Pyle earned a Master of Arts in Applied Communication Studies from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2011.

鈥淚 was honored to be selected,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淭he other candidates are really wonderful, highly qualified colleagues of mine, so it was humbling to be chosen for the role.鈥�

As associate dean of undergraduate learning, Pyle will help shape Clemson’s undergraduate experience by overseeing initiatives related to student learning and the university’s general education curriculum. His work begins by listening, building relationships, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

鈥淢y primary goal starting in this new role is to get a good sense of where we have opportunities and where things aren鈥檛 working like they should in the General Education curriculum,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淚 anticipate my first 6-12 months will primarily be learning the landscape, building relationships, and making sense of data to get a picture of where there are bottlenecks or where things need to be adjusted or updated.鈥�

Pyle said his enthusiasm for helping students learn and grow was shaped by the teachers and mentors who invested in him throughout his academic journey, including several faculty members at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚鈥檝e had such wonderful teachers and mentors during my academic career, including some amazing folks in applied communication at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淚n my work as a professor, I always look for ways to connect with and create opportunities for students. I鈥檓 excited about this new role because it is all about ensuring that our undergraduate student experience is a strong one.鈥�

Pyle’s connection to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock began while he was completing his undergraduate degree at Ouachita Baptist University. During that time, he took a course taught by Dr. Linda Pledger, a retired 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty member who encouraged him to consider the university’s graduate program in Applied Communication Studies.

鈥淪he knew that I was interested in an academic career, and she recommended that I take a look at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for my graduate studies,鈥� Pyle said.

After meeting with then-department chair Dr. Rob Ulmer, Pyle said he quickly realized he had found the right place to continue his education.

鈥淗e convinced me that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was the right place for me to continue my academic journey,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淗e was right. I had a marvelous experience with the wonderful people in applied communication.鈥�

Those experiences proved foundational to the educator and leader he would become.

Pyle credits his graduate assistantship and the mentorship of faculty members with shaping the way he teaches, mentors, and leads today. He specifically highlighted the influence of Dr. Kristen McIntyre, who served as both an instructor and supervisor during his time as a graduate assistant.

鈥淒r. McIntyre鈥檚 course and her mentorship during my time as a GA shaped the way that I teach and train others, and those are lessons I still apply to my teaching and mentoring today,鈥� Pyle said.

He also pointed to Ulmer’s leadership as a model he continues to follow.

鈥淚 try to emulate his leadership style,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淗e was kind and supportive, but also challenged me to grow and develop. He had the humility to own his mistakes, which is unfortunately atypical in organizational structures.鈥�

Before being named associate dean, Pyle served as interim director of Clemson’s National Scholars Program and as undergraduate coordinator for Clemson’s Department of Communication. He said those experiences provided valuable preparation for his new responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Pyle hopes his work will strengthen the student experience for future generations of Clemson students.

鈥淢y hope is that I will be able to meaningfully contribute to work that will improve the undergraduate student experience at Clemson,鈥� Pyle said.

For students interested in pursuing careers in higher education, communication, or academic leadership, Pyle encourages gaining firsthand experience in research and teaching while staying patient as leadership opportunities develop.

Faculty jobs are research positions at most institutions, so students need to understand that from the outset, Pyle said. 

鈥淎dditionally, I would encourage students to pursue training and development as teachers,鈥� he said.

For those considering administrative roles, he offered a simple piece of advice.

鈥淒on鈥檛 rush into an administrative role simply because it鈥檚 available,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淭hink about your interests and skills, as well as all the ways that moving into an administrative role will change your work dynamic. It鈥檚 a big change. Make sure you鈥檙e ready for that kind of upheaval.鈥�

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Beginning in Fall 2026, the university will raise the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants from $8,000 to $10,000 for a nine-month appointment. Doctoral-level graduate assistants will see their minimum stipend increase from $13,000 to $15,000.

Graduate assistantships allow students to pursue advanced degrees while gaining hands-on experience in research, teaching, and university operations. In addition to a stipend, assistantships may include tuition benefits that help offset the cost of graduate school.

“I am sensitive to the financial pressures that our graduate students face and the impact that rising costs have had on them,” said Dr. Brian Berry, vice provost of research and dean of the Graduate School. “I am committed to continuing this discussion and progressing toward competitive GA stipends.”

