The achievement places UA 糖心视频logo alongside many of the world’s leading universities,
technology companies, and research laboratories, highlighting the university’s contributions to
cutting-edge AI research.

The paper was co-authored by Agarwal, director of the Collaboratorium for Social
Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS) Research Center, Maulden-Entergy Chair, and
Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science at UA 糖心视频logo, along with
collaborators from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the University of Florida.

COSMOS is an interdisciplinary research center that studies online behavior and develops data
analytics tools to better understand online communities and emerging cognitive threats in online information environments.

鈥淣eurIPS is where many of the most influential advances in AI are first introduced,鈥� said
Agarwal, whose research on cognitive security has been recognized by the U.S. Department of
War, NATO, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (consisting of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the World Health Organization, and other
organizations. 鈥淗aving a paper accepted means the research has undergone an extremely
rigorous peer-review process and has been recognized by leading experts in the field as making a meaningful contribution to advancing AI.鈥�

As one of the world鈥檚 most selective AI conferences, the acceptance process is highly
competitive, drawing thousands of submissions from top universities, research labs, and
technology companies across the globe.

鈥淎cceptance reflects both novelty and technical excellence,” said Agarwal, an Arkansas
Academy of Computing fellow, an Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) fellow, and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Distinguished Visitor and Senior Member. 鈥淔or COSMOS and UA 糖心视频logo, it demonstrates that the research being conducted here is competing successfully on a global stage alongside some of the world’s leading AI institutions. It reinforces that impactful, internationally recognized AI research is being developed right here in Arkansas.鈥�

Agarwal and his team鈥檚 paper introduces MANGO: Multimodal Attention-based Normalizing
Flow Approach to Fusion Learning, a new framework designed to improve how AI systems learn from and combine multiple types of information, including images, text, and other data sources.

The research centers on multimodal AI, a type of artificial intelligence that learns from multiple
forms of information 鈥� such as text, images, or audio 鈥� simultaneously. While people naturally combine different sources of information to understand the world around them, AI systems often struggle to do so effectively because the data doesn’t always match up in obvious ways. MANGO is designed to help AI better understand and combine different types of data. Unlike many existing AI models that simply merge information together, MANGO identifies which sources are most relevant and how they relate to one another, allowing AI systems to make more accurate and reliable decisions.

鈥淭he real world is inherently multimodal, so if we want AI to better understand people and
complex environments, it needs to learn from multiple sources simultaneously rather than
treating each independently,鈥� Agarwal said.

Research like this helps AI evolve to provide more context-aware analysis, enabling systems to
make more informed and trustworthy decisions.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life and industry, MANGO could improve
applications across various fields. In healthcare, it could help physicians make more informed
decisions by analyzing medical images alongside patient records and clinical notes. In self-
driving vehicles, it could improve safety by allowing AI to better interpret data from cameras,
radar, and other sensors. The technology could also strengthen security by analyzing social
media to identify coordinated influence campaigns or emerging cognitive threats through the
combined analysis of text, images, videos, and patterns of online behavior.

鈥淯ltimately, research like this helps build AI systems that are more reliable, more explainable,
and better suited for solving complex real-world problems,鈥� Agarwal said.

The publication also reinforces the COSMOS Research Center’s role as a hub for collaborative,
interdisciplinary AI research. By partnering with researchers at UA Fayetteville and UF, the
project demonstrates how UA 糖心视频logo is contributing to advances at the highest levels of the international AI community.

鈥淭his publication further demonstrates that UA 糖心视频logo is producing AI research that is
recognized at the highest international level,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淚t enhances the university’s
visibility within the global AI community, strengthens our research collaborations, and creates
new opportunities for our students to work on cutting-edge problems.鈥�

Looking ahead, Agarwal and his collaborators plan to expand MANGO to work with additional
data types, larger AI foundation models, and real-time decision-making environments while
continuing to improve the transparency and reliability of AI systems. Their goal is to develop AI
systems that not only achieve high performance, but also operate reliably in complex applications where accuracy and trust are essential.

