adoption sparked her interest in the field of genealogy as she searched for answers about her family’s medical history. However, this search quickly expanded beyond her own story.

Wyatt turned her self-taught skills toward helping others who were searching for similar answers about their history. For nearly a decade, she volunteered to assist individuals searching for biological family members, including adoptees and those with unknown parentage. Over time, that work evolved into something more complex: helping identify individuals who could not identify themselves, such as those with amnesia or medical conditions preventing speech, and eventually, victims in cold cases.

In 2019, Wyatt joined a team of investigative genetic genealogists at Parabon NanoLabs, where she began applying her skills to criminal investigations and unidentified remains cases across the country.

Wyatt later volunteered with the Arkansas State Police after the case of Conway County Jane Doe stalled despite earlier DNA testing efforts. Drawing on her experience, she said she believed there were still leads worth pursuing and a path toward identification.

“I reached out because I felt like there was still progress to be made, even if it was slow,” Wyatt said. “When you’ve been in this field long enough, the DNA starts to act like a roadmap. The matches and the amount of shared DNA can tell you where to look, and I had a feeling about where to start.”

Wyatt said the work begins with a DNA profile, which is then compared to distant relatives in public databases. By grouping shared matches and tracing common ancestors, she and other investigators are able to reconstruct fragmented family trees and narrow down an unidentified person’s identity.

“It’s like putting together a puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like,” she said. “You group pieces together, find patterns, and eventually, something connects.”

Even a single distant match can be enough to move a case forward.

“In this case, there was one match in the DNA database that helped push us forward toward identification,” Wyatt said. “Just one person made that possible, and they probably don’t even know. They’re not closely related, and it’s possible they never even knew Jamie existed.”

This, she said, is why it is so important for people who have had their DNA tested to upload their results to the databases that make this kind of work possible. There are three databases used for this sort of research: GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and DNA Justice. Anyone who wants to participate can help investigators by uploading their results and opting in to law enforcement matching.

“Especially with unidentified human remains, people don’t realize how many have been separated from their family but aren’t on any list as reported missing,” Wyatt said. “This was the case with Conway County Jane Doe.”

Wyatt said she hopes more people understand both the role the public can play and the realities of the process. Even small contributions, like uploading DNA data to public databases, can make a difference — often without people even realizing it.

“In most cases, if you choose to assist, you probably won’t even realize you’re helping,” she said. “But those small pieces can be what allow us to move a case forward.”

She added that investigative genetic genealogy is a careful, step-by-step process.

“It’s not an instant answer,” she said. “Sometimes we’re narrowing it down from hundreds of people to a much smaller group, and it takes time and additional information to get to one name.”

Beyond science, Wyatt’s work also depends heavily on communication — a skill she continues to develop through her studies at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

Her role involves translating complex genetic findings into clear, actionable information for investigators, many of whom are not specialists in DNA analysis. She said her studies in applied communication have helped her navigate relationships with law enforcement while working on sensitive, often emotional cases.

“You’re working with people who may have been on these cases for decades,” she said. “There’s a lot of emotion tied to that, so how you communicate matters.”

For Wyatt, identifying Moore was both a breakthrough and a reminder of the weight of the work.

“It’s very bittersweet,” she said. “There is that celebratory moment that you finally found the connection, but it’s very fleeting because you realize there are painful implications as well. Jamie got her name back, and Jamie’s family is now processing that loss.”

Wyatt said she is grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping family members find not only answers, but peace.

As investigators continue working the case, Wyatt hopes her efforts highlight the potential of investigative genetic genealogy and the need for more resources to support it in Arkansas.

For Wyatt, the goal remains simple — to help give people their names back and bring a measure of peace to the families still searching for answers.

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Donaghey College of STEM - News - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Exploring the Human Mind: Inside ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Innovative Psychology Labs