Expert Speakers, Research Presentations among Highlights at UA Little Rock Symposium
Research takes many forms, from investigating questions in the lab or classroom to working with community partners to address challenges beyond campus — and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) will highlight that work during its annual Research Symposium Sept. 17-18.
The two-day symposium will showcase research and scholarship across CBHHS through faculty and graduate student presentations, workshops, and sessions highlighting faculty research grant recipients. Beyond sharing findings, the symposium will give the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus community a chance to learn from each other, explore new ideas, and find opportunities for collaboration.
“This symposium reflects who we are as a college, which is a community of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to doing research that matters for our community and to supporting each other’s growth,” said Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, associate dean and professor of criminal justice. “We’ve built a symposium program with something for everyone, from research presentations to skill-building workshops. I hope faculty, staff, and students from all over campus will join us.”
Presentations will cover topics with connections beyond the classroom. Faculty and graduate student researchers will examine questions ranging from how artificial intelligence safeguards influence perceptions of accountability, to how culturally responsive simulations prepare nursing students to address maternal health disparities. Other projects will explore how online gaming skills translate to the workforce and how data reporting requirements affect organizations serving people experiencing homelessness in Arkansas.
Among the symposium’s featured events is a presentation from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician, researcher, director of the OCD Institute of Texas, and adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine. Her talk, The Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults, will explore what research on OCD and anxiety can teach educators about helping young adults become more independent and resilient. This topic is especially relevant to the ongoing efforts of UA Little Rock faculty and staff dedicated to supporting student success, well-being, and growth. McIngvale will present from 3-4:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the EIT Auditorium, with a reception to follow.
The first day will also include Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the School of Public Affairs, leading the first workshop session, Working with Community Partners on Grants/Contracts, from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The workshop will focus on building relationships with community organizations and navigating opportunities to collaborate through grants and contracts. It will offer practical guidance for those interested in strengthening research partnerships or pursuing external funds.
The following day will offer a different look at sharing research and expertise. Carrie Phillips, the university’s chief communications and marketing officer, will lead 25 Tips for Working with Media from 12:15-1:30 p.m. in Reynolds 103. The session will share practical tips and strategies for those who want to better understand how to work with reporters, pitch their work, and make the most of media opportunities.
The CBHHS Research Symposium promises to spark thoughtful discussion and inspire fresh ideas as faculty, staff, and students share their latest work. Attendees can expect new perspectives, insights into research across the college, and connections with colleagues whose work is shaping how we understand and respond to challenges in health care, business, and communities.