Selected from college-level honorees, this year鈥檚 winners represent the highest level of achievement across the university. Winners are recognized for excellence in the classroom, advancing knowledge in their fields, and making meaningful contributions to communities across Arkansas and beyond.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock annually recognizes faculty who are making a difference through their work across these areas, with the Faculty Excellence Awards representing the highest honor the university bestows on its faculty. Each year, academic colleges and the William H. Bowen School of Law select top faculty members in each category.

鈥淥ur faculty continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to teaching, research, and service that strengthens both our university and the communities we serve,鈥� said Provost Ann Bain. 鈥淭hese awards reflect the depth of talent and dedication across our institution.鈥�

Each university-level award recipient receives a $5,000 prize, made possible through private support.

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors selects the university-wide winners from the college-level winners in each category. 

鈥淚 want to thank the Board of Visitors again for their thoughtful continued commitment to recognizing faculty excellence,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淲e appreciate their dedication and the positive feedback they consistently share about the impact of our faculty.鈥�

Teaching Award

Sponsored by the Bailey Foundation

Dr. Jana McAuliffe, associate professor of philosophy in the School of Human Inquiry in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching.

McAuliffe is recognized for her engaging, student-centered approach that encourages students to develop their own intellectual voice while exploring complex philosophical ideas. She teaches across the philosophy and interdisciplinary studies curriculum, including the University Core and the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program.

In the classroom, McAuliffe emphasizes critical discussion, collaborative exploration, and writing for diverse audiences. Her assignments challenge students to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible formats, helping them communicate ideas beyond academic settings.

She is also deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate research, supporting independent student projects, helping students secure Signature Experience grants, and guiding them as they present their work at academic conferences. Her impact extends beyond campus through her work as co-director of the Arkansas High School Ethics Bowl and as project director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy.

鈥淧hilosophy as a discipline is well-known for not offering one 鈥榬ight鈥� answer,鈥� McAuliffe said. 鈥淚 work hard to help my students feel comfortable enough with that to craft their right answer, and to share that with each other and with the broader world.鈥�

Research and Creative Works Award

Sponsored by Jafaar Golzar 

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, the Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Research and Creative Works.

Agarwal is internationally recognized for his research in social computing, artificial intelligence, and cognitive security. Since joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2009, he has built an interdisciplinary research program that examines how information spreads across online networks and how digital influence campaigns shape public perception.

He founded the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS), an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding evolving social and cyber behaviors on modern information platforms.

鈥淯nderstanding how digital information ecosystems influence society is one of the defining challenges of our time,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淚鈥檓 fortunate to work alongside talented students and colleagues who are committed to advancing knowledge and developing solutions that strengthen communities and institutions.鈥�

Over the past five years, Agarwal has secured more than $60 million in federal funding, including grants from the National Science Foundation, DARPA, and the U.S. Department of Defense, with nearly $30 million directly supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock research initiatives.

His collaborations span more than 200 researchers across 130 academic, government, and industry organizations worldwide. His work includes 12 books and more than 400 articles in top-tier journals and conferences, earning 26 best paper awards.

Agarwal鈥檚 research has also produced widely used tools for analyzing digital information ecosystems, including systems designed to identify adversarial influence campaigns and online scams. These tools are used by organizations such as NATO, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the World Health Organization. He has also been nominated to serve on the Arkansas AI task force established by Governor Sarah Sanders.

Public Service Award

Sponsored by Alfred Williams in Honor of Elaine Eubank

Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, professor and chairperson of the Department of Applied Communication in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Public Service.

Chatham-Carpenter is recognized for applying her expertise in communication to strengthen civic dialogue and democratic engagement at the local, state, and national levels. Her work includes co-hosting the public affairs podcast On the Other Hand, which features conversations with leaders and community members about issues shaping Arkansas and the nation.

She also serves in leadership roles with Braver Angels, a national grassroots organization focused on reducing political polarization. In that role, she facilitates workshops, contributes to statewide and national initiatives, and supports community leaders working to bridge political divides and foster more constructive dialogue.