Disclaimer: This research was funded in part by the U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S.
Army Research Office (awards W911NF23S0001, W911NF2410078, and W911NF2510147), U.S. Office of Naval Research, U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Australian Department of Defense Strategic Policy Grants Program, Arkansas Research Alliance, the Jerry L. Maulden/Entergy Endowment, and the Donaghey Foundation at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding organizations.

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The interdisciplinary program prepares professionals to meet growing workforce demand for using data and information systems to improve patient outcomes, efficiency, and decision-making across healthcare organizations.

Students gain hands-on experience using EHR Go, a leading educational electronic health record platform. They apply informatics concepts in simulated healthcare environments that mirror real-world scenarios.

“The launch of the Health Informatics Certificate Program reflects the increasing need for professionals who can connect healthcare and technology in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Ahmed A. Halimeh, interim director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences and interim director of the Emerging Analytics Center at UA 糖心视频logo. “This program is designed to give students practical experience alongside a strong academic foundation, ensuring they are ready to step into roles that improve patient care, strengthen data systems, and drive efficiency across healthcare organizations.”

The graduate certificate provides a foundation in healthcare data systems, analytics, and informatics while emphasizing programming, database management, ethics, and project management.聽

Students will explore how healthcare data is collected, analyzed, and applied to improve both clinical and operational outcomes.

Health informatics continues to grow as healthcare systems increasingly rely on data and technology to improve quality, reduce costs, and support patient care. The program is designed to attract students from a range of backgrounds, including health professions, computer science, data analytics, engineering, and related fields.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in healthcare data analytics, clinical informatics, health information management, and related fields.

Learn more about the new program.

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By expanding the CORE Cybersecurity Clinic through the CLN, UA 糖心视频logo is creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while meeting needs in communities across the state, bringing together students and faculty from 11 colleges and universities. The CLN extends cybersecurity services to more communities than any one institution could alone, while fostering collaboration, shared expertise, and experiential learning. Through this network, the CORE Cybersecurity Clinic is expanding to Ouachita Baptist University, the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana, and North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas this fall.

“Every partner site is another place where our students get to apply what they鈥檙e learning to a real problem with real stakes,” said Dr. Sandra Leiterman, director of cybersecurity education and outreach. “That kind of experience is hard to replicate in a classroom, and it鈥檚 what makes our graduates ready to contribute on day one.”

The CORE Cybersecurity Clinic鈥檚 goal is to make cybersecurity expertise available to organizations such as small nonprofits, school districts, health clinics, rural utilities, and small businesses that provide essential services but lack their own cybersecurity staff. These organizations face increasing cyber threats and lack access to costly risk assessments or enterprise security programs.

CORE Center teams, made up of students and faculty experts, work directly with organizations to evaluate their systems, identify vulnerabilities, and deliver actionable recommendations. The clinic identifies the most likely ways hackers could attempt to gain access, then provides prioritized recommendations and safeguarding strategies to help organizations anticipate the top threats and proactively strengthen their defenses.

For Nathan Thomason, a student researcher at the CORE Center, those experiences helped launch his career.

“UA 糖心视频logo’s CORE Center provided me with a foundation of excellence to rely on throughout my studies as an undergraduate student and at the beginning of my cybersecurity career,” Thomason said.

He said working directly with Arkansas organizations and emerging cybersecurity technologies gave his education a deeper sense of purpose.

“The opportunities to engage with my local community and pursue bleeding-edge cybersecurity technologies that I was presented with as a researcher allowed my studies to have a measurable impact on my community,” he said.

The clinic鈥檚 work is also shaped by ongoing research at the CORE Center, where faculty and students are developing new approaches to cybersecurity defense. Rather than remaining in the research phase, many of these ideas are tested and refined through the clinic鈥檚 work, allowing researchers and students to evaluate new methods while providing clients with recommendations informed by the latest cybersecurity research.

One of the center鈥檚 newest research projects explores how artificial intelligence can help organizations identify the most likely paths a cyberattack could take through their systems and prioritize the security improvements that will have the greatest impact. The CORE Center is also collaborating with the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy, a national nonpartisan AI policy think tank, on initiatives that support cybersecurity policy and the protection of the nation鈥檚 critical infrastructure, helping connect the center鈥檚 applied research with broader national conversations about emerging cyber threats.

