STEM - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

How ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Workforce

Molly Coleman — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:31:34 +0000

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how work is conducted across industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to marketing and finance. While headlines often focus on fears that automation will replace workers, experts at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock say the reality is more complex – and full of opportunity for those prepared to adapt.

According to Dr. Aaron Duvall, director of workforce development at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, two out of every three jobs will be exposed to AI as it continues to become normalized in daily tasks. Rather than resulting in fewer jobs, he sees the rise of AI reimagining the way people work altogether.

“Within the next four years, over 60% of jobs will have job task changes – not layoffs, but a reimagining of the way work is being done,” Duvall said. “In that case, it’s interesting that half the people in the workforce right now have had zero AI training in the past year. It creates a big gap.”

Employers want their employees to have AI skills as they enter the workforce, and experts such as Dr. Duvall and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Tech Entrepreneur-in-Residence Marla Johnson see these skills as a necessity in today’s constantly evolving technical landscape. Through new training initiatives, industry partnerships, and hands-on events for students, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is working to ensure graduates are prepared to work in an AI-driven economy.

AI tools are already helping businesses streamline everyday work. Tasks that once required hours of manual effort – such as compiling reports, analyzing data, or summarizing meetings – can now be completed in minutes with AI support. Duvall said AI often changes how long tasks take rather than eliminating the work itself, allowing employees to focus on higher-level decision-making.

In her current role, Johnson works with STEM faculty and students to commercialize research and build high-growth startups. A technology entrepreneur and business leader with more than 30 years of experience in innovation and company building, she encourages students to use AI, saying they will not be as competitive candidates in the workforce if they do not know how to use these tools to their full potential. Her advice is to become an expert in how AI is used in your specific field.

“It will be a competitive disadvantage for my students if they are starting a company and they don’t know how to apply AI toward their market research or pitch presentation development, for example,” she said. “I specifically teach my students prompts to use and ways to utilize AI in order to develop ideas into an actual business plan.”

Being workforce ready has taken on a whole new meaning in this AI-driven economy. Entering the job market now requires the skills and knowledge not only to use AI as a support tool but also to support business needs.

“We have to move from fear to fluency with AI,” Johnson said. “The limits of what these tools can do are really your clarity of thinking and your imagination.”

Duvall draws an important distinction between simply using AI tools and understanding how to apply them effectively in the workplace. While many workers are experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, far fewer know how to integrate them into real workflows or use them to improve productivity and decision-making.

Duvall said the university is working to help students acquire these skills in order to be leaders and trendsetters in AI as they enter the workforce. The skills highlighted include advanced prompting, deep research with AI, and the ability to build and use AI-powered agents to automate everyday tasks.

Beyond preparing students, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is also working to connect AI innovation with industry and the broader community. Johnson also coordinates AI training and education programs for companies and community members and regularly hosts events and workshops that bring together students, faculty, and business leaders to explore how AI can be applied to real-world challenges.

One example is the university’s “Coding for Wellness” AI hackathon, which brings together students from across the state to develop technology solutions focused on healthcare and wellness. During the event, students collaborate with mentors from healthcare organizations and industry partners to design applications that address real problems.

While the technology is evolving rapidly, both Duvall and Johnson emphasize that AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances human work rather than replaces it entirely. According to Johnson, critical thinking is essential to effective AI use. Users must be able to evaluate and question the information it provides, using the technology not just for answers but as a thought partner that challenges ideas and helps expand knowledge.

“Workers who use AI are going to replace workers who don’t,” Johnson said. “Companies are looking for innovative, creative people who understand how these tools can help solve problems and improve processes.”

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is working to ensure students graduate with the skills needed to work alongside AI rather than fear it, positioning them to lead in the workforce of the future.

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Nine ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Students Present STEM Research at Arkansas State Capitol

Molly Coleman — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:01:21 +0000

Nine students from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock recently showcased their research at STEM Posters at the Capitol, an annual event held at the Arkansas State Capitol that highlights student-led research from across the state.