Chatham-Carpenter brings that work back to campus and into the community through courses, trainings, and public programs that help students, faculty, and community partners navigate conflict and engage across differences. Her outreach includes workshops with organizations such as the City of Little Rock and the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

鈥淪ervice allows us to translate what we study in the classroom into real-world impact,鈥� Chatham-Carpenter said. 鈥淏y helping people develop the skills to engage across differences, we can contribute to healthier communities and stronger civic dialogue.鈥�

Social Justice Award

Sponsored by Scott and Amy Schuh, Katherine Shoulders and an Anonymous Donor聽

Professor Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education at the William H. Bowen School of Law, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Social Justice.

Penn is recognized for her decades of work expanding access to justice for underserved Arkansans through clinical legal education and community advocacy. She directs the Delta Divorce Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to individuals seeking divorces in counties across the Arkansas Delta where access to legal services is limited.

The clinic travels to rural communities to assist individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation or travel long distances to seek help. Through this work, Penn has helped expand access to critical legal services while addressing barriers faced by individuals in underserved regions.

At the same time, the clinic provides law students with hands-on experience working with real clients and navigating complex legal processes. The program has assisted hundreds of Arkansans facing challenging circumstances鈥攊ncluding individuals experiencing domestic violence or financial hardship鈥攚hile preparing students for client-centered legal practice.

鈥淎ccess to justice is a fundamental principle of our legal system,鈥� Penn said. 鈥淭he Delta Divorce Clinic provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their communities while helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations.鈥�

Rising Faculty Award

Sponsored by Scott Bowen

Dr. Kent Kovacs, associate professor in the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance in the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Rising Faculty Award.

Kovacs is recognized for his strong early impact in research, teaching, and service since joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2024. His work focuses on environmental and resource economics, with particular emphasis on groundwater sustainability, agricultural resilience, and ecosystem services.

He has maintained an active research agenda, publishing in academic journals and securing external funding, including a National Science Foundation award as principal investigator and support from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. His research examines the economic incentives shaping producer and household decision-making, with issues directly relevant to Arkansas and the broader Mississippi Delta region.

In the classroom, Kovacs teaches courses including Macroeconomic Principles, Quantitative Business Analysis, and Environmental Economics, where he connects theory to real-world policy problems through active learning, data-driven exercises, and applied case studies. He has also supported student research and helped revive Environmental Economics as an upper-level elective.

鈥淓conomics offers powerful tools for understanding and addressing complex environmental and policy challenges,鈥� Kovacs said. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity to bring that work into the classroom and to build research and teaching connections that strengthen 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 impact.鈥�

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STEM Posters at the Capitol provides students with the opportunity to share original research with state lawmakers and fellow researchers while demonstrating the impact of STEM innovation happening across Arkansas.

Representing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, the nine graduate and undergraduate students presented projects addressing real-world challenges in fields ranging from medical data analysis and data science to energy resources, biology, and chemistry.

Undergraduate student Kolton Claybrook, a senior double major in chemistry and business administration with a focus in entrepreneurship, presented research focused on developing cost-effective methods for concentrating lithium from brine water found in the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas. The research addresses the growing demand for lithium, a critical element used in batteries and energy storage technologies.

鈥淧resenting at the Capitol was a very fun and rewarding experience,鈥� Claybrook said. 鈥淪peaking with peers and faculty across the state created great dialogue about the innovations happening right here in Arkansas.鈥�

Claybrook added that the event also provided valuable networking and presentation experience as he prepares for his future career.

Ammar Ahmed Taha Mohammed, a graduate student in information science, presented research on entity resolution, a process used to determine when different records refer to the same person or household despite inconsistencies or incomplete information. Mohammed said this work is particularly important for fields such as healthcare and government, where inaccuracies in data can have serious consequences.