The increase continues a trend of growing university investment in graduate student support. Five years ago, the minimum stipend for master’s-level graduate assistants was approximately $6,000. Two years ago, it was raised to $8,000. This fall’s increase to $10,000 marks the latest step in the university’s efforts to address rising costs for graduate students.

Graduate assistants serve in a variety of roles across campus. Some assist faculty with research projects, while others support classroom instruction, work in administrative offices, or contribute to projects related to their field of study.

Beyond financial assistance, assistantships provide students with practical experience that complements their academic work and helps prepare them for careers in higher education, industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and other professional fields.

The increased stipends also help 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented graduate students.

Students interested in graduate assistantship opportunities can learn more through the Graduate School and individual academic programs. Assistantships are available in a variety of disciplines across the university.

For more information about graduate assistantships and graduate programs, visit .

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The Little Rock native graduated this spring with a Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering after years of involvement in research projects, student leadership, and outreach initiatives across campus.

McNerny said he chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because of its strong academic environment and mentorship opportunities.

鈥淭he graduate school at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is world class in terms of research, mentorship, and furthering education,鈥� he said.

During his time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, McNerny balanced advanced research with service that extended beyond the university to the broader community. At the Cyberspace Operations, Research and Education (CORE) Center, he designed virtual reality simulations of industrial control systems for the Consortium for Cyber Innovation. The work is supported by a grant from the Department of Energy focused on protecting critical energy infrastructure from cyberattacks.

He also used his interest in technology to improve public safety on campus. Drawing on his professional experience as a traffic safety specialist, he developed a technology designed to make crosswalks safer for pedestrians and wildlife.

His research explored how signals from vehicles and mobile devices could be detected near intersections, allowing the system to warn pedestrians and drivers of one another’s presence before they come into view. McNerny says these technologies could help reduce traffic accidents involving pedestrians and wildlife regardless of visibility, weather conditions, or existing safety infrastructure.

In addition to his research, McNerny has mentored fellow students and held leadership positions as chair and secretary of the Association for Computing Machinery student chapter.

His passion for technology education also led him to teach virtual reality and cybersecurity summer camps for K-12 students. Through programs hosted by the Emerging Analytics Center and GenCyber, McNerny introduced students to emerging technologies while encouraging thoughtful discussions about their ethical use.

鈥淚 am inspired by seeing how excited students are when they try VR for the first time,鈥� McNerny said. 鈥淓mpowering them with the tools to make their own worlds and seeing their creativity blossom is a reward in itself.鈥�

One of McNerny’s favorite college memories, he said, came during a trip to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he and fellow students showcased an augmented reality game they developed called 鈥淪pook Splat.鈥�

While he has enjoyed opportunities to present projects and lead student organizations, some of his most meaningful experiences happened behind the scenes in the lab.

鈥淭hose quiet hours in the lab, not knowing if the project I had been working on for months would actually work,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hen resting on it and finding out how to fix the problem immediately the next day. Those moments are rare and meaningful.鈥�

After graduation, McNerny plans to pursue a career in engineering while continuing his research at the CORE Center. 

鈥淚f my work helps people feel safer and improves their quality of life in any way, I have made an impact,鈥� he said.

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鈥淚 envisioned getting the degree, and at the same time, it didn鈥檛 seem possible that I would get accepted into the program,鈥� Taylor said. 鈥淚 actually applied 鈥�knowing鈥� I would get rejected.鈥�

Instead, she began a new chapter at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and worked toward a degree that once felt out of reach.

Taylor, a Conway native, earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013. After graduating, she spent years working in service-oriented jobs while repeatedly putting off graduate school.

For years, Taylor talked about applying to graduate school. Friends, coworkers, and people close to her encouraged her to take the chance and apply to social work programs. Eventually, Taylor said her friends told her to 鈥渏ust apply鈥� because the worst outcome would simply be not getting accepted.

鈥淚 think others seeing potential in me and believing in me helped me take that next step,鈥� Taylor said.