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 ��Vlog��ý 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.

“Presenting at the Capitol was a very fun and rewarding experience,” Claybrook said. “Speaking with peers and faculty across the state created great dialogue about the innovations happening right here in Arkansas.”

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.

“Presenting my work at the Arkansas State Capitol was surreal and deeply inspiring,” Mohammed said. “What 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.”

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’s project examined melanoma treatment outcomes from different therapies using resampling-enhanced survival analysis.

“Presenting at the Arkansas State Capitol was both exciting and meaningful,” Murorunkwere said. “It 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.”

Events like STEM Posters at the Capitol allow students to share their work beyond the classroom while highlighting innovative research happening at ��Vlog��ý 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, “Concentrating Lithium Brine Using Reduced Graphene Oxide Forward Osmosis Membranes”
Ammar Ahmed Taha Mohammed, Information Science, “A Hybrid Entity Resolution Pipeline Integrating LLM Intelligence, Semantic Clustering, and Household Movement Analysis”
Hannah Jones, Engineering, “Detecting the Undetectable: Methods to Detect BVID in Wind Turbine Blade Samples”
Ruby Bagchi, Biology, “Cinnamic Acid Modulates Iron Deficiency Responses in Soybean Through Improved Phenotypic Performance and Regulation of Iron Homeostasis-Related Genes”
Mohammed Naif, Chemistry, “Improved Electrode for Lithium-Sulphur Battery”
Eshaal Nadeem, Chemistry, “Emerging Ionic Nanomedicines: Synthesis, Characterization to In Vitro and In Vivo Performance”
Joie Lea Murorunkwere, Mathematics, “Resampling-Enhanced Survival Analysis of Adjuvant Versus Neoadjuvant Therapies in Melanoma Using Kaplan-Meier Estimation, Weighted Log-Rank Tests, and Time-Dependent Cox Models”
Meherun Nesa Shraboni, Computer Science, “A Gaze-Aware XR Framework for Synchronizing Head-Based Interaction and Eye-Movement Analysis”
Kalyn You, Chemistry, “Advanced Material Platforms for Stretchable Bioelectronics and Flexible Circuitry”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host 2026 Research and Creative Works Expo April 17

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:03:58 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host its annual Research and Creative Works Expo from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 17, across two campus locations: the Creative and Scholarly Showcase from 12–2 p.m. in the Jack Stephens Center and Presentations and Performance from 2–4 p.m. in the Reynolds Business Building.

The expo will showcase the latest research, innovation, and creative projects at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock — highlighting the wide range of work produced by its students. Projects span every department in all three colleges. High school students are invited to participate this year alongside undergraduate and graduate students.

Dr. Michael Moore, director of undergraduate research and mentoring, said the annual Research and Creative Works Expo is one of the most anticipated events on campus, offering a rare opportunity to see the full range of students’ creativity, innovation, and scholarly work on display.

“Seeing the pure joy and pride on our students’ faces as they share their creations is the most rewarding part of the year for me,” Moore said. “I strongly encourage our ��Vlog��ý Little Rock community to join me in celebrating the work of our students at Expo. I am counting down the days to see what they’ve dreamed up next.”

The deadline to submit a project is Friday, March 20. Projects submitted by March 20 will be included in the printed program.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students can submit their project .

Non-��Vlog��ý Little Rock students can submit their project .

The event is free and open to the public. Organizers encourage the community to attend and celebrate the achievements of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students.

For more information about the expo, contact Dr. Moore at memoore5@ualr.edu or 501-916-6039.

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Civil Engineering Major Anterica Jones Named 2026 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Homecoming Royal

Sydney Ambrus — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:34:31 +0000

Sophomore Anterica Jones believes college is about more than earning a degree — it’s about building community and encouraging others.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, Jones was crowned the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s 2026 Homecoming Royal during the halftime homecoming court ceremony at the men’s basketball game.

The student body chooses the Homecoming Royal through Trojan Engage, a campus platform that connects students, faculty, and organizations through groups, community feeds, and events.