The clinic also provides students with valuable, real-world experience beyond the classroom. Working with organizations across Arkansas, they learn not only how to identify cybersecurity risks but also how to explain technical concepts in ways that help non-technical leaders make informed decisions. Those communication skills are just as critical as technical expertise in preparing students for careers in cybersecurity.

“Working at the CORE Center has been wonderful because it’s given me real-world experience in my field,” said Divija Vijay, a sophomore double majoring in computer science and cybersecurity. “On the projects I get to work on, I’m always learning new concepts and technical skills. It’s a really supportive environment that genuinely cares about our growth.”

Through the CLN, the CORE Center is helping schools, nonprofits, utilities, and businesses better understand their cybersecurity risks while giving students opportunities to gain practical experience addressing the challenges organizations face every day.

“Arkansas has cracked the code for making these partnerships work,” said Dr. Philip Huff, director of the CORE Center and assistant professor of computer science. “Communities across the state need practical help defending against cyberattacks, and our students are ready and able to meet that need. Now our job is to clear the path so these partnerships can thrive and strengthen cybersecurity across Arkansas.”

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Since launching the planetarium seat sponsorship program this spring, alumni, friends, and community partners have sponsored 26 seats, generating $65,000 to provide long-term support for the planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements.

“We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm we’ve seen so far,” said Lloyd Webre, director of development for the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “Every sponsorship represents someone who believes in creating opportunities for students and our community to experience science in a hands-on, inspiring way. We’re grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to ensure the Shellam Flake Planetarium is a UA 糖心视频logo staple for generations to come.”

Provost Ann Bain became the program’s first supporter, sponsoring two seats in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,” Bain said. “Knowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.”

Centennial Co-Chair Alfred Williams has been instrumental in securing many of the campaign’s seat sponsorships. Campaign cabinet members Mike Williams, James Bobo, RJ Martino, Courtney Little, and Thomas Dickinson have also demonstrated their support by purchasing seats.

Each $2,500 sponsorship includes a personalized nameplate displayed on a planetarium seat for five years. Sponsors may recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. 

Proceeds from the program provide long-term support for the Shellam Flake Planetarium’s maintenance and future enhancements, helping ensure it remains a premier destination for student learning and community engagement for years to come.

When open in the spring, the restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space welcoming K-12 students and community members for educational programming and public shows.

Seat sponsorships remain available. To learn more or sponsor a seat, visit or contact Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

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Working in collaboration with researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Walker’s project focuses on creating and studying derivatives of prodigiosin, a naturally occurring compound that has shown promising anticancer properties.

鈥淥ur goal is to synthesize and characterize prodigiosin analogs and evaluate their biological activity against cancer cell lines,鈥� Walker said. 

Although the research is still in its early stages, Walker said the project could help lay the groundwork for future cancer therapies. By developing and testing how new analogs interact with cancer cells, the research will help determine which chemical structures are most promising for future drug development. The findings could eventually contribute to the development of more targeted cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes.

The collaboration combines expertise from both institutions to strengthen the research. While Walker’s laboratory specializes in designing and synthesizing new chemical compounds, Dr. Robert Griffin and his team at UAMS bring expertise in cancer biology to evaluate how the compounds perform against cancer cells. Together, the teams can more thoroughly evaluate how well the compounds work and how they affect cancer cells, helping researchers identify the most promising candidates for further study. 

鈥淭he INBRE funding supports student stipends, laboratory supplies, and access to analytical instrumentation,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭hese resources allow us to carry out the synthesis and purification of analogs and identify their structure using techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).鈥�

In addition to advancing cancer research, the project is designed to prepare the next generation of scientists by providing students with meaningful research experiences and opportunities to present their work at conferences and contribute to scientific publications.