Even after submitting the application, Taylor had doubts about getting accepted. Instead, she found herself beginning a new chapter at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淲hen I found out I got accepted, I really was in shock,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think I was intelligent enough for graduate school.鈥�

Those feelings of imposter syndrome didn鈥檛 disappear right away. Taylor started the Master of Social Work program part time and online while balancing two full-time jobs, often with overtime at both. During graduate school, she also completed internships at Gateway Recovery Center, Arkansas Foodbank, and Rise House, a domestic violence shelter. Outside of school and work, she volunteered with Arkansas Hospice, formerly known as LifeTouch Health, and previously volunteered with Heart of Hospice while living in Fort Smith.

Taylor said it took time to gain confidence in herself while balancing the demands of work, internships, and school. One conversation with an advisor became especially meaningful during the most difficult stretches of graduate school.

鈥淭hey told me, 鈥楳inden, this is a marathon, not a sprint, and you are in it,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淭hat resonated with me because this degree took more time for me than what I seemed to notice for others around me. It was definitely a marathon and not a sprint.鈥�

At one point, Taylor took a year-long break from the program before returning in summer 2025 to complete her second internship and final year of classes. Around the same time, she made the difficult decision to leave one of her jobs so she could focus more fully on school and her well-being.

鈥淚 would tell my younger self to drop job No. 2, focus more on school, and your mental and physical health, and more than anything, believe in yourself,鈥� Taylor said.

Taylor鈥檚 professional experiences throughout the years helped shape her understanding of social work and confirmed that she had chosen the right path.

After earning her undergraduate degree, she worked in ABA therapy before taking positions within several Arkansas Department of Human Services divisions, including Developmental Disabilities Services, the Division of Youth Services, and the Division of Children and Family Services. Her work included supporting adults with developmental disabilities, working with juvenile youth, serving as an investigator, and helping families in protective services.

She currently works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a role she says continues to inspire her every day.

鈥淭he thing I love most about this job is that many folks think we are helping these individuals, but really, they are inspiring us to do better in our own lives,鈥� Taylor said. 鈥淲hen you get to witness people start to thrive in life because they finally get a good team of workers around them, well, that feels amazing.鈥�

鈥淚 knew that I wanted to help people,鈥� Taylor said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know exactly what that looked like, but I knew that I had a heart that wanted to serve and help others.鈥�

Throughout the program, Taylor said one of the most meaningful parts of her experience at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was the support she found within the School of Social Work community.

鈥淲e really can do anything that we want if we continue on, seek support, and have people who believe in us who, in return, help students believe in ourselves even more,鈥� she said.

Taylor鈥檚 longtime friend, Muriel Schrepfer, senior graphic designer and marquee manager in the Office of Communications and Marketing, said Taylor鈥檚 persistence and compassion have always stood out.

鈥淢inden is the kind of person who keeps showing up, even when life makes it hard,鈥� Schrepfer said. 鈥淚鈥檝e known her since eighth grade, and she has always been caring, goofy, kind, and full of life in the best way. She鈥檚 worked multiple jobs to get through school while fighting battles most people never see, and she still manages to show up for everyone around her with so much heart.

Watching her earn her master鈥檚 in social work makes me endlessly proud of the resilience, compassion, and strength she carries every single day. I truly can鈥檛 wait to see where life takes her from here.鈥�

Taylor鈥檚 graduate school journey also included personal moments outside the classroom. During her final year of school, her dog Yuki, whom she had adopted, passed away. She is now fostering another dog, Nalani, whom she plans to adopt after graduation.

As she prepares for commencement, Taylor鈥檚 next steps include passing the Association of Social Work Boards master鈥檚-level examination and continuing toward becoming a licensed certified social worker.

She also hopes to focus on personal goals she placed on hold while balancing graduate school, including improving her physical health, returning to boxing, relearning sign language, becoming fluent in Spanish, and strengthening her writing skills. She also plans to spend time this summer with her two young nephews, Parker Reid and Wyatt James.

Looking back on the journey that brought her to graduation day, Taylor hopes others who doubt themselves will continue pursuing their goals anyway.

鈥淚t really is amazing once you go from doubting your potential to seeing that you do have qualities to bring to any table and into any room,鈥� she said.

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Clark will graduate from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock this spring with a master鈥檚 degree in sport management.

Clark earned his undergraduate degree in health sciences from the University of the Ozarks. Although he knew he wanted to attend graduate school, he was unsure which degree path to pursue.

鈥淥nce I started looking at options, I came across the sports management program at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and it was a perfect fit for me,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淭he program allowed me to stay close to home and also gave me the opportunity to get hands-on experience while working for the baseball team at the same time.鈥�

As a graduate assistant with Little Rock Baseball, Clark said his coursework closely aligned with the work he was doing every day with the program.

