Two UALR applied science students accompanied Dean Michael Gealt of the College of Science and Math to Washington recently, invited by the National Academies to discuss the growing challenges of the country’s economy.

UALR students Michael Wolverton of Little Rock and Daniel Rucker of Hot Springs, both majoring in applied science, and Gealt were among 13 Arkansans invited to the event. Among others attending were Jerry Adams, president of the Arkansas Research Alliance, software developer and entrepreneur James Hendren, construction executive Greg Nabholz, and Gail McClure, vice president of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.

The National Academies is an organization created to address the nation’s critical needs in science, engineering, and medicine.