The Kays Foundation has awarded a $9,215 grant to Dr. Mohammad Abrar Alam, professor of chemistry and holder of the Beck Professorship. The grant will help support Alam’s continuing development of a relevant, cutting edge and sustainable research program involving both undergraduate and graduate STEM students. The grant is titled "Antibacterial Characterization of Pyrazole Compounds to Find Novel Antibiotics to Treat Drug­Resistant Bacterial Infections."

Arkansas Business has announced that Dr. Todd Shields, chancellor, is a finalist in the public sector/education category of its annual Arkansas Executive of the Year recognition program. Entering his third year as A-State’s CEO, Shields’ selection is based on career achievements and his progress toward the institution’s goals, including a focus on strategic partnerships and initiatives with the potential to transform the community and the state.

Dr. Carlitta Moore (left), vice chancellor for access and institutional engagement, and Dr. Scott Bruce (right), assistant dean for research, Nursing and Health Professions, presented a learning lab at the National Athletic Trainers' Association's 75th annual Clinical Symposia and AT Expo in New Orleans. Their presentation covered how virtual reality can be used to aid in the rehabilitation of concussions and enhance the perception movement process.

Dr. Hrishikesh Desai, assistant professor of accounting, won the Outstanding Reviewer Award from the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ). The award was based on his reviews of two papers on blockchain that he completed for the 2024 AFAANZ Conference in Auckland. He won a cash prize from CPA Australia. Desai also was interviewed recently by MoneyGeek.com for his insights on federal income taxation.

Dr. Gregory Hansen, professor of folklore and English, gave an invited presentation for the Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts program. In a professional development session on Arkansas hauntings, he demonstrated how teachers can use ghost stories and legends in their classroom instruction. Dr. Lauren Adams Willette, who recently completed her doctorate in A-State’s heritage studies Ph.D. program, coordinated the three-day workshop in Fayetteville.