Dr. Abbas is a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Currently, he serves on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation and Frontiers in Neuroengineering, is an Associate Editor for the IEEE EMBS and Neural Engineering Conferences and is a member of the Steering Committee for the Data Resource Center of the NIH SPARC Initiative. Dr. Abbas received his B.S. in bioelectrical engineering from Brown University and then taught secondary school mathematics and worked on public health projects in Malawi as a US Peace Corps volunteer. He received the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Abbas’ research program develops and applies neural engineering techniques in the areas of medical rehabilitation and exercise. His research includes the design and development of neurotechnology, the development and use of computational models, and experimental evaluation of neurotechnology and rehabilitation systems in human subjects.

Assistant Research Professor Meredith Adkins cares about communities. Her role at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) offers opportunities to positively impact the community, region, and world. Being involved in research projects that bring capital and resources to diverse communities creating innovative, scalable, and tangible impact allows her this opportunity. “My interest is in historically disadvantaged communities that haven’t had the same access to resources,” she says.

Meredith cites the unique model of I³R as the reason for making a career transition into a more research-based role at the University of Arkansas from previous community engagement roles. “I³R is building a structure that enables faculty to focus on research impact. By building a strong support team that helps with all necessary needs, I³R is an ecosystem that allows people to specialize in their area of expertise and collaborate for greater impact.”

Her research focus is rooted in addressing societal deficiencies by utilizing technology to support diverse and excluded communities in building sustainable and scalable economic opportunities. “I’m really interested in the concept of ‘last mile’ innovation for communities that are furthest removed from advanced technologies.” As a native Arkansan, Meredith is passionate about her work with regional communities, such as the Delta region of Arkansas, surrounding states, and the Cherokee Nation.

Meredith spends significant time outdoors in the scenic Ozarks with her husband, daughter, and her extended family network in Northwest Arkansas. “We live in the woods and love that environment to raise our young daughter. Some of my most innovative ideas and research concepts are written while embedded in the woods.”

Meredith earned her PhD in Public Policy and Community Development from the University of Arkansas. She has been awarded the NSF Convergence Accelerator Track J, Food and Nutrition Security Grant. Meredith has also been named “One to Watch” by the Celebrate Arkansas Magazine and was awarded the High-Performance Team Award and the Dean’s Professionalism Award from the Sam. M. Walton College of Business.

Clinical Trial Support Engineer Diego Aguilar plays a critical role in supporting integrated research in the Adaptive Neural Systems (ANS) Lab at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R). His background in medical device design and expertise in human research, creates the framework and pathways for researchers to test prototypes, connect, disseminate information, and put innovations on the path to market. “I joined I³R because of our mission to restore part of the self that is lost with amputation by integrating the self with technology.”

Diego is a point of contact for the Neural-Enabled Prosthetic Hand (NEPH) clinical trial and supervises recruitment, screening, and enrollment of clinical trial participants. His responsibilities extend to designing systems for data capture and management that simplify research operations. “I really want to help our team understand how to fine-tune and personalize the NEPH system for its user.”

He cites the integration of researchers and support team at I³R as key to conducting innovative research and credits the administrative and communication teams for their efforts to help manage and share information. “It is so valuable to have someone who takes on administrative tasks and communicates with the public to raise awareness and support recruitment for our clinical studies.”

Diego credits his long-term relationship with the ANS team for moving to the University of Arkansas from Florida International University. “The ANS team and I have been family since I was a student. I work with brilliant people and have grown alongside them.”

When not working with his I³R family, he cooks novel cuisines in the kitchen for his wife. “The kitchen is my personal lab. I like to try new things and cooking gives me the space to be flexible, and creative.”

Diego earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University.

Post-Doctoral Fellow Justin Asbee brings a unique perspective to his work with the Adaptive Neural Systems (ANS) Group within the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research(I³R). “I worked many blue-collar jobs when I was younger. I struggled with feeling fulfilled with my work,” Justin recalls. “ Doing impactful research provides that.”

His experience and formal education in psychology and behavioral sciences support his role with the ANS Group, which is currently engaged in a clinical trial for a novel neural-enabled prosthetic hand (NEPH) system, the first ever wireless implantable prosthetic hand which restores a meaningful sense of touch and grip force to the user. Justin focuses on research methodology to derive the best way to set up a study and collect data, while also factoring emotions and behaviors of the clinical trial participants. “I work directly with participants,” he says. “We want to figure out what each person is feeling physically and emotionally and how the prosthetic performs by measuring different ways it impacts their life.”