鈥淲hile completing the coursework, I was able to experience real-world examples of what we were covering in the classroom,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was able to develop a deeper understanding of what was being taught because I was able to apply what we learned in class to real work situations right away.鈥�

Clark said dependability became the biggest lesson of his graduate experience, teaching him that trust and responsibility go hand in hand.

鈥淚t was very important that my professors or the coaching staff could depend on me to get things done in a timely manner,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淏eing dependable creates trust and respect between you and the professor or coach. Once I had shown that the coaches could depend on me, my responsibility within the program increased, and I was trusted with more important jobs.鈥�

Clark said Dr. Katie Helms had a major impact on his time in the program.

鈥淪he was always very interactive with us and was quick to help if we needed anything,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he also kept the coursework and classes engaging by giving us the freedom to pick and choose topics or sports that interested us most and gave us the opportunity to work in areas that interested us.鈥�

He also credits Little Rock baseball head coach Chris Curry for helping shape his understanding of leadership, teamwork, and communication.

鈥淔rom day one, coach Curry has done a great job of leading by example and showing what leadership looks like in the way he communicates and acts,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淏eing a part of the coaching staff for two years, I learned that it takes everyone working together and communicating with each other to help achieve our team goals.鈥�

Clark said accountability and communication were essential to the team鈥檚 success.

鈥淔rom a teamwork standpoint, it was important to hold each other accountable and be dependable even when doing the little things,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen communicating with each other, it was important to overcommunicate so that everyone was on the same page and knew what they should be doing and when. Being in a leadership role the last two years has taught me that these three areas are vital to a program鈥檚 success, and I believe I am leaving 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with a better understanding of all three thanks to coach Curry and Little Rock Baseball.鈥�

Clark said his biggest academic accomplishment was passing his board exams on the first attempt.

鈥淲ithout passing those, I would not be able to graduate, so passing them was a big relief,鈥� he said.

On the field, Clark said he is most proud of winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and advancing to a regional final during his first year with the program.

Little Rock Baseball head coach Chris Curry said Clark played an important role behind the scenes in the program鈥檚 success.

鈥淐ole has done an outstanding job for us working behind the scenes and doing all of the tough jobs that nobody wants to do, but an entry-level coach has to do,鈥� Curry said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 done it with a great attitude, and he鈥檚 been a huge key to our success.鈥�

He said Clark鈥檚 reliability and organizational skills helped him stand out during his time with the program.

鈥淐ole comes from a great coaching pedigree with his dad, Jimmy Clark, at the University of the Ozarks,鈥� Curry said. 鈥淒uring his time here, Cole has literally done everything we鈥檝e asked him to do. He鈥檚 not only a great baseball coach, but an organizer and someone we can rely on. We know that Cole will be successful in whatever he chooses to do next.鈥�

After graduation, Clark said he is excited to bring the lessons he learned at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to the next program he joins, carrying with him the experience, leadership skills, and dependability that shaped his graduate journey.

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The Magnet Cove, Arkansas, resident earned a bachelor鈥檚 in studio art with a minor in photography from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2017, but never imagined she would pursue a master鈥檚 degree.

“Thanks to the Shelby Breedlove scholarship from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, the tuition assistance program with my employer at Arkansas Children鈥檚, and a deep value for personal and professional growth, I decided to pursue a communication degree,” Wolven said. 

Wolven serves as a strategic initiatives project manager in the Patient Experience Department and as a Family Advisory Board coordinator at Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital. She has also been a photographer for 13 years.

鈥淢y desire to improve my communication skills comes from both my role as a professional and my role as a mother to three children, one of whom is a medically complex child who inspires my journey daily,” she said.

Her graduate school journey included personal challenges that tested her resilience.

“When I was first pursuing my M.A., I was pregnant with my oldest, and also spent four months in the NICU with him during that time,” she explained. “I had to give myself grace and take my time with the master鈥檚, especially after finding out I was pregnant at the end of 2024. Though it took me a little longer than most since I was averaging one to three classes a semester, I did not give up.”

Dr. Julien Mirivel, a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock professor of applied communication, was Wolven鈥檚 master’s paper advisor. 