鈥淧resenting my work at the Arkansas State Capitol was surreal and deeply inspiring,鈥� Mohammed said. 鈥淲hat stood out most were the thoughtful and engaging conversations. It was exciting to see people from diverse backgrounds connect with the broader significance and real-world applications of my research.鈥�

For Joie Lea Murorunkwere, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in applied science with a concentration in applied mathematics and statistics, the event offered a chance to highlight how advanced statistical techniques can improve medical research. Murorunkwere鈥檚 project examined melanoma treatment outcomes from different therapies using resampling-enhanced survival analysis.

鈥淧resenting at the Arkansas State Capitol was both exciting and meaningful,鈥� Murorunkwere said. 鈥淚t gave me the chance to share why rigorous, data-driven methods matter for real health decisions. As a student researcher, this experience strengthened my confidence and reinforced my commitment to research that can make a practical difference.鈥�

Events like STEM Posters at the Capitol allow students to share their work beyond the classroom while highlighting innovative research happening at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. By connecting students with policymakers, faculty, and researchers from across the state, the event demonstrates how student-led research contributes to solving real-world challenges in Arkansas and beyond.

Presenters included: 

• Kolton Claybrook, Computer Science, 鈥淐oncentrating Lithium Brine Using Reduced Graphene Oxide Forward Osmosis Membranes鈥�
• Ammar Ahmed Taha Mohammed, Information Science, 鈥淎 Hybrid Entity Resolution Pipeline Integrating LLM Intelligence, Semantic Clustering, and Household Movement Analysis鈥�
• Hannah Jones, Engineering, 鈥淒etecting the Undetectable: Methods to Detect BVID in Wind Turbine Blade Samples鈥�
• Ruby Bagchi, Biology, 鈥淐innamic Acid Modulates Iron Deficiency Responses in Soybean Through Improved Phenotypic Performance and Regulation of Iron Homeostasis-Related Genes鈥�
• Mohammed Naif, Chemistry, 鈥淚mproved Electrode for Lithium-Sulphur Battery鈥�
• Eshaal Nadeem, Chemistry, 鈥淓merging Ionic Nanomedicines: Synthesis, Characterization to In Vitro and In Vivo Performance鈥�
• Joie Lea Murorunkwere, Mathematics, 鈥淩esampling-Enhanced Survival Analysis of Adjuvant Versus Neoadjuvant Therapies in Melanoma Using Kaplan-Meier Estimation, Weighted Log-Rank Tests, and Time-Dependent Cox Models鈥�
• Meherun Nesa Shraboni, Computer Science, 鈥淎 Gaze-Aware XR Framework for Synchronizing Head-Based Interaction and Eye-Movement Analysis鈥�
• Kalyn You, Chemistry, 鈥淎dvanced Material Platforms for Stretchable Bioelectronics and Flexible Circuitry鈥�

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These rankings highlight 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education to students nationwide.

鈥淭his ranking underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education that鈥檚 both accessible and career-relevant,鈥� said Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, associate professor and chair of the Department of Information Science. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to represent Arkansas with a program that competes nationally, giving students in Little Rock and worldwide the skills they can apply immediately in the workplace and the foundation for long-term growth.鈥�

The information technology ranking assesses online master鈥檚 degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has earned a spot on the list for the past four years.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information quality is a 33-hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is designed to prepare students for industry and government careers as well as advanced doctoral studies. Developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Quality Program, the curriculum balances information quality theory with industry best practices using state-of-the-art technology.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information science is a 33-hour program designed to familiarize individuals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data. Students learn how to compete in an industry with an ever-present demand for new innovations in data science and analytics, advanced information systems design and development, and emerging information technologies. Both degrees serve as a stepping stone for other advanced graduate degrees, such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ph.D. in computer and information science.

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCJC) offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel as practitioners and supervisors in the criminal justice system.

SCJC has also been ranked 89th out of 683 colleges in the U.S. for criminal justice programs by Niche, placing it in the top 13% nationwide.

U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs based on data from institutional surveys and peer assessments. Rankings are determined by performance across five categories: student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinions.

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 varied online education opportunities at .

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Agarwal鈥檚 award-winning paper, 鈥� introduces a novel, human-centered AI framework that goes beyond surface-level metrics to reveal how emotion, sentiment and bias shift throughout digital video content. The research was recognized for advancing media transparency and accountability in an era dominated by engagement-driven algorithms.