Jones is a civil engineering major from North Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, Student Government Association, National Society of Black Engineers, and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s New Student Orientation Leaders. She also serves on the lead team for the Little Rock Baptist Collegiate Ministry.

After being crowned, Jones said she feels incredibly grateful.

“Being crowned Homecoming Royal is such an honor, and it means so much to know that my peers and community supported me in this way,” she said. “More than anything, I’m thankful for the people who encouraged me along the way and for the opportunity to represent my school.”

Jones said she was inspired to run for Homecoming Royal by her faith and a desire to step outside of her comfort zone.

“I’ve had such a meaningful experience as a student here, and I really wanted the opportunity to represent a community that has given me so much,” she said.

“To me, being part of the Homecoming Royal court means representing the heart of our student body. It’s not just about the title, but about showing school spirit, encouraging others, and reflecting the community that makes our campus so special,” Jones said. “I see it as an opportunity to represent my peers with gratitude, positivity, and authenticity.”

Jones hopes to use her new title as Homecoming Royal to encourage students.

“I want to be someone who uplifts others, celebrates the people around me, and helps create an environment where everyone feels valued and included,” she said. “If I can use this opportunity to brighten someone’s day and represent our school in a positive way, that means everything to me.”

Jones aspires to become an architect. Growing up, she watched HGTV, which sparked her interest in architecture, design, and the creativity involved in building and decorating homes.

“After I graduate, I hope to step into that creative space and eventually be involved in many parts of the process, from designing and decorating to helping people find the perfect place to live,” she said.

In her free time, Jones enjoys doing hair and spending time with family and friends. She values building connections with others.

“One thing I’d want people on campus to know about me is that I genuinely love connecting with others and building community,” she said. “I believe college is such a special time where people from different backgrounds come together, and I really value being someone who encourages others and helps create a positive environment.”

As she continues her time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Jones said she hopes to use her role as Homecoming Royal to uplift others and represent the campus community that supported her.

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��Vlog��ý System Board Approves Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Justin Bates — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:39:47 +0000

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved a new Master of Science in Cybersecurity at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock during its January meeting, expanding graduate-level offerings in a field critical to workforce development and regional economic growth.

Housed in the Department of Computer Science within the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the new degree builds on ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s established cybersecurity programs and further positions the university as a leader in cybersecurity education and workforce preparation.

“This program represents an important step forward for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. “It allows us to build on the strong foundation our faculty have created in cybersecurity education while responding to clear workforce needs. I’m proud of our faculty for collaborating with our industry and community partners to develop a graduate program that prepares students for advanced roles in this field.”

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is designed to prepare students for careers in areas such as cyber defense, risk management, secure systems design, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The program serves both recent graduates and working professionals seeking advanced technical expertise and leadership opportunities.

Dr. Ahmed AbuHalimeh, chair of the Department of Computer Science, said the approval reflects the department’s long-term approach to building a comprehensive cybersecurity pathway.

“Our certificates and undergraduate cybersecurity program have gained strong momentum, and this master’s degree allows students to continue developing their skills at a higher level,” AbuHalimeh said. “It also strengthens our ability to support employers who need professionals with advanced cybersecurity training and experience.”

The proposal for the degree will now be forwarded to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board for its consideration. If approved, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock plans to begin offering the degree in fall 2026.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Battery Lab Powers Arkansas’s Future in Energy Independence

Molly Coleman — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000

As demand for cleaner, longer-lasting energy storage grows, researchers at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are leading the charge toward innovative next-generation battery technology. At the heart of that effort is Dr. Noureen Siraj, associate professor of chemistry, who recently established the university’s new battery research laboratory – the first of its kind in central Arkansas.

Siraj’s research focuses on three key components of the battery: the anode, the cathode, and the separator. Together, these parts determine how much power a battery can store, how long it lasts, and how safely it operates. Her lab is developing a new type of high energy density battery to increase performance and longevity. Specifically, she looks to improve the life cycle, energy density, voltage capacity, and thermal stability of batteries.