鈥淚n her paper, she explored the nature of resilience of families facing medical hardships, especially when dealing with a child who is medically complex,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his research echoes her own experience since her child was diagnosed at birth with rare complications. Still, she persevered through her graduate work, delivered a baby in the process, and conducted meaningful research.鈥�

Wolven has shared her research beyond the classroom, including with several staff members and parents she鈥檚 met. 鈥淚 have also had the opportunity to present my research to one of Dr. Mirivel’s positive communication classes, to our Working Mothers ERG (Employee Resource Group) at the hospital, and in the 2026 Research and Creative Works Expo,” she said.

Encouraging words from her father before he passed in 2020 helped guide her through graduate school, Wolven said.

“One of the last things I remember him really telling me, when I was at a rather low point in my life, was how he thought I should pursue school further because he thought that was always something that kept me grounded and motivated,” she said. “On the days I wanted to give up, I kept reminding myself how proud he would be of me. My mom has also always been a huge supporter. . .We all can do it if we set our minds to it – one day at a time.”

Wolven said earning her master’s degree strengthened her confidence as a communicator.

“Positive communication allows us the chance to be not only the light to others, but the light in ourselves,” she said. “The way we talk to ourselves matters. During times of adversity, lean on this. During times of triumph, share this. It makes the difference.”

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Smith, a management major from Little Rock, will graduate this month magna cum laude with a GPA above 3.8 while continuing her volleyball career in the university鈥檚 MBA program.

A setter for the team, Smith said she chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because it felt like the right fit academically and athletically.

鈥淔rom the beginning, I could see that the program would challenge me in the classroom while also giving me the opportunity to compete at a high level in volleyball,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚 really valued the supportive environment from the coaches, professors, and teammates. It felt like a place where I could grow and be pushed to reach my full potential.鈥�

鈥淚 also liked that I could build strong relationships and not feel like just a number,鈥� she said.

Smith did not originally plan to graduate early, but continued taking courses to challenge herself.

鈥淥ver time, that added up and put me in a position to finish ahead of schedule,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t still took a lot of discipline, time management, and sacrifice, especially balancing academics with being a student-athlete.鈥�

Smith said earning magna cum laude honors and maintaining a GPA above 3.8 made the hard work worthwhile.

鈥淚t鈥檚 something I鈥檓 really proud of, not just because of the recognition, but because of the consistency and effort it took over time,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ore than anything, it gives me confidence going into the next chapter, knowing I was able to push myself and succeed at a high level both in the classroom and on the court.鈥�

This year, Smith was inducted into 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Phi Kappa Phi chapter, the nation鈥檚 oldest collegiate honor society. She was also nominated for Female Scholar of the Year at this year鈥檚 Trojan Top Awards.

鈥淚t represents all the hard work I鈥檝e put in both academically and athletically, and it means a lot to be recognized for balancing both at a high level,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淎s a student-athlete, you鈥檙e constantly working to meet expectations in the classroom and on the court, so this nomination feels like a reflection of that commitment and consistency.鈥�

She added that the recognition helps challenge stereotypes about student-athletes.

鈥溙切腣log传媒 have always been a priority for me as well,鈥� she said.

Outside the classroom and volleyball court, Smith serves on the executive board for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Management and HR Society and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was also elected SAAC president for the upcoming school year.

Smith said her favorite memory as a student-athlete was Little Rock鈥檚 five-set victory over Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in its first home conference match last season at the Jack Stephens Center.

鈥淭he energy in the gym was unreal,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he stands were packed, and the intensity was high from the very first point.鈥�

Smith said the match remained close throughout, and the team stayed united through every set.

鈥淕etting that win to start conference play at home, in that kind of environment, is something I鈥檒l always remember because of the atmosphere, the competitiveness, and the way our team stayed together,鈥� she said.

Smith credits professor Phil Harris and athletic trainer Jess Kiser for making a lasting impact on her journey at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 learned so much in his management classes, but what stood out even more was the mentorship he provided outside of the classroom through the Management and HR Society,鈥� Smith said of Harris. 鈥淗e genuinely cared about helping students grow, not just academically but professionally as well.鈥�

She said Kiser consistently supported student-athletes through injuries and challenges.