The study addresses a growing concern in the digital age: how platforms such as YouTube shape public perception through algorithmic design and emotionally charged framing. While most prior research has focused on titles, thumbnails and engagement statistics, Agarwal鈥檚 team examined the full narrative arc of videos to better understand how messages evolve from first impression to underlying substance.

Using artificial intelligence, the researchers conducted a multi-layer analysis of YouTube content, evaluating titles, descriptions, transcripts and AI-generated summaries. This approach allowed the team to trace how emotional tone and bias change as viewers move deeper into the content.

The results were “striking,” Agarwal said.

Sentiment grew more positive and joyful across deeper layers of analysis, while anger and toxicity declined sharply. Video titles, which are often optimized to attract clicks, were consistently the most provocative, while the core narratives tended to be more balanced, measured and constructive.

鈥淭his research shows how AI can be used to interpret meaning, not just data,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淏y analyzing content holistically, we can uncover gaps between what grabs attention on the surface and what a message actually communicates. That distinction is essential for building more transparent and trustworthy digital environments.鈥�

Published in the IARIA Congress 2025 proceedings, the study represents a significant advance in AI-driven media analysis. By integrating sentiment, emotion and toxicity detection across multiple content layers, the research establishes a new framework for evaluating online media beyond headlines and engagement metrics.

The implications extend well beyond YouTube. The methodology can be applied across social and digital platforms to help researchers, policymakers and technology developers better understand how algorithms influence engagement and how those systems might be redesigned to promote fairness, accuracy, and contextual integrity.

鈥淥ur goal is to help both platforms and audiences distinguish between attention-grabbing rhetoric and authentic communication,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淭his kind of analysis moves us closer to AI systems that genuinely support informed decision-making.鈥�

The recognition adds to a growing list of international honors for Agarwal and the , which he founded and directs. COSMOS conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computer science, behavioral analysis, and social impact, with support from federal agencies and international partners focused on algorithmic transparency, cognitive warfare, AI applications, and digital ethics.

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Agarwal鈥檚 paper, titled 鈥�,鈥� was recognized for its innovative use of artificial intelligence to reveal subtle patterns of bias and sentiment within digital video content. This is a pioneering contribution to the field of human-centered AI and media transparency, according to Agarwal.

The award-winning study tackled a growing concern in the digital age: how engagement-driven platforms like YouTube influence perception through algorithmic design and emotional framing. While previous studies relied on surface-level indicators, like video titles, descriptions, and engagement metrics, Agarwal鈥檚 team sought to understand the deeper emotional and narrative structure of content posted on the video platform.

To do this, the research leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to perform a multi-layered analysis of YouTube videos. The AI examined titles, descriptions, transcripts, and AI-generated summaries, uncovering how emotional tone and bias shift across these layers.

The findings were revealing. Sentiment became more positive and joyful as analysis moved deeper into the content, while expressions of anger and toxicity declined sharply. The study concluded that video titles, which are often optimized for engagement, tended to be the most provocative or toxic, while the underlying narratives were far more balanced and constructive.

鈥淭his research showcases how AI can be used to interpret not just data, but meaning,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淏y examining content holistically, we can identify discrepancies between what is presented on the surface and what the message truly conveys. That insight is crucial for creating more transparent and trustworthy digital environments.鈥�

The study, published in the IARIA Congress 2025 proceedings, represents a major step forward in the use of AI for media accountability and bias detection. By integrating sentiment, emotion, and toxicity analysis across multiple content layers, the research introduces a new framework for evaluating online media beyond superficial metrics.

The work鈥檚 implications extend well beyond YouTube. Its methodology can be applied across platforms to help developers, policymakers, and researchers better understand how algorithms shape user engagement and how those algorithms can be designed to promote fairness, accuracy, and context awareness.