鈥淥ne of the most exciting aspects of this project is the opportunity to bridge fundamental chemistry with meaningful biomedical applications,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭he potential to discover new compounds with real therapeutic relevance is highly motivating. Equally exciting is the role this project plays in student development, providing hands-on research experiences that prepare them for careers in science and healthcare.鈥�

Through the collaboration with UAMS, Walker and his team hope to advance the search for more effective, targeted cancer treatments while providing UA 糖心视频logo students with transformative, hands-on research experiences.

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The project focuses on developing socio-computational methods to strengthen community resilience against cognitive attacks. These attacks include coordinated online efforts to manipulate beliefs, influence behavior, and spread harmful narratives through social media and digital platforms. The research builds on nationally recognized work underway at UA 糖心视频logo’s Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS) Research Center, which Agarwal founded and directs.

The COSMOS Research Center at UA 糖心视频logo conducts interdisciplinary research focused on social computing, AI-enabled socio-cognitive threat mitigation, narrative analytics, online behavioral modeling, and cognitive security.

The award was championed through support from U.S. Sen. John Boozman, who highlighted the importance of the research to national security.

鈥淚 am pleased to support UA 糖心视频logo and its Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies,鈥� Boozman said. 鈥淭his award recognizes the significance of this program to our national security. The important research conducted here will enhance our ability to counter the use of novel social media tactics by foreign extremists and terrorist groups threatening the United States and our allies.鈥�

Agarwal said the funding will allow researchers to continue developing advanced tools and capabilities to better understand how online narratives influence behavior and how communities can build resilience against coordinated manipulation efforts.

鈥淲e are extremely grateful for the support from UA 糖心视频logo leadership and U.S. Sen. John Boozman for championing this vital research,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淭his funding allows the COSMOS Research Center to continue advancing analytical capabilities that strengthen our nation’s defense against cognitive threats.鈥�

As social media platforms increasingly shape public discourse, coordinated influence operations have emerged as a growing challenge for governments, organizations, and communities. The project seeks to provide science-driven approaches for detecting harmful narratives, understanding how they spread through online networks, and informing effective intervention strategies before they result in real-world consequences.

鈥淪ocial media has evolved into a contested cognitive battlespace where narratives can be weaponized to manipulate beliefs, sow discord, and influence collective behavior at unprecedented speed,鈥� Agarwal said. 鈥淭his project aims to strengthen community resiliency by developing computational methods that help identify harmful narrative dynamics early, understand how they spread across networks, and inform effective intervention strategies.鈥�

The project will advance research in six key areas, including narrative and network modeling, toxicity in online communities, mob dynamics, churn analysis, contextual network characterization, and large-scale data collection and dashboarding.

Researchers will develop new methods to analyze how narratives emerge and evolve across digital ecosystems, examine how online communities amplify coordinated campaigns, and adapt epidemiological modeling techniques to better understand the spread of toxicity in online environments.

In addition to advancing research, the initiative will support workforce development and training opportunities in big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and security applications, helping prepare the next generation of AI and cybersecurity professionals in Arkansas and beyond.

The award continues a longstanding partnership between the COSMOS Research Center and the U.S. Department of War in advancing research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, social computing, and national security.

With this award, UA 糖心视频logo continues to expand its national research footprint, leveraging expertise in artificial intelligence and social computing to develop solutions that strengthen communities and enhance security in an increasingly connected world.

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Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, participants will learn how to collect and analyze digital evidence, using the same tools and techniques as cybersecurity professionals.

The weeklong camp is open to students in grades 7-12 and is led by the UA 糖心视频logo Cybersecurity Club, directed by Becky Passmore, assistant professor of computer science, and Dr. Sandra Leiterman, director of cybersecurity education and outreach. Club members have dedicated months to planning activities, developing lessons, and designing hands-on challenges to introduce participants to cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Operation Cyber Sleuth is supported in part by the Dr. Charles and Betty K. Hathaway Summer STEM Scholarship Program, which promotes educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Camp sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day on the fourth floor of the Engineering and Information Technology Building (EIT).