鈥淪he was incredibly passionate about her job and truly cared about each of us as athletes and people,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淪he was always there whenever we were dealing with injuries, making sure we were taken care of and supported every step of the way.鈥�

After graduation, Smith plans to use her remaining year of volleyball eligibility to continue playing for the Trojans while pursuing her MBA.

鈥淭his next chapter is a chance for me to keep growing both academically and athletically,鈥� she said. 鈥淐ompeting at a high level while taking on a graduate program will continue to push my discipline, time management, and leadership skills.鈥�

Smith said her biggest advice for future student-athletes is not to underestimate themselves.

鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to underestimate what you鈥檙e capable of when you鈥檙e balancing a full academic and athletic schedule,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut you鈥檙e capable of more than you think if you stay disciplined and committed.鈥�

She also emphasized the importance of resilience and focusing on what can be controlled.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 control every outcome, but you can control your effort, attitude, preparation, and how you show up every day,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚f you focus on those things, everything else tends to fall into place over time.鈥�

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

鈥淐ompleting my master鈥檚 degree in chemistry means a lot to me, both academically and personally,鈥� Afolabi said. 鈥淚t shows how far I鈥檝e come, from building my foundation in Nigeria to developing my research interests at a more advanced level.鈥�

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

鈥淚 saw how time consuming, and sometimes subjective, those methods could be,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what pushed me to explore more data-driven approaches.鈥�

That shift became central to his work in the lab.

鈥淪tephen has been in my research group for about two years,鈥� said Dr. Jerry Darsey, professor in the School of Physical Sciences鈥揅hemistry and director of the Center for Molecular Design and Development at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淎lthough he chose to pursue a master鈥檚 degree rather than a Ph.D., he accomplished some very interesting and useful work for our center.鈥�

Darsey said Afolabi developed a software program that allows the lab鈥檚 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.

鈥淪tephen wrote a program to make that conversion possible,鈥� Darsey said. 鈥淗e 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.鈥�

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

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

鈥淔or me, it wasn鈥檛 just about learning new tools,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was about finding better ways to understand the data and make the process more efficient.鈥�

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

鈥淭hey can help us test ideas faster, handle large amounts of data, and find patterns we might miss otherwise,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 replace chemistry, they make it stronger.鈥�

That sense of growth hasn鈥檛 just happened in the lab. Moving to the United States meant adjusting to a new culture and academic system.

鈥淭hat experience pushed me to become more independent and more confident in myself,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 always easy, but it helped me grow.鈥�

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.

鈥淚t helps me look at problems in a more complete way,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot just at the molecular level, but also how those ideas connect to real-world systems.鈥�

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

鈥淟eadership isn鈥檛 always about being in charge,鈥� he said. 鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 about staying committed, helping others, and working through challenges together.鈥�

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.

鈥淏oth experiences shaped me in different ways,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow I feel more prepared to approach problems from different angles.鈥�

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.

鈥淚 want my work to make things more efficient and more accessible 鈥� to help turn complex data into something useful,鈥� he said.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has been part of that same progression.

鈥淚鈥檓 ready to keep growing and take on new challenges,鈥� he said.

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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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 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 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚 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 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Commencement Information.

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

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Hannah Jones, a master鈥檚 student in mechanical engineering and graduate researcher in the Material Intelligence and Prognostics Lab, recently participated in the L鈥橲PACE Program鈥檚 NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience (NPWEE) Academy, a nationally competitive, fully-funded program for students pursuing careers in aerospace. The online academy brings together students from across the country to develop and evaluate proposals addressing NASA鈥檚 most pressing research needs.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good introduction to proposal writing as well as research as a whole,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淓verything is tailored towards NASA and the aerospace industry, so you get exposure to how research really works in that space.鈥�

Jones learned of the opportunity while interning at NASA鈥檚 John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi last summer.

L鈥橲PACE, which stands for Lucy Student Pipeline Accelerator and Competency Enabler, is a NASA-funded workforce development program open to undergraduate and graduate students nationwide. The rigorous NPWEE Academy promotes innovation and creative problem-solving by engaging students in real challenges facing NASA. Participants are placed on interdisciplinary teams to identify agency needs and develop research proposals guided by NASA鈥檚 official taxonomy report, which outlines key research gaps and areas for technological advancement.