鈥淯ltimately, our goal is to develop tools that help platforms and audiences distinguish between attention-grabbing rhetoric and authentic communication,鈥� Prof. Agarwal said. 鈥淭his kind of analysis moves us closer to AI systems that truly support informed decision-making.鈥�

This recognition adds to a growing list of international honors for Prof. Agarwal and COSMOS, whose interdisciplinary research combines computer science, behavioral analysis, and social impact. COSMOS has received support from numerous federal agencies and international partners for its work in algorithmic transparency, cognitive warfare, AI applications, and digital ethics.

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In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report 41st in 鈥淏est Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs鈥� and 55th in 鈥淏est Online Master鈥檚 in Criminal Justice Programs.鈥� These rankings highlight the university鈥檚 commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education to students worldwide.

The first ranking assesses online master鈥檚 degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has also earned a spot in this list for the past four years in a row.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information quality is a 33-hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is designed to prepare students for industry and government careers as well as advanced doctoral studies. Developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Quality Program, the curriculum balances information quality theory with industry best practices using state-of-the-art technology.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information science is a 33-hour program designed to familiarize individuals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data. Students learn how to compete in an industry with an ever-present demand for new innovations in data science and analytics, advanced information systems design and development, and emerging information technologies. Both degrees serve as a stepping stone for other advanced graduate degrees, such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ph.D. in computer and information science.

鈥淚nterest in the Master of Science in Information Science program has grown significantly in recent years,鈥� said Dr. Daniel Berleant, professor of information science and program coordinator. 鈥淏y offering courses in both in-person and online formats, we鈥檙e able to meet the needs of students here in Little Rock as well as working professionals and learners across the country. As higher education increasingly embraces online delivery, our program remains at the forefront of providing high-quality, affordable online education.鈥�

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCJC) offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel as practitioners and supervisors in the criminal justice system.

“The SCJC faculty and staff have worked hard to earn this ranking, which reflects a significant improvement from the 2024 rankings,鈥� said Dr. Michael Cavanaugh, SCJC director. 鈥淲e are committed to continuing to enhance the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program to provide the best opportunities for students in our region.鈥�

SCJC has also been ranked 89th out of 683 colleges in the U.S. for criminal justice programs by Niche, placing it in the top 13% nationwide.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top programs in the country is an incredible accomplishment,鈥� Cavanaugh said. 鈥淲e are honored by this recognition and will work hard to meet the high expectations that come with it.鈥�

Cavanaugh credited much of the program鈥檚 teaching success to a mentoring initiative led by professors Molly Smith and Kilby Raptopoulos, which supports new faculty through peer mentorship, tutorials, and technical assistance.

鈥淢olly and Kilby have done a phenomenal job with this mentoring project,鈥� Cavanaugh said. 鈥淭heir dedication to fostering great teaching practices has made a significant impact on the quality of education we provide.鈥�

U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs based on data from institutional surveys and peer assessments. Rankings are determined by performance across five categories: student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinions.

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 diverse online education opportunities at /online/.

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鈥淚 am very excited to join the ARA Academy and deeply grateful for this opportunity,鈥� Yang said. 鈥淚 look forward to collaborating with ARA on research initiatives that benefit Arkansas and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.鈥�

Highlighted by a special welcome and recognition from Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the ARA welcomed Yang and six new members to the ARA Academy of Scholars and Fellows, the largest class in ARA鈥檚 15-year history, during a ceremony in the Governor鈥檚 Conference Room in the Arkansas State Capitol Building. The ceremony expanded the membership to 34 research scientists and engineers working across six institutions in Arkansas, which include the five research universities and the state鈥檚 largest federal lab.

鈥淭his is a very exciting day in our state to have the opportunity to recognize some of the best and brightest in research, not just in Arkansas but in the country,鈥� Gov. Huckabee Sanders said. 鈥淲e are so excited about what this organization does, and we have the opportunity to highlight these individuals. Not only do each of these individuals contribute a significant amount when it comes to research in the state, but most of them are also professors in the classroom. I know first-hand what a difference a quality, top notch professor can make.鈥�

ARA fellowships recognize scientists and engineers who reside at a university or institution in Arkansas for their ongoing, exemplary contributions to the state鈥檚 core research focus areas. Each fellow receives a $75,000 grant to advance their research vision.