Interacting with the team at I³R is a new experience for Justin. He appreciates the opportunity to gain perspective on how different people from diverse backgrounds apply their skills to solving problems. “Working with my team is great. We all collaborate to not just do research, but to use it to create something bigger that could have a positive impact on people.”

Justin joined I³R for the impactful prosthetic and virtual reality projects, a subsect of his studies he is interested in pursuing. He envisions moving mental health assessments into virtual reality in the future.

He spends his time away from solving wicked problems exploring a number of hobbies and engaging his brothers in video games to stay connected and continue a life-long spirited brotherly competition.

Justin earned his PhD in Behavioral Sciences from the University of North Texas.

Doctoral Fellow Tommaso Benigni was greatly influenced by “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”, especially the scene where Darth Vader amputates Luke Skywalker’s hand. “At the end of the movie, Luke receives a prosthetic hand, and I began to wonder if I could do that,” Tommaso recalls.

This event led him to research prosthetics that not only provide functionality but sensory feedback to the user enabling them to feel as if the prosthetic is part of their body.

A member of the Adaptive Neural Systems Group at I³R working on the Neural Enabled Prosthetic Hand project, Tommaso’s research investigates approaches to create neural connections between prosthesis and brain to improve performance of the prosthetic and provide feedback that allows the user to feel like the limb is part of their body. “We want to help people feel things; and in the process learn more about how the brain and body work. Research suggests some amputees don’t wear their prosthetic due to the lack of sensation,” Tommaso adds. Tommaso envisions the Neural Enabled Hand being brought to market will enhance the lives of amputees.

When not solving wicked problems, Tommaso mentors underrepresented high school and undergraduate students to support their research, skill development, and academic goals. He loves to cook and homebrew. Joining I³R from Florida International University, Tommaso loves the diversity of people and the region’s natural environment. “

Tommaso earned his PhD in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Arkansas.

Lab Assistant Sophie Copelin brings creativity and a life-long exposure to engineering to her role at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R). Her father’s occupation as an engineering instructor kickstarted her interest in mechanical processes. After beginning her studies at the University of Arkansas majoring in public health, she switched to biomedical engineering to put her creativity into her passion. “I wanted to have an impact on someone’s life and create something to help people in the long run.”

Sophie connected with Dr. James Abbas, professor of biomedical engineering and member of the team responsible for creating and conducting clinical trials of the Neural Enabled Prosthetic Hand (NEPH), about research opportunities at I³R. Sophie supports research and clinical trials in the Adaptive Neural Systems (ANS) Lab and finds the environment at I³R conducive to learning skills that she can apply in the future. “I know I can talk to peers of all ages, ask questions, and they’ll have an answer. There’s a lot of collaborative opportunities for undergraduates at the University of Arkansas.”

Sophie’s lifelong passion for dancing is unmistakable, and in her free time she assists studio, junior, and senior high dance teams with the creation and learning of choreography, creating more than 50 routines since her freshman year of high school. She is also a member of the University of Arkansas dance team. In conjunction with dancing, she spends her time working on her honors thesis. “I like to stay busy. If I’m not busy, I don’t have balance.”

Sophie is expected to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering in May 2024. She is currently in University Honors.

Lab Scientist and Manager Avery Holmes believes science is the perfect field for a dedicated life-long learner, and the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) is the perfect environment to start a career. “I just want to learn new things each day. I am glad I found a place where I can accomplish this goal. It’s different from any environment I’ve worked in before.”

Avery’s responsibilities find her working alongside distinguished researchers in the institute’s Adaptive Neural Systems (ANS) Group helping implant electrodes that interface with the Neural Enabled Prosthetic Hand (NEPH) system. “We see the impact we have on people; it’s not abstract or invisible. It’s cool to meet the people we are affecting.”

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Environmental Studies, Avery started looking for positions at colleges and universities throughout the country. She fielded offers from other research institutions, but I³R brought her back home to Arkansas where she grew up. “I looked far and wide between many colleges and universities, but I couldn’t get the University of Arkansas off my mind. It’s a good place to be.”

