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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Modern Campus brings 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 professional skills training and continuing education opportunities together, connecting programs from across disciplines through a single platform.

鈥淲ith the expansion of training administered by Corporate and Community Education, including Leadership Academy, AI programs, Human Resources Essentials, and Medical Spanish, a student information system like Modern Campus became a necessity,鈥� said Dr. Aaron Duvall, executive director of workforce development. 鈥淭his tool will allow us to better market and administer workforce programs, making the entire process easier and more enjoyable for our learners.鈥�

The platform will enable 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Corporate and Community Education to manage registration, program information, student records, payments, corporate training, credentialing, and communications in a single system. Bringing these functions together will create a more seamless experience for learners, who can register for programs, manage their information, and access their training records all in one place. The system鈥檚 enhanced data reporting allows 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to meet Arkansas Division of Higher Education reporting requirements, better understand learner engagement, and use data to improve programs and guide future decision-making.

The catalog brings together professional skills and continuing education opportunities from across 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, including offerings from Corporate and Community Education, Spanish and the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium. The platform will add additional programs from the School of Education and other departments as it expands. Current offerings include professional development and certification opportunities such as Medical Billing and Coding and Paralegal certification through .

The platform also supports workforce training for organizations, giving corporate clients a centralized way to manage employee training. Through the corporate portal, clients can register employees for contracted programs, manage rosters, and track training progress. Customized offerings such as Leadership Academy and AI Transformation and Leadership allow organizations to provide training tailored to their workforce needs.

As 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues to expand its professional skills, continuing education, and workforce development offerings, Modern Campus will make it easier for learners and organizations to manage their training. By bringing professional skills and non-degree programs together, the platform gives learners a centralized record of their training and a connected way to keep building skills and reaching professional goals.

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The two-day symposium featured research presentations from faculty and graduate students who received CBHHS research grants, along with workshops and a guest lecture from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician, researcher, adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine, and director of the OCD Institute of Texas. Her talk, titled 鈥淭he Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults,鈥� closed the first day of the symposium.

Drawing from her experience growing up with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and later receiving evidence-based treatment, she discussed how well-intentioned efforts to ease anxiety could sometimes reinforce avoidance. McIngvale encouraged attendees to recognize anxiety without removing the situations that triggered it, connecting the approach to the classroom, where faculty could support students through anxiety and hardship while helping them face those experiences and build resilience.

Research presented throughout the symposium spanned topics ranging from maternal health disparities and workforce skills to artificial intelligence (AI), homelessness services, and community volunteerism.

Assistant professor Judy Staley of the School of Nursing and associate professor Stacy Pendergraft of the School of Literary and Performing Arts examined how culturally responsive simulation could prepare nursing students to address maternal health disparities.

鈥淲e cannot teach students only how to recognize a hemorrhage, manage preeclampsia, or respond to an obstetric emergency,鈥� Staley said. 鈥淲e also have to teach them to recognize the patient in front of them, listen to what that patient is telling them, identify potential bias, and have the confidence to advocate.鈥�

At the School of Business, associate professor Connie Barber examined how skills acquired through online gaming could apply to the digital workforce. Her research focused on how gamers used communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills in online environments and how employers could better recognize them.

Graduate researcher Meher Mujtehdi Syeda of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology examined public perceptions of AI therapy, safeguards, and legal accountability. Her study found that safeguards were a primary factor in how participants assigned liability when something went wrong with an AI system.

鈥淲hat really interested me was seeing how much people are starting to rely on AI, not just for everyday tasks, but also for emotional and mental health support,” Syeda said. “AI can respond in a very human-like way and can even sound empathetic, but at the end of the day, it is a chatbot, not a licensed therapist. That made me interested in what happens when someone, especially a young or vulnerable person, starts depending on AI for that kind of support.鈥�

Assistant professor in the School of Social Work, Dr. Esaa Samarah, and graduate students Joanna S谩nchez, Morgan Craven, Myranda James, and Phillip Hill assessed how the use of corporal punishment changed across Arkansas public schools over 15 years. The project was prompted by the continued use of corporal punishment in some Arkansas schools and the broader shift toward trauma-informed approaches and positive school climates.

Katie Helms, an associate professor in the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation, examined another community-based question through her research on volunteers at road races in Arkansas. Using a mixed-methods approach, her study examined why people volunteered, the benefits they gained from the experience, and the factors that might have prompted them to continue volunteering.

Other faculty and graduate student presentations explored employment after incarceration, police reporting and AI, sentencing trends, leadership in law enforcement, telehealth, legal decision-making, and other matters impacting communities and organizations.

The projects presented at the symposium covered a wide range of topics, but each offered a closer look at an issue affecting people, organizations, or communities. The symposium gave researchers an opportunity to share their work with colleagues, hear different perspectives, and learn from research happening across the college.