鈥淎rkansas鈥檚 opportunities in the knowledge economy depend on a talented research workforce,鈥� said Bryan Barnhouse, president and CEO of ARA. 鈥淭he ARA Academy represents the vanguard of intellectual capital that helps the entire state be more globally competitive. The seven new members added today help our state reach its fullest potential through their creativity, vision, and collaboration.鈥�

Also serving as director of MidSouth Bioinformatics Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Yang received her bachelor鈥檚 degree in engineering and physics from Hunan University, followed by a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a Master of Science in Experimental Solid State Physics, and a Ph.D. in Computational Science and Physics from Purdue University. She completed her postdoctoral training in human genomics and bioinformatics at the National Human Genome Research Institute and conducted research as a research fellow at the same institution from 2008 to 2012.

Yang has also worked as a professional engineer in software engineering at Shenzhen Electronic Industry and Trade Co. from 1992 to 1995. She has certifications in NIH Post Doctor Completion, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Graduate Studies and Research from John Hopkins University. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Association for Computing Machinery, Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society, and MidSouth Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Society.

She has received numerous awards for her academic and research achievements, including NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, the Engineering and Information Technology Faculty Excellence Award in Research, Innovative Research-Education Integration Award from the American Council on Science and Education, Best Research Paper Awards, and Outstanding Tutorial Education Awards from various conferences and societies.

Yang was among a cohort of seven new academics to join the ARA Academy, including John Imig of 糖心Vlog传媒MS, Antino Allen of 糖心Vlog传媒MS, Heather Nachtmann of the University of Arkansas, Igor Pogribny of U.S. FDA National Center for Toxicological Research, Grace Ramena of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Jianfeng Xu of Arkansas State University.

The post Yang Inducted into Arkansas Research Alliance Academy appeared first on News.

鈥淚t started out as a mere curiosity as a kid to understand how devices were working, how websites are built, and how they made certain applications,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut as I grew up, I understood there is way more to it. As a family with a business background, my parents were always hesitant for me to pursue a career in computer science.鈥�

Now that she is graduating with her master鈥檚 degree in information science with a perfect 4.0 GPA and has several years鈥� experience as a software engineer under her belt, the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate wants to encourage other women to pursue careers in computer science.

鈥淚 want other women to know that they can work in IT, computer science, data analytics, and be successful,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f I can do it, anyone can do it!鈥�

After completing an undergraduate degree in computing in 2020 from Leeds Beckett University, Gurung worked as a software engineer for companies in Nepal and Qatar (remote).

鈥淥ne of the hardest challenges that I had to face while working as a developer back in my home country is that I was the only woman developer,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 always felt like I would have been more comfortable if I had the opportunity to discuss my confusions and ideas with diverse colleagues. I believe a diverse work and research environment brings new approaches and ideas to every problem.鈥�

While she was investigating graduate programs, Gurung decided to go to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock so she could work with Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of Information Science, at his research center, (COSMOS).

鈥淚 think Dr. Agarwal is very helpful and friendly,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur research lab, COSMOS, is very inspiring. We all look out for each other and help each other to succeed.鈥�

This semester, Gurung was recently awarded third place in graduate research from the DART/Arkansas NSF EPSCoR Conference for one of her research projects in COSMOS, a study on narrative extraction and visualization from YouTube videos to identify deviant online behaviors.

Last year, Gurung was one of 10 students from around the country selected for the Acxiom Diversity Scholarship program. The initiative offers $5,000 scholarships to full-time students from diverse backgrounds majoring in computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, information quality, information systems, engineering, mathematics, and statistics or related areas of study.

With her master鈥檚 degree now complete, Gurung will continue her studies and research in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 doctoral program in computer and information sciences.

The post Graduating Student Encourages Women to Pursue Computer Science Careers appeared first on News.

ARA fellowships recognize scientists and engineers who reside at a university or institution in Arkansas for their ongoing, exemplary contributions to the state鈥檚 core research focus areas. Each fellow receives a $75,000 grant to advance their research vision.