When not learning to solve wicked problems in the lab, Avery likes to express herself creatively by making art, cooking, and gardening. “I draw and turn those drawings into screen prints.”

Avery earned a Bachelors of Science in Enviromental Science from the University of Oklahoma, with plans to pursue a Master’s degree.

Prototyping and Fabrication Manager Jeff Jouett’s fascination with manufacturing began during his childhood, when he started reverse engineering gadgets to see how they worked. “I was a tinkerer. I took things apart as much as I could and put them back together.”

His childhood curiosity led him to a career in product development making visual models by hand. This ultimately led to prototypes and parts production for companies like Microsoft, SpaceX, and Boeing. “I love being able to take an idea and turn it into a physical product. It’s so rewarding.” His extensive experience with business applications provides a valuable perspective while working with the engineers and researchers at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R). “I try to look at everything from a manufacturing standpoint, which assists us in streamlining processes. Whether it be gaining interest by conveying project concepts or producing feasible prototypes” Collaborating with the engineers and researchers, Jeff shares the vision of I³R to solve wicked problems that make a large-scale global impact.

He is forming the prototyping infrastructure at I³R to facilitate bringing diverse ideas to reality. His insights on equipment with the ability to produce parts from various materials allow for effective research. “We need to be self-sustaining to work with our engineers and researchers, but also engage with outside industry to support the growing innovation and startup ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas.”

Jeff studied architecture at the University of Arkansas and has family roots in Northwest Arkansas. Two of his children are seniors at the University, furthering his love for the region. “Fayetteville has always felt like home. I’m an outdoor guy so I love all Arkansas has to offer.”

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science in Illustration and Graphic Design from Bemidji State University.

Dr. Jung joined U of A in December 2021 and serves as an endowed chair, Distinguished Professor of biomedical engineering, and associate vice-chancellor. Her experience includes serving as interim Dean and Department Chair in a College of Engineering and Computing. Professor Jung’s research is at the cutting edge between engineering and neuroscience, developing devices that lead to scientific advances with clear pathways to clinical application. A champion for innovation and entrepreneurship, her team developed the first wireless, implantable neural-interface system for restoring sensations to individuals with upper-limb amputation and received FDA approval to conduct a first-in-human trial. A Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Inventors, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the Biomedical Engineering Society she holds 14 U.S. patents, has founded a company, and has authored more than 130 publications. She is also appointed to the US National Institutes of Health National Advisory Council for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Jung received her Doctoral and Master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, USA and her Bachelor’s with Distinction, in Electronics & Communication Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India.

Senior Research Scientist Dr. Sathyakumar S Kuntaegowdanahalli’s parents sparked a passion for community service in him as a child. His mother worked as a teacher and his father in public service. “They showed me how rewarding it was to serve the community in your own way,” Sathya says, “and working in the Adaptive Neural Systems Lab at I³R is my way of serving the community.”

Sathya connects his background in electrical engineering with medical research as a member of the interdisciplinary team that developed and received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to investigate an innovative prosthetic hand system that has the potential to deliver meaningful sensations of touch, grip force and hand opening to upper limb amputees. “We’ve created a device that relays relevant sensory information from sensors in the prosthetic hand, through the nerves in the arm and the spinal cord, to the brain enabling the individual to know what they are doing and feeling with their prosthesis,” he says. Sathya views his groundbreaking work to integrate the nervous system with the novel neural-enabled prosthetic hand as a way to make a positive societal impact.

As a biomedical engineer, Sathya envisions discovering scalable solutions at the intersection of medical engineering, medical sciences, and technology that make significant contributions to enhancing quality of life. He finds the creative and collaborative environment at I³R uniquely suited for the success of the research he is part of due to the supporting infrastructure. “We have the physical resources and administrative support to move our research into the market,” Sathya adds.

Outside of the lab, Sathya devotes time to his young children, enjoys running, and wildlife photography.

Sathya earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University. He has received the Cade Prize for Innovation, as well as the C3i Concept to Clinic: Commercializing Innovation Programs from the National Institute of Health.

Doctoral Fellow Arianna Ortega Sanabria wanted to help people with life-altering neurological injuries after her father experienced a spinal cord injury when she was young. Her mother’s unique outlook asa doctor influenced her perspective on the matters involved with neurological deficits. “All my life I’ve seen the challenges of neurological injury. My perspective is unique. There are many aspects to nerve inadequacy that must be considered, and there isn’t a simple answer to the questions it raises.”