鈥淭his year’s Research Symposium showcased the depth and range of scholarship happening across the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, which ranged from criminal justice and nursing, to social work and sports management,鈥� said Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean and professor of criminal justice.

鈥淭he interdisciplinary conversations that unfolded between faculty, students, staff, and community members reminded us why this event matters,” she added. McIngvale’s “keynote left a lasting impression on everyone in the room with her message about building resilience in young adults. Altogether, we are proud of the work happening across CBHHS, and grateful to everyone who made these two days a success.鈥�

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Four 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock undergraduate programs earned spots in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings:

• Business 鈥� No. 262 (tie)
• Computer Science 鈥� No. 257 (tie)
• Nursing 鈥� No. 336 (tie)
• Psychology 鈥� No. 276 (tie)

鈥淗aving four undergraduate programs recognized nationally reflects the breadth and strength of the academic opportunities available to students at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the dedication of our faculty and their commitment to preparing students with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.鈥�

The annual U.S. News Best Colleges rankings are designed to help prospective students and their families compare colleges and universities across the country. In addition to institutional rankings, U.S. News evaluates undergraduate programs in several academic disciplines, including business, computer science, nursing, and psychology.

Business

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Business was ranked No. 262 nationally. The school combines classroom instruction with opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build connections with employers and business leaders throughout the region.

Mark Funk, director of the School of Business, credited the school鈥檚 faculty and the relationships they build with students for the recognition.

鈥淥ur faculty are the reason for this,鈥� Funk said. 鈥淭hey teach from experience, they know their students personally, and they invest in them well beyond the syllabus. That’s a rare thing, and we’re fortunate to have built it here.鈥�

Computer Science

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 computer science program earned a No. 257 national ranking as the university continues to expand education and research opportunities in emerging areas of technology.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top 257 computer science programs nationally is a significant recognition of our faculty’s excellence, the quality of our programs, and our students鈥� success,鈥� said Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences. 鈥淚t reflects our continued commitment to academic excellence and preparing our graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.鈥�

Students in computer science have opportunities to build experience through coursework, research, and hands-on projects in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and other emerging technologies.

Nursing

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Nursing was ranked No. 336 nationally. The university鈥檚 largest undergraduate program offers multiple pathways for students pursuing nursing careers, including the traditional RN, RN-to-BSN, and LPN/Paramedic-to-RN programs.

鈥淣ational recognition among top nursing programs reflects the excellence of our faculty, the commitment of our students, and our dedication to preparing nurses who make a positive impact in healthcare,鈥� said Dr. Elizabeth Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing. 鈥淭he immersive simulation experiences at the Center for Simulation Innovation further strengthen our students鈥� workforce readiness by providing practical skills and confidence to excel from the start.鈥�

The Center for Simulation Innovation provides nursing students with opportunities to practice clinical skills and decision-making in realistic healthcare scenarios before entering professional practice.

Psychology

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 psychology program was ranked No. 276 nationally, up from No. 297 in the 2026 rankings.

鈥淲e are excited to be recognized for the second year in a row 鈥� and especially pleased to have risen from No. 297 to No. 276,鈥� said Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin, chair of the Department of Psychological Science. 鈥淲e believe this recognition reflects the continued work of our faculty to provide students with a strong undergraduate education in psychological science and to ensure that our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students.鈥�

In recent years, faculty have strengthened the program鈥檚 curriculum through a revamped virtual statistics lab using Excel and Python alongside writing-intensive Research Methods and Capstone courses. The program has also placed a greater emphasis on career readiness, while four new research labs have expanded opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience alongside faculty.

Through nationally recognized academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections with employers and community partners, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock continues to prepare students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed after graduation.

Learn more about academic programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock at ualr.edu/academics.

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The two-day symposium will showcase research and scholarship across CBHHS through faculty and graduate student presentations, workshops, and sessions highlighting faculty research grant recipients. Beyond sharing findings, the symposium will give the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus community a chance to learn from each other, explore new ideas, and find opportunities for collaboration.

鈥淭his symposium reflects who we are as a college, which is a community of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to doing research that matters for our community and to supporting each other’s growth,鈥� said Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean and professor of criminal justice. 鈥淲e’ve built a symposium program with something for everyone, from research presentations to skill-building workshops. I hope faculty, staff, and students from all over campus will join us.”

Presentations will cover topics with connections beyond the classroom. Faculty and graduate student researchers will examine questions ranging from how artificial intelligence safeguards influence perceptions of accountability, to how culturally responsive simulations prepare nursing students to address maternal health disparities. Other projects will explore how online gaming skills translate to the workforce and how data reporting requirements affect organizations serving people experiencing homelessness in Arkansas.

