UA Little Rock Researchers Receive Arkansas Research Alliance Impact Grants
Three University of Arkansas at Little Rock researchers have been awarded Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) Impact Grants to advance groundbreaking projects in nanotechnology, food safety, and artificial bone repair. The grants, part of a $1.86 million initiative, support research that drives innovation and economic growth in Arkansas.
Dr. Alex Biris, chief scientist at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, Dr. Mariya Khodakovskaya, professor of plant biology, and Dr. Tansel Karabacak, director of the School of Physical Sciences, were among 25 researchers across the state to receive funding through the competitive ARA Impact Grant Program. Each grant provides up to $75,000 for projects that align with one of seven targeted growth areas, including precision agriculture, materials engineering applications, and population health innovations.
“Each of these grants helps push forward practical research that intersects with growth opportunities aligned with Arkansas’ economic growth,” said Douglas Hutchings, ARA Academy director. “We look forward to seeing the results of the research.”
ARA Impact Grants were awarded for the first time to researchers outside the ARA Academy of Scholars & Fellows, emphasizing a statewide push for university-industry collaboration.
“Among ARA mandates is to bring deeper collaboration between the state’s research community and industry,” said Bryan J. Barnhouse, ARA president and CEO. “The demand for the Impact Grant program is proof of concept that when applied research is paired with the vested interest of industry across targeted sectors, it fuels innovation that leads to the development of new technologies and economic advancement of our state.”
Research at UA Little Rock plays a vital role in advancing innovation and economic development across Arkansas. Their work not only contributes to scientific progress but also fosters industry partnerships, creates job opportunities, and strengthens Arkansas’s position as a hub for research-driven growth.
“These ARA grants provide much-needed resources to researchers as they tackle critical challenges and develop innovative solutions that benefit society,” said Dr. Brian Berry, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost of research. “By supporting cutting-edge research, these grants help drive economic growth in Arkansas and strengthen the state’s position in an increasingly competitive global market.”
Advancing Bone Regeneration Technology
Biris is leading research on NuCress™ Bone Void Filler, an Arkansas-developed technology designed to improve healing for patients with serious bone injuries, such as ACL tears. The project will evaluate its safety and potential benefits, with implications for athletes, military personnel, and the medical industry. The commercialization of this technology could also drive economic growth within the state.
“I am extremely grateful to the ARA for their support and funding of our project,” Biris said. “This grant focuses on the further development of our bone regeneration project that has shown impressive results and has attracted significant interest and funding from federal sources, including the Department of Defense. The ARA Impact Grant will allow us to take this research to the next level and to prove that our technology works in an orthopedic model that is well established and which could result in immense positive medical and human impact. We are grateful for ARA’s support and leadership, not only for its impact on my research efforts but also for its contributions to Arkansas.”
Innovations in Urban Farming with Nanotechnology
Khodakovskaya’s project integrates sustainable nanotechnology into urban agriculture, helping farmers grow healthier, more nutritious food in limited spaces. Her research aims to enhance plant productivity while reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers, ultimately increasing food security and supporting local communities.
“We are honored to receive this grant, which will allow us to advance innovative solutions for urban agriculture in Arkansas,” Khodakovskaya said. “This project bridges the gap between successful laboratory experiments and real-world applications in urban farming. By leveraging cutting-edge nanotechnologies, we aim to enhance plant productivity and nutritional value while reducing reliance on conventional agrochemicals.”
Developing Antibacterial Stainless-Steel Surfaces
Karabacak is tackling bacterial contamination in food processing and healthcare industries by developing a cost-effective method to create antibacterial stainless-steel surfaces. The process eliminates the need for chemical coatings, providing a safer, more sustainable solution to food safety concerns.
“On behalf of our team, I would like to express our gratitude to ARA for this prestigious grant, which will enable us to explore our hypothesis on developing antibacterial stainless-steel surfaces through a simple, low-cost, and scalable approach,” Karabacak said. “This grant will facilitate collaboration with our industry partner, Safe Foods, ensuring our research addresses real-world problems. We also plan to prepare larger grant proposals for federal programs and submit patent applications for the new technology developed in this project. It also offers us the opportunity to work alongside our national laboratory collaborators at NCTR.”
Founded in 2008, the Arkansas Research Alliance supports research that drives innovation and strengthens the state’s economy through partnerships between universities and industry. With these new grants, UA Little Rock researchers continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, bringing practical solutions to Arkansas communities and beyond.