After completing her studies in chemical engineering in Venezuela, Arianna worked in the medical division of Johnson & Johnson as an analyst and process manager. She applies her professional experience to research with the Adaptive Neural Systems team within the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) on novel ways to select choice nerves to improve applications for bioelectric medicines. “As this technology improves, we can target specific fibers to address other aspects of neurological injuries. Rather than just document the fact that the nerve is damaged, we can understand the best course of action beyond functionality.”

Arianna envisions her research leading to enhanced neural-enabled medical devices for diverse applications including spinal cord injuries. “I would love to see my research translated into something tangible. I love working in this environment because it’s possible to see the impact.”

When not conducting research, Arianna is working on her doctorate in biomedical engineering and getting acquainted with Northwest Arkansas and the University. “I love that it’s called the ‘Natural State.’ I’ve never done trails before. It is exciting to explore the outdoors.”

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from La Universidad Simon Bolivar in Miranda, Venezuela. Currently working on her PhD for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, Arianna has received the Latino Alumni Society Scholarship, Charbonneau Family Scholarship, P.K. Kuroda Endowed Graduate Fellowship. She was also awarded “Top Performer for Leadership Imperatives ‘'Shape'" from Johnson & Johnson.

Assistant Research Professor Dr. Andres Pena is driven by curiosity. From a young age, he made gadgets for himself and his friends. In the process, Andres developed passion for creation, leading to studies in electrical and biomedical engineering. This path found him at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) and the Adaptive Neural Systems (ANS) Group. “My hands itch when I’m curious about something. The only way to scratch that itch is learning about it.”

Andres brings a life-long passion for novel ideas to his work by answering big questions and solving wicked problems with ANS. His team is advancing development of an implant to enable sensory functionality in prosthetics. “We connect the prosthetic to peripheral nerve endings in the amputated arm, enabling the user to process meaningful sensations.”

The environment at I³R fits Andres, who envisions academic research as a pathway to developing deployable and impactful solutions. One of his main responsibilities is developing a business framework to facilitate commercialization of novel neurotechnology. “My studies are important to those affected by amputations, so everything we do needs to go out to people. I make sure we work towards marketability.”

Andres sees the impact of his work at I³R beyond ANS. With an educator mindset, he values his ability to mentor undergrads and the opportunity to learn from them. “I think the biggest impact are the long-term relationships that we build with students, faculty, and staff that we work with every day.”

He spends his time away from I³R working on projects with his wife who is an aspiring neonatologist and current engineer. “We don’t treat it like work. We just have fun talking about cool ideas and cool projects.”

Andres earned a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University. He has been the recipient of The University of Arkansas Women’s Giving Circle Grant, and he received third place for team project in 2020. His current research is funded by the Women’s Giving Circle.

Doctoral Fellow Aliyah Shell discovered her fascination with the human brain after analyzing cranial scans of infants during her undergrad studies to correct their growth deformities, sparking her curiosity about the nervous system. This led her to neural engineering and technology applications that connect brain and body systems to improve the lives of amputees.

Her research focuses on applying technology to rehabilitation tasks in virtual reality (VR) to improve sensorimotor function. Aliyah assesses the influence of touch perception in VR-rehabilitation tasks. “I am incorporating haptic feedback in VR to explore how it may be useful for rehabilitation in VR. Understanding this may benefit people who do not have easy access to therapy.“

Aliyah sees her impact as more than creating access to rehabilitation for someone with an amputation. She also wants to show people from diverse backgrounds they belong in the scientific community. Her work mentoring and developing opportunities for disadvantaged K – 8th grade students create pathways for entry into the sciences. “One of my biggest goals is to increase the number of minorities in engineering.”

Originally from New Jersey, Aliyah has used her time in Arkansas with I³R to connect with the region and her peers. “I really didn’t know what to expect. Being here has been eye-opening in a lot of ways, and a major reason for that is the people I work with.”

Aliyah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers Universityand is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, expected December 2024. She has been a recipient of the Ada I. Pressman Memorial Scholarship, Paul K. Kuroda Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Engineering, The University of Arkansas Women’s Giving Circle Grant, the FEF McKnight Doctoral Fellowship, and an honorable mention for the NSF GRFP 2020. Her current research is funded by the University of Arkansas Women’s Giving Circle.

