More than 150 UA Little Rock students will present work at this year’s expanded Student Research and Creative Works Showcase on Thursday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jack Stephens Center.

The event, formerly the Student Research and Creative Works Expo has a new location and an expanded emphasis that includes creative and service work – as well as professional application.

“Our major goal was to diversify the types of projects,” said Dr. Jeremy Ecke, chair of the Student Research and Creative Works Committee. “We have art installations, performances, and demonstrations, and we hope to continue to build and expand on the showcase.”

The event will feature the work of Signature Experience and Arkansas Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) awardees. Participation in the showcase was open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Fourteen students will give oral presentations during the showcase, and four students who are currently studying abroad have recorded their research presentations which will be available for viewing at the event.

The showcase also include a 10-minute theatrical performance, “Quinceañera” by student Rosalinda Roper. Performance times will be at 12:05 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. adjacent to  the Legends Room.

The showcase is free and open to the public.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to see how UA Little Rock students are engaged in high-level research, some of which is directly benefiting our community,” Ecke said. “It’s a opportunity for students to get feedback from community and business leaders on how to apply their academic interests and skills to a variety of intern, volunteer, and career opportunities.”

Some of the this year’s presentations include studies on the effects of urbanization on the Fourche Creek floodplain, the benefits of serving as a Spanish interpreter​ at the 12th Street Clinic, the development of a communications app for the Little Rock Air Force Base​, the creation of ​self-cleaning solar panels, and the utilization of rain water for home cooling.

At least 20 more faculty judges are still needed for some of the projects. The sign up-sheet is here.

Questions or comments should be directed to Dr. Jeremy Ecke, chair of the Student Research and Creative Works Committee at jsecke@ualr.edu.