鈥淔or me, cybersecurity camps are essential,鈥� said Leiterman, director of cybersecurity education and outreach. 鈥淲e’ve hosted a camp every year since 2021, and one of my favorite parts is watching confidence grow in everyone involved.鈥�

Throughout the week, students will collaborate with club members to learn how digital evidence is collected, analyzed, and used to resolve cyber incidents. The camp will conclude with a digital capture-the-flag competition, giving students the opportunity to apply their new skills.

A highlight of the camp will occur on Thursday, June 25, when members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation鈥檚 Evidence Response Team (ERT) visit campus to lead activities. Participants will rotate through DNA, fingerprint, and trace evidence stations, gaining practical experience with investigative techniques. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from FBI professionals and understand how forensic science supports investigations.

鈥淥ne of the most rewarding parts of this camp is watching students realize that they can do this,鈥� Passmore said. 鈥淏y learning directly from FBI Evidence Response Team members and working through hands-on investigations, they gain confidence, ask bigger questions, and begin to envision themselves as the next generation of cybersecurity and forensic professionals.鈥�

Operation Cyber Sleuth combines hands-on activities from club members, university mentors, and FBI professionals to give participants real-world experience in cybersecurity and digital forensics. Attendees will gain practical investigative skills and a deeper understanding of the vital role cybersecurity professionals play in protecting information and addressing cyber threats.

鈥淥ne of our club鈥檚 core values is giving back to our community,鈥� said Monica Procknaw, president of the UA 糖心视频logo Cybersecurity Club. 鈥淲e believe in investing our time and resources to help students explore new opportunities and discover what鈥檚 possible through education. Through Operation Cyber Sleuth, we hope to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and show students the many educational and career pathways available to them right here in Arkansas.鈥�

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By the end of the AI Hackathon and HealthTech at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo, they had become teammates, budding entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers, developing innovative solutions focused on dementia care, maternal health, insurance access, mental health, and patient services.

Resonate Wins $10,000 Grand Prize

The hackathon’s top honor and $10,000 grand prize went to Resonate, a music therapy platform designed to improve access to music therapy for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The idea was inspired by a story shared by a dementia care professional who described a patient who began humming along to a familiar song after years without speaking. The experience demonstrated how music can help unlock memories and create meaningful connections for people living with dementia.

The Resonate team developed a platform that creates personalized music playlists based on a patient’s preferences and uses AI-powered voice analysis to help caregivers identify emotional states and recommend music that may provide comfort and support. The team focused particularly on making music therapy more accessible and affordable for families in rural and underserved communities.

“The question is not whether music therapy works, but rather how to make it accessible and affordable,” the team told judges during its final presentation.

Team Resonate included Aras Erdag and Brodie Smith of 糖心视频logo; Cami Gonzalez, Satya Achanti, and Shreyan Movva of Bentonville; Joshua Davis of Conway; Koree Arndt of Bella Vista; and Tanvi Virani of Lamar.

Team members said collaboration played a major role in their success throughout the week.

“This experience was really fun,” said Satya Achanti. “We learned a lot of different things from different workshops, and we had a lot of teamwork and a lot of dedicated time that we spent. We stayed up late many nights, and we’re very happy that we won.”

Shreyan Movva credited the team’s ability to work together throughout the competition.

“Overall, team contribution and team cooperation helped us a lot, and it feels great to win,” he said.

For Koree Arndt, one of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the opportunity to collaborate with students from across the state.

“My team’s amazing. I’ve met so many amazing people, and I’ve loved the chance to work on leadership, work on developing my skills in tech, and just building things, because I love to build,” Arndt said.

InsuraMatch Earns Second Place

The second-place prize of $5,000 went to InsuraMatch, a platform designed to help users better understand and navigate health insurance options.

The team focused on addressing the confusion many consumers face when selecting healthcare coverage. Their platform uses conversational AI, educational resources, and cost-comparison tools to help users understand insurance terminology and identify plans that best fit their needs.

The InsuraMatch team included Blessing Itodo of 糖心视频logo, Dilasa Yaman of North 糖心视频logo, Eric Wang of Cave Springs, Ishmam Solaiman of 糖心视频logo, Krish Mehta of Conway, Pfeiffer Slaveski of Centerton, and Yogi Patel of 糖心视频logo.

Materna Takes Third Place

The third-place prize of $3,000 went to Materna, a wearable health monitoring platform designed to support pregnant women in rural Arkansas

Combining a wearable bracelet, mobile application, and AI-powered monitoring tools, Materna allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patient vital signs and identify potential health risks. The team developed the project to address transportation barriers, healthcare deserts, and limited access to prenatal care in many rural communities across the state.

The Materna team included Ali Rizwan of Cabot, Alyson Chapman of Centerton, Sach Gulmammadov of Jonesboro, Isidora Adeloa and Ivonne Barbosa-Melgarejo of 糖心视频logo, and Kshitiz Khatiwada and Pronita Ghimire of Monticello.

Students Tackle Diverse Healthcare Challenges

Other teams also developed solutions addressing a wide range of healthcare and wellness concerns.

The team behind Mind Bloom created an AI-powered student wellness platform designed to help schools identify and support students experiencing stress and mental health challenges. Team members included Anay Pandit of Benton, Hannah Robertson, Jake Hu, Luke Wang, Rudra Pratap Mukherjee, and Vishak Meenachi of 糖心视频logo, Joel Johnson of Bentonville, and Tanisha Virani of Lamar.

Another notable project, Bro 2 Bro, focused on improving mental and physical health outcomes among Black men by connecting users with support groups, healthcare resources, mentors, and community organizations through trusted spaces such as barbershops and churches.

Students also developed Sirona, a solution aimed at reducing emergency room wait times and improving patient flow.

While the projects varied in focus, they shared a common goal: using technology to address real-world healthcare challenges affecting Arkansas communities.

Over the course of the week, students transformed ideas into prototypes, business plans, and presentations evaluated by healthcare and industry leaders. In the end, 30 students won a combined $20,000 in prize money, but, more importantly, demonstrated what can happen when some of Arkansas’s brightest young minds spend a week reimagining healthcare.

“What I was most excited about coming into this event was to meet the people,” Arndt said. “I’ve met so many amazing people, and I’m just so grateful to have the opportunity to be here and do what I love.”

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

McNerny said he chose UA 糖心视频logo because of its strong academic environment and mentorship opportunities.

鈥淭he graduate school at UA 糖心视频logo is world class in terms of research, mentorship, and furthering education,鈥� he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The program, created by the Arkansas Research Alliance and AR-NETWORK, provides funding, mentorship, and professional development support to faculty researchers across Arkansas.

The ERL Program provides $30,000 annually for up to two years along with professional development opportunities such as mentorship and proposal development training. The grant is designed to strengthen Arkansas researchers’ competitiveness for external funding and help grow sustainable research programs within the state.

Siraj said the award will play an important role in advancing her research program at UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淩eceiving the ERL award is deeply meaningful to me and to the research program I am building at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� Siraj said. 鈥淚 believe this opportunity will significantly strengthen my leadership capacity, proposal development skills, and ability to build and manage high-performing research teams.鈥�

Siraj鈥檚 research spans areas such as nanomedicine, lithium energy storage, and flexible electronic technologies. She plans to use the funding to support student researchers, expand research collaborations, and enhance the university鈥檚 research capabilities through new equipment and resources.

Siraj said she hopes the program will help her build stronger partnerships across Arkansas while advancing workforce development and innovation.

鈥淭hrough the ERL Program, I hope to build strong partnerships with state agencies and industry stakeholders to ensure that our research contributes meaningfully to Arkansas鈥檚 economy,鈥� Siraj said. 鈥淚 believe the program will provide an important platform for developing competitive research proposals and translational research strategies through interdisciplinary collaboration across Arkansas and other states.鈥�

Looking ahead, Siraj hopes her research will contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies and support economic growth in Arkansas and beyond.

鈥淭hrough ERL mentorship and training, I aim to further mature this technology, strengthen federal grant proposals, and secure sustained external funding that will support continued research development, workforce training, and future commercialization efforts,鈥� she said.

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