Siraj’s work on developing the separator – which prevents the two electrodes in the battery from connecting and short-circuiting – has gained recognition from prominent players in energy development. This work specifically has gained funding from the NASA Arkansas Space Grant Consortium.

By developing safer and more durable batteries, Siraj is not only increasing efficiency but also reducing waste and cost for everyday consumers. She said her research has potential developments for electric vehicles. “We want to improve the life cycle of batteries. If we are able to reach 10,000 hour cycles, they could last up to 25 years, meaning you wouldn’t have to replace the battery in your car within your lifetime,” Siraj said.

Her lab collaborates with U.S. Vanadium and Standard Lithium, two major companies advancing energy innovation in Arkansas. These partnerships connect university research with industrial development, creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom and presenting unique opportunities for internships.

Inside the lab, students gain extensive hands-on experience with material synthesis, characterization, and advanced instrumentation. They also learn valuable skills for communicating about their research to both technical and public audiences. Senior students participate in proposal writing and learn how to secure research funding – training that, Siraj said, helps them “become independent researchers by the time they graduate.”

Siraj’s passion for her project goes far beyond science, however. Mentorship is as central to her mission as scientific discovery. As an instructor and researcher, Siraj takes joy in producing students with critical thinking skills and independence. “I will see that as the greatest success of my life,” she said. “My greatest joy comes from seeing my students succeed. It fills me with pride and purpose. When they struggle, I can’t help but feel like I am falling short somehow. I feel incredibly proud and fulfilled because of everything they’ve achieved. Their growth is my biggest reward.” Her PhD students have gone on to careers in prominent national laboratories such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Energy, and the Arkansas State Crime Lab. She also serves as a Chemistry Olympiad coordinator, going beyond the collegiate setting to directly engage with the local community. Students as young as fifth and sixth grade have worked on projects with Dr. Siraj, who seeks to spark a love for STEM research in all she teaches.

Siraj views her research as a way to cement Arkansas’s status as a leader in energy production and innovation. The development of longer life cycle batteries would be a complete game changer for human energy use. With the discovery of lithium reserves in southern Arkansas, she sees an opportunity to connect local resources with cutting edge research, positioning Arkansas at the forefront of these technological developments. Siraj said, “If we are able to go all the way from the extraction of lithium to the utilization of that lithium in the batteries, then Arkansas will stand out in the whole United States.” In order to continue meeting our energy demands, she said we must seek out alternatives to our dwindling energy sources – and perhaps the future of energy is right in our backyard.

By connecting research and real-world application, Siraj’s battery research laboratory is helping position ��Vlog��ý Little Rock – and the state of Arkansas – as a rising leader in energy independence and innovation.

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Chemistry Educator Completes Doctorate, Secures Professorship in Chemical Education Research

Mon, 06 May 2024 12:47:54 +0000

Driven by a lifelong passion for both teaching and scientific inquiry, Dr. Ronia Kattoum has reached a significant milestone in her academic journey. After years of dedication and hard work, the long-time chemistry instructor and single mother of four has successfully earned her doctoral degree in applied sciences-chemistry and accepted a full-time assistant professorship in chemical education research.

After growing up in Palestine, Kattoum moved with her family to Chicago at age 9. She found a love of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education early in life and earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Loyola University. She then moved to Arkansas, earning two master’s degrees in chemistry and higher education from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

In 2014, Kattoum became a valued instructor in the Department of Chemistry, becoming the 2021 recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching for the Donaghey College of STEM. Over the years, she served as the freshman programs coordinator and teacher licensure program coordinator, a facilitator for the Mobile Institute on Scientific Teaching (MoSI), as well as helped start the Learning Assistants program with Dr. Mark Baillie, assistant professor of chemistry. It was the introduction of the MoSI workshop that became a game changer for Kattoum.