Senior Research Scientist Dr. Anil Thota combines his love for medicine and engineering to solve problems. “My family has a love for medicine. Being able to combine this passion with engineering is challenging, but I love challenges. I believe everything should be simple to understand and do. I work to make things easier for people,” Anil says.

His 20-year career has taken him to MIT, Cleveland Clinic, and other research institutions where he focused on asking fundamental questions about the connections between the brain and body. Anil applies his experience in diverse fields of biomedical engineering as part of the team working on the Neural-Enabled Prosthetic Hand (NEPH) system. He leads clinical and data analysis components of the first FDA-IDE approved in-human class III medical device trial. The NEPH restores a meaningful sense of touch and grip force to individuals with an upper limb amputation. “It’s incredible to see people feel their partner’s touch with both of their hands for the first time in many, many years.”

Anil’s desire for simplicity aligns with the mission of the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) to solve wicked problems with accessible, equitable, and user-centered solutions with real world applications and impact. “We can make a prosthetic as sophisticated as possible, but if the end user cannot use it or it’s unattainable for them, why research it?” Anil asks. “We start with a simple question: What is the user’s actual need?”

When not conducting impactful research, Anil spends time enjoying Northwest Arkansas’ seasons walking, hiking, and cycling with his son. “The fall colors are beautiful.”

Anil earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University. He has been a finalist in the Southeast BIO plan business competition, held a Graduate Research Assistantship from the Cleveland Clinic.

Associate Director of Digital and Creative Services Laura Fickett believes in the power of an authentic story. “It is important to bridge the gap between researchers and the public. Making complex ideas accessible and transformative allows for tangible studies that can change the world. Working with researchers allows me to do this in a personable way,” she says.

After a successful career as a graphic designer, photographer, multi-media creative, and commercial branding business owner, Laura brought her extensive experience to the University of Arkansas. With a passion for science, neurology, and engineering, her skills complement those of the researchers with whom she collaborates. “Researchers know they need help translating their stories to an audience.” Managing the touchpoints the world uses to learn about the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R), she is responsible for the user experience of visitors. She translates research into understandable and interactive web content that gets people excited about the incredible work at I³R. “I hope when people learn of I³R they’re able to get a clear and real-time vision of who we are and what we do.”

Laura appreciates the value of a “brain break” to clear the mind and disconnect and takes full advantage of Northwest Arkansas’ outdoor spaces to hike, camp, and spend time with her dogs. “I like anything that can really take your brain away from the day, and I definitely think it’s very important working as hard as we do.”

Laura earned her Associate in Applied Sciences of Graphic Design from Northwest Arkansas Community College, as well as a user experience certification from the Nielson-Norman Group.

Communications Assistant Johnan Mitchell peppered his mother with “what if” and “why” questions as a child. As a journalism student at Arkansas Tech University, he mixed this inquisitiveness with his interest in scientific and human centric content. After graduating, his curiosity and passion for impactful writing led him to the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R). “I enjoy learning important and complex subjects and writing about them. I hope to hone my craft of conveying information in a meaningful way.”

His search for a career as a content writer led him to I³R. “I did my research and realized they are making amazing and unheard-of advancements in the ways of health and wellness. I want to assist in ringing the message out about the leading-edge work these researchers do.”

Johnan grew up in Fayetteville and sees his role as an opportunity to amplify the perception of Arkansas as a hub for innovation by telling the stories of incredible people doing amazing work to solve wicked problems. “The research coming from here is revolutionary. I’m hoping to increase awareness of the University of Arkansas’ advancements by sending the message out to not only my state, but the entire country.”

In his free time, Johnan engages his artistic side by painting, going to museums, and writing short stories. “There is nothing I appreciate more than creativity, from myself and others. I like to be creative.”

Johnan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Arkansas Tech University. He received awards in first and second place in podcasting, second place in online feature writing, and first and second in newspaper headline writing from the Arkansas Collegiate Media Association.

Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement Delia Garcia brings considerable experience in communications, public affairs, government relations, and philanthropic initiatives with global business and local non-profits to the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R). “There is a bigger mission at I³R to make a societal impact. I help bring that along with my skills and experience to help the Institute and individuals achieve goals.”

Delia leads with a focus to support the team by creating awareness of the innovative research through multiple channels. Telling stories of the passