Biris among state’s first research fellows

Dr. Alexandru S. Biris, director and chief scientist of the UALR Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences (CINS), is among the inaugural class of Arkansas research fellows named by the Arkansas Research Alliance. Biris and four other fellows from across the state were recognized as the alliance announced the launch of its new program, ARA Fellows, during a press conference at the State Capitol Building on Wednesday, Dec. 3. ARA Fellows are nominated by his or her chancellor and receive a $75,000 grant paid over three years. The five inaugural fellows represent the five research universities in the state: UALR, Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and UA at Pine Bluff. Dr. Biris explores the ways nanostructures can be used to alter the properties of other substances at the atomic level. His vision for CINS is its aggressive outreach program to train and educate young people, as well as world-class scientists. These recruits will serve and attract business and industry to Arkansas from the region and the nation. “I am pleased that Dr. Biris has been recognized for his remarkable research as an ARA Fellow,” said UALR Chancellor Joel Anderson. “His record as a researcher, teacher, and mentor speaks for itself. In a state with limited resources, Dr. Biris has been a facilitator for leveraging funds, and his belief in nurturing the next generation of scientists is evident in his work with students.” Dr. Biris is also a professor in the Systems Engineering Department in the Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology and serves as the Sturgis Endowed Chair for Excellence in NanoSciences. He received a doctorate from UALR in applied science: engineering sciences and systems in 2004. He received a master’s degree in 1997 in material science and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Babes Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania in 1996. More about the fellows program The ARA Fellows program is a companion to the well-established ARA Scholars program, which recruits research talent to Arkansas. The Fellows program will recognize distinguished university research leaders who are already working in the state. The new program was conceived and vetted with the guidance of the ARA board of trustees, along with oversight and input from academic leaders from the five research universities in Arkansas. “ARA is proud of the new ARA Fellows program because it underscores our mission to stimulate economic opportunities through university innovation and collaboration,” stated Jerry Adams, ARA president and CEO. “By identifying and investing in researchers currently working in the state, we are maximizing opportunities for commercialization and economic impact.” “The Fellows are proven research leaders and highly regarded at their respective universities, and they share the same vision as the ARA Scholars: to impact Arkansas through innovative research with commercial applications,” stated Jeff Gardner, president and CEO of Windstream and chairman of the ARA board of trustees. About Arkansas Research Alliance ARA is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of trustees comprised of chancellors from Arkansas research universities and CEOs from across the state. ARA evolved out of the visioning developed in a 2007 strategic plan developed by Accelerate Arkansas. In 2007, the Arkansas legislature approved the appropriation of start-up operational funding from the state’s general improvement fund. Funding was authorized through the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. Operating as a public-private partnership, ARA is committed to strengthening the economic competitiveness of Arkansas by maximizing university-based research and innovation in designated strategic focus areas. To learn more, visit www.aralliance.org.