“I had already been an instructor for several years when Mark Baillie joined the faculty in 2019 and brought with him the MOSI workshop,” Kattoum said. “I’ve always experimented with different methodologies to engage my students, but I didn’t realize there was a science to teaching science. It was really a career changer for me that sparked my interest in working on my Ph.D.”

Baillie, her longtime colleague, described Kattoum as a “tour de force,” who secured more than $40,000 in external funding to support her research, invite speakers to campus, and fund undergraduate researchers. Since she started her doctoral program, she has presented during two international conferences each year and is on track to submit four peer-reviewed publications resulting from her dissertation.

“The impact of her research has the possibility to broaden the participation of students from historically marginalized groups in STEM, both at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and in the entire higher education system in the U.S.,” Baillie said. “We at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock are incredibly proud to have been part of Ronia’s career journey.”

Kattoum began researching discipline-based education research focusing on chemistry education. She completed her dissertation, “An Investigation of the Mindset Context and its Downstream Effects on Marginalized Student Outcomes in College STEM Courses” this semester. She completed her doctoral degree while being a single mother of four kids, now ages 9, 14, 16, and 19, who were all excited to see their mom graduate.

“I was so excited to see my oldest son when he came to my defense,” Kattoum said. “He talked about how different it was to see me in action and how well I connected with people. My colleagues told me they saw the pride in his eyes. My parents and other kids watched me on Zoom. It was wonderful to have my kids experience my achievement with me.”

This summer Kattoum will be conducting post-doctoral research with her ��Vlog��ý Little Rock colleagues as well as moving into a new home before starting her new position as an assistant professor and chemistry education researcher at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

“This is a milestone I’ve been looking forward to for a long time, and it’s the result of many sacrifices,” Kattoum said. “I couldn’t start the Ph.D. program right away because of familial responsibilities. I always felt it was inevitable that I would come back and get this Ph.D. It’s a lifelong dream for me. It’s all about having a license to do what you love. I wanted to do research to help further student success in STEM disciplines, and now I have a platform to do that at Roosevelt University. I’m looking forward to how I can change the world, one institution and one student at a time.”

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Women to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock: Dr. Constance Meadors

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:11:07 +0000

In celebration of Women’s History Month, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at the university and in the community.

The next Woman to Watch at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock of 2024 is Dr. Constance Meadors, interim director of the .

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I am a native of Winnfield, Louisiana, where I grew up tinkering and participating in science fairs. This sparked my interest and passion in STEM. I obtained a B.S. in physics from Grambling State University. While at Grambling, I became involved in undergraduate research and loved it. This solidified my interest in STEM and my quest for future STEM degrees. I received a NASA fellowship and a master’s and doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (��Vlog��ý Little Rock). This is where I was introduced to NASA research and conducted hybrid rocket and micro device research at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Consequently, becoming the proverbial “rocket scientist.”

I became obsessed and fell in love with all things NASA. My passion for STEM has led me to challenge minorities’ perception in STEM. When I speak of minorities, I don’t just mean me as an African American female, a double minority. I mean all minorities which includes socioeconomic and geographical demographics as well. The latter often coexists with limiting factors to obtaining STEM careers. I’ve at times been frustrated and questioned my place in this environment. I wrote a poem, “Am I the Exception or Am I the Rule?” I presented this poem at a NASA conference. It was well received and served as encouragement and motivation for myself and other marginalized persons with STEM dreams. Subsequently, I was motivated to start the #ChangetheRule Campaign. I have worked tirelessly to change the rules and standards that define how minorities are viewed in STEM while also working to move the STEM needle forward.

My STEM passion has taken me to many milestones – intentionally and consequential. I was the first in my family to receive a bachelor’s degree. I was the first African American to graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with degrees in applied science, instrumentation, and systems engineering. I was the first female to teach mechanical engineering at Harding University. I was the first to serve on an Intergovernmental Personnel Assignment in NASA’s OSTEM MUREP pilot program. Now, I am the first female and African American space grant director not only in Arkansas, but in the country.