鈥淚 am very excited to join the ARA Academy and deeply grateful for this opportunity,鈥� Yang said. 鈥淚 look forward to collaborating with ARA on research initiatives that benefit Arkansas and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.鈥�

The ARA Academy was founded in 2016 to facilitate meaningful collaboration among some of the most prolific research leaders in Arkansas. The ARA Academy meets each year for face-to- face interaction, often leading to partnerships beneficial to the fields of science critical to the advancement.

鈥淓ach ARA Scholar and Fellow is a research powerhouse in their own right,鈥� said Bryan Barnhouse, president and CEO of ARA. 鈥淐ombined in partnership with the state and the researchers鈥� host institutions, the ARA Academy represents a collaborative juggernaut of research talent pursuing bold, interdisciplinary ideas to support statewide economic development.鈥�

Also serving as director of MidSouth Bioinformatics Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Yang received her bachelor’s degree in engineering and physics from Hunan University, followed by a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a Master of Science in Experimental Solid State Physics, and a Ph.D. in Computational Science and Physics from Purdue University. She completed her postdoctoral training in human genomics and bioinformatics at the National Human Genome Research Institute and conducted research as a Research Fellow at the same institution from 2008 to 2012.

Yang has also worked as a professional engineer in software engineering at Shenzhen Electronic Industry and Trade Co. from 1992 to 1995. She has certifications in NIH Post Doctor Completion, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Graduate Studies and Research from John Hopkins University. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Association for Computing Machinery, Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society, and MidSouth Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Society.

She has received numerous awards for her academic and research achievements, including NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, the Engineering and Information Technology Faculty Excellence Award in Research, Innovative Research-Education Integration Award from the American Council on Science and Education, Best Research Paper Awards, and Outstanding Tutorial Education Awards from various conferences and societies.

Yang was among a cohort of seven new academics to join the ARA Academy, including John Imig of 糖心Vlog传媒MS, Antino Allen of 糖心Vlog传媒MS, Heather Nachtmann of the University of Arkansas, Igor Pogribny of U.S. FDA National Center for Toxicological Research, Grace Ramena of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Jianfeng Xu of Arkansas State University.

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In its 2023 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock 25th in 鈥淏est Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs鈥� and 32nd in 鈥淏est Online Undergraduate Business Programs.鈥�

U.S. News assessed schools based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies. Designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education, this year鈥檚 edition evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs.

The first ranking assesses online master鈥檚 degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has also earned a spot in this list in 2020, 2021, and 2022 as well.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information quality is a 33-hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is designed to prepare students for industry and government careers as well as advanced doctoral studies. Developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Quality Program, the curriculum balances information quality theory with industry best practices using state-of-the-art technology.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information science is a 33-hour program designed to familiarize individuals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data. Students learn how to compete in an industry with an ever-present demand for new innovations in data science and analytics, advanced information systems design and development, and emerging information technologies. Both degrees serve as a stepping stone for other advanced graduate degrees, such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ph.D. in computer and information science.

鈥淚nterest in the Master of Science in information Science program has been increasing in recent years,鈥� said Dr. Daniel Berleant, professor of information science and program coordinator. 鈥淥ur courses are offered in both in-person and online sections. This way we can serve students here in Little Rock as well as working professionals and others all across the country. As the world of higher education adjusts to progressively increasing online services, our program continues to stay on the leading edge of online education quality and affordability.鈥�

Additionally, School of Business Director Robert Mitchell said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s top business ranking is based on the school鈥檚 strong history of providing quality online education programs for its students.

鈥淭he School of Business online program has been available for over two decades, with our Management major as the first online program developed,鈥� Mitchell said. 鈥淲e currently offer many of our most in-demand undergraduate majors online, including Business Analytics, Business Information Systems, Accounting, and Marketing with the Finance major currently being added to our online offerings. Our faculty are well trained and experienced in online instruction with a strong track-record of student success.鈥�

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 diverse online education opportunities at /online/.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Online Programs Listed Among Nation鈥檚 Best by U.S. News and World Report appeared first on News.