Among the symposium鈥檚 featured events is a presentation from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician, researcher, director of the OCD Institute of Texas, and adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine. Her talk, “The Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults,” will explore what research on OCD and anxiety can teach educators about helping young adults become more independent and resilient. This topic is especially relevant to the ongoing efforts of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock faculty and staff dedicated to supporting student success, well-being, and growth. McIngvale will present from 3-4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the EIT Auditorium, with a reception to follow.

The first day will also include Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the School of Public Affairs, leading the first workshop session, “Working with Community Partners on Grants/Contracts”, from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The workshop will focus on building relationships with community organizations and navigating opportunities to collaborate through grants and contracts. It will offer practical guidance for those interested in strengthening research partnerships or pursuing external funds.

The following day will offer a different look at sharing research and expertise. Dr. Carrie Phillips, the university鈥檚 chief communications and marketing officer, will lead “25 Tips for Working with Media” from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The session will share practical tips and strategies for those who want to better understand how to work with reporters, pitch their work, and make the most of media opportunities.

The CBHHS Research Symposium promises to spark thoughtful discussion and inspire fresh ideas as faculty, staff, and students share their latest work. Attendees can expect new perspectives, insights into research across the college, and connections with colleagues whose work is shaping how we understand and respond to challenges in health care, business, and communities.

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The has names of more than half of the 12,000 Native Americans who served during The Great War, along with details about their lives and service. The project is ongoing — the site will continue adding names, stories, and, whenever possible, photos — but anyone can search the site for information on these individuals, including by their tribe, boarding school, hometown, military branch and unit, and medals awarded.聽

“We’re including everyone who served, even if for only a day” — some individuals were ultimately rejected from service due to medical conditions, for example, after enlisting — because that willingness to sacrifice deserves to be honored, said Erin Fehr, assistant director and archivist at the research center. This project is about “recognizing their service and bringing awareness to it.” 

There are myriad worthy projects “in the world of archiving, but, unfortunately, many don’t see the light of day, so to see this realized is tremendous,” said Dr. Jess Porter, executive director of the university鈥檚 Center for Arkansas History and Culture. This project allows “people to reconnect with their past.” 

The Modern Warriors project began nearly a decade ago, as the country marked the 100-year anniversary of the U.S. entering World War I, and the Sequoyah National Research Center offered an exhibit featuring “untold stories” of the Codetalkers of World War I, Fehr said. Only about two-thirds of Native Americans who served in WWI were full-fledged American citizens at the time, and their service ultimately was a catalyst for the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which declared that all Native Americans born in the U.S. were U.S. citizens. 

Boarding schools proved fertile recruiting grounds for the military, because the Native Americans there were already educated in military fashion, and records from those schools have been extremely helpful in this project, Fehr said. Challenges to the work, however, include the fact that many Native Americans were given new names, a paucity of photos, and incomplete records, but the research is “still fun.” 

“It’s like you’re on your own personal detective journey, and one of the most rewarding parts of this project is being able to share the information with family members and descendants” of those who served, said Fehr, who has traveled the country researching this project. “We want to make this resource available to anyone who needs it.” 

Roughly 160 died overseas, including ., great-uncle of Chuck Hoskin Jr., current Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and the Sequoyah National Research Center is working with The World War I Valor Medals Review Project — which investigates if minority veterans were denied the Medal of Honor due to bias between 1914-1921 — recommending more than two dozen Native American service members to the Department of Defense to receive the Medal of Honor. This Valor Medals Review Project is supported by the WWI Valor Medals Review Act, which was originally co-introduced as a bill by Republican Rep. French Hill, who represents the state’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of Little Rock. 

At the National Archives in St. Louis, Fehr discovered a treasure trove of information, including burial files, some of which she was the first to open in a century. The stories can be affirming, but also heartbreaking. 

For example, she found a birth announcement in one man’s burial file — “he never got to go home and meet his daughter” — but she also learned about , a Cherokee doctor who served in World War I before entering private practice, then re-joined the U.S. Navy as a cardiologist during World War II, a conflict in which his son also served, she said. “It’s the unexpected finds (like this) that make you want to share these stories.” 

With the website now live, “we hope more information will be returned to us” in order to complete the historic archive, Fehr said. The site is also ideal for fellow researchers, archivists, and historians, as well as those with Native American relatives who served during WWI, or anyone interested in the country’s history. 

These service members “are not just a name or a number,” she said. “They’re humans who had whole lives.” 

This project “brings home the cost of war, and it makes you respect (those who serve) all the more,” said Porter, who also oversees 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Downtown and the Sequoyah National Research Center. “They were in an incredibly meaningful situation — they gave the most you can give — it’s inspirational.” 

The collections of the Sequoyah National Research Center constitute the largest assemblage of Native American expression in the world. Located in the Fine Arts building on campus, the research room is open for scholars by appointment.