Teams compete for a $10,000 award to support their research, but the experience extends beyond the competition. After submitting proposals, participants evaluate and score submissions from other student teams, gaining insight into both sides of the proposal process. By the end of the program, students leave with hands-on experience in writing and reviewing research proposals 鈥� valuable skills for both academic work and future careers.

Jones鈥� team focused on in-situ methane production on Mars, producing methane using only resources available on the planet. The research is directly tied to future space exploration missions that rely on methane as a fuel source.

鈥淥ther planets don鈥檛 have the same resources that we do on Earth,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淲e were looking for materials that would optimize manufacturing methane so we can have a source of fuel in those environments.鈥�

While her background is in engineering and materials research, her team鈥檚 project ended up being very chemistry-centered 鈥� a challenge Jones had not expected.

鈥淚t took a lot of reading on my side to understand our goal and how we could achieve it, and then translate that into the proposal,鈥� Jones said. 

Jones was also challenged by the second half of the NPWEE Academy, when she stepped into the role of reviewer for her peers. During this phase, students evaluated competing teams鈥� proposals using NASA鈥檚 established criteria. Pushing beyond her comfort zone, Jones volunteered to chair one of the proposal review panels.

鈥淚 had never done anything like that before,鈥� she said. 鈥淩eviewing the proposals helps give you an idea of areas you need to improve in your own technical writing. I was reviewing proposals I had no familiarity with, so it was really eye-opening to see how essential it is to be able to communicate these ideas at a foundational level everyone can understand.鈥�

Experiencing both sides of the proposal process underscored the importance of clear communication, even in scientific research. The experience highlighted how strong communication can make or break a proposal 鈥� and often determines whether a project is funded or passed over by reviewers.

鈥淏eing able to communicate complex ideas and translate them into an incredibly condensed version is essential,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淵ou have to be able to prove that your project is feasible. If you can鈥檛 communicate exactly how you鈥檙e going to execute your project and why it makes sense, it creates doubt in the people reviewing your proposal. You have to simultaneously show your credibility while demonstrating that the project can be completed within the timeline and budget, all while clearly explaining the science behind it.鈥�

This experience allowed Jones to work with people from diverse industries and backgrounds while addressing real-world issues, which is hard to experience in a traditional classroom setting.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 emphasize enough how important it was for me to learn how to come up with projects catered to what the industry needs rather than just my own interests,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is incredibly important to learn how to work with subjects you鈥檙e unfamiliar with and to rely on people who are more experienced than you in other fields 鈥� to gain exposure to different industries and fields of study.鈥�

Jones said her experience in the L鈥橲PACE Academy solidified her determination to work in this field and strengthened her confidence in her technical writing and research skills.

鈥淚 really enjoy materials research, of course, but now I have more confidence taking on projects outside of that comfort zone鈥� she said. 鈥淭his experience has made me more ambitious to pursue new concepts or ideas and to work with others to tackle issues that research can address within the aerospace industry.鈥�

Because the L鈥橲PACE Academy is fully funded and open to students nationwide, Jones said programs like this are especially meaningful for students at institutions like 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

鈥淚 think sometimes it can be hard to think at a broader level about what鈥檚 possible,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t least for me, there were times I limited myself by thinking, 鈥業鈥檓 not at an Ivy League or a huge institution, so maybe I鈥檓 not as competitive.鈥� But there were students in the program from all kinds of universities 鈥� not just large schools, but smaller, local institutions too.鈥�

Seeing that diversity, she said, reinforced that opportunities in aerospace and research are not reserved for students at elite universities. For students considering applying, Jones encouraged them not to underestimate themselves.

鈥淎pplying never hurts,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ven if you鈥檙e a freshman or your background isn鈥檛 traditionally aerospace-focused, you never know how your skills might fit into a project.鈥�

She recalled advice that stayed with her throughout the process: Don鈥檛 reject yourself before anyone else has the chance to.

鈥淭hese projects touch so many different fields and NASA pain points,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淧eople from all kinds of backgrounds can contribute. My number one piece of advice is just to apply and see what happens, and if you get in, give it your best.鈥�

Looking ahead, Jones said she plans to complete her master鈥檚 degree in spring 2027 before pursuing a Ph.D. at another institution. Her long-term goal is to conduct materials research in the aerospace industry, building on her current focus on composite materials.

For Jones, the program was more than a competition 鈥� it was a stepping stone toward the career she hopes to build.

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