What is your current position and professional duties at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

I am the director of the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium and NASA EPSCoR Programs. I oversee and direct the operations and budget for the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, which is composed of 17 colleges and universities in Arkansas that are affiliate campuses.

What brought you to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

My reason for being at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is threefold. After being an instructor, a director, and a dean at many diverse institutions, this is an opportunity to return “home.” This is an opportunity to serve as a statewide motivator for STEM education and careers in the Natural State while changing the rules and perceptions that are preventing STEM education and careers. It is an honor and privilege, with NASA being the premier science agency in the world, to lead the largest NASA-funded entity in the state of Arkansas. We will be able to continue to improve the state’s STEM score by impacting and improving efforts both in K-12 and higher education.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

I just hosted the USDA Path to Prosperity meeting in January that included over 300 participants and six federal/state agencies. I am currently coordinating NASA Solar Eclipse efforts for Arkansas. Also, we are launching a planetarium program to have an inflatable planetarium in every region of the state. I am establishing partnerships and collaborations within and outside the state. I plan to unveil a few upcoming citizen science projects this summer.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

I have a picture of a scared, unsure little girl, me, hiding behind my grandmother. I was born to a teenage mother and spent my early years at my grandmother’s home. Though she had very little education, she did everything with pride and respect. She would wake up every morning and open her curtains to let in the sunlight and face the day with intentionality and determination. Unknowingly, I soaked up these traits like a sponge.

My mother, though she began her adult life with a tremendous challenge, worked tirelessly to improve her circumstances. She cleaned houses and offices and eventually worked in a saw mill, sometimes all night, providing for me. Simultaneously, she pushed me to do well in school and began taking various classes herself. When I started college, my mother started as well. I graduated before her, but she eventually became a special education teacher, retiring last year. So, I would have to say my grandmother and mother were my most inspiring influences.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

No one or no rule defines you and your success. Don’t let the world tell you what you can or can’t achieve. You too are here to change the rules. Sometimes your place in history is to follow the rules, address the rules, and sometimes change the rules. It is your job to know your role and make a difference.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

Most people would probably be surprised to know that I repeated first grade, because I wasn’t reading at the required level. This is a demonstration of how your past does not dictate your future.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“No weapons formed against you shall prosper.” In this world we are challenged daily by obstacles seen and unseen, but we must know that if we stay on the course we can and will achieve our destiny.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Students Attend SACNAS Conference

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 14:21:49 +0000

Five students from University of Arkansas at Little Rock attended the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference.

is a group that was founded to address issues of diversity in academia and government agencies. They work to support the underrepresented in earning advanced degrees, advancing their careers, and obtaining positions of leadership.

The aim of SACNAS is to amplify Hispanic and Native American voices in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock students Jessica Pittman, Grace Shelton, Kam’ron Coleman, Kevin Pacheco, and Makiya Stubbs all attended the 2023 SACNAS Conference that was held on October 26-28 in Portland, Oregon.

“SACNAS is making STEM a celebration,” said Shelton. “They help students who are underserved and underrepresented. They are showing that getting a career in STEM is possible. They do a great job of ensuring that students feel comfortable networking and seeking opportunities despite barriers and hardships.”

SACNAS supports the underrepresented in STEM by connecting students and professionals with opportunities and resources they need to advance their education and careers. They host conferences, leadership programs, professional programs, webinars, and more.

“For me, the SACNAS conference was a very eye-opening experience,” Shelton said. “It made me realize how much is out there, as far as diversity, opportunities, schools, and much more. I enjoyed networking with new people, celebrating a different culture from my own, and being able to find different career opportunities. All in all, SACNAS was a great experience that I would recommend to everyone.”

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STEM - News - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

How ����Vlog��ý Little Rock is Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Workforce

Nine ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Students Present STEM Research at Arkansas State Capitol

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to Host 2026 Research and Creative Works Expo April 17

Civil Engineering Major Anterica Jones Named 2026 ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Homecoming Royal

����Vlog��ý System Board Approves Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Battery Lab Powers Arkansas’s Future in Energy Independence