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The NSF Project Pitch Workshop Series is a four-part, virtual deep drive into starting on the path to winning competitive non-dilutive . The sessions will cover the key elements of a Project Pitch, the agency’s required starting point to apply for SBIR/STTR funding.

Hosted by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and Science Venture Studio, the one-hour sessions begin Thursday, Sept. 17, and continue Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8. 

The center, which is based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, teamed up with Science Venture Studio on similar training last year, and the series is returning due to its value not only to campus researchers, but the entire Arkansas community of innovators, said Gwen Green, marketing and communications manager for ASBTDC. “The project pitch is an important step; you can’t send a proposal to NSF until your pitch is accepted, and we want to set people up for success.” 

That pitch “has to be compelling — NSF wants groundbreaking innovations” — with a strong chance for long-term scale and success, said Jeff Martin, ASBTDC innovation specialist. 聽

A Project Pitch addresses four key areas: the innovation and its potential impact; technical objectives and challenges; the market opportunity; and the team.

The marketplace section of a pitch is where many attempts fail, so it’s imperative to “do the legwork,” and anyone serious about commercializing research must show they understand their market, said Martin, who has extensive experience with various startups. “They want to see you did that work,” but too many pitches lack “the necessary perspective — there’s no proof.” 

Workshop attendees will receive step-by-step guidance on crafting each section of a competitive Project Pitch.

The workshops are supported by the NSF through a subaward under the  project, and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There’s no cost to attend, but those interested are asked to register . Space is limited, and responding to a short email survey registrants will receive is required. 

Both Martin and Green encourage the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community and others to take advantage of free resources through ASBTDC, including these pitch workshops.

The center assists new, existing, and innovation-based small businesses across Arkansas. To learn more, visit .

For questions about the NSF Project Pitch Workshop Series, contact Martin at jmartin7@ualr.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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It will develop the next generation of the state’s workforce through hands-on learning and teamwork, said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. From faculty and staff, to students and community members — seasoned experts to eager neophytes — “this workshop is for you to expand your horizons.” 

Trojan Forge, which had its grand opening Aug. 25, features a handful of 3D printers, a sewing machine, heat presses, sublimation printers, embroidery machines, vinyl cutters, a buttonmaker, a laminator, a soldering iron kit, cameras, a sound booth and podcast studio, and various crafting supplies, among other offerings. The opening of Trojan Forge was one of many Welcome Week events on campus of the 2026-27 school year, as the university celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Located in Ottenheimer Library, Trojan Forge fulfills the university’s goals of access, experience, attainment, research, and community engagement, and “you can’t get much better than that,” Drale noted during Tuesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. Dedicated to professional readiness, Trojan Forge will help students gain the confidence and develop the skills necessary to enhance their career prospects. 

Roughly a year ago, a prototype event engaged more than 200 students, demonstrating the desire for a space like this that would not only offer unique tools, but act as a gathering spot, said Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons coordinator.  “We want them to feel inspired to create and innovate.” 

Members of the Ottenheimer Library Vision Partners Program — student ambassadors and partners for the campus library — were critical in the development of Trojan Forge. 

“I enjoy the idea of students creating something for students, and this group doesn’t just advocate for students, but does real work,” such as the Trojan Forge project, said junior Ella Campbell, who became a Vision Partner in January 2025. “We had a makerspace at my high school” — the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts () in Hot Springs — “that so many people used, (not only) as a place where people came to create things, but (find) community, and I thought, ‘I’d love to see a space like that on campus here.'” 

There can never be enough ways for a campus community to gather together, so “any space that does that is amazing, and needed,” said Campbell, a native of the Hot Springs area majoring in environmental geology and anthropology. “I’m really excited to see the space evolve” as campus and community members find variegated uses for the tools inside, and more equipment gets added via requests. 

The 3D printers will “definitely” be highly popular, as they offer “so many different uses, and anyone can use them,” but Campbell is most intrigued by the sewing machine, she said. “I’m an amateur sewist, but I really love the buttonmaker, too.” 

Trojan Forge also received a $5,000 grant from Trojan Champions Fund to “kickstart all the amazing projects we’re going to have,” Sollars said. “We’re going to invite faculty, staff, and students to pitch ideas, and then we’ll fund materials for those projects” with the grant money. 

The better experiences students have on campus, the more likely they are to become involved alumni after graduation, so the grant is an investment in the present and the future, noted Guy Choate, president of the Alumni Association. A makerspace like Trojan Forge is “a differentiator” for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, so helping fund it is “a no-brainer for us,” and it contributes “the cycle of building a better university.” 

Trojan Forge will also engage the larger community with various monthly themes that invite use of its equipment and technology. 

“We want to develop 12 months of programming” to offer throughout this centennial celebration year of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and far into the future, Sollars noted. “We’re going to start in September with a 3D printing workshop,” with additional details on that event — and others — available on the Trojan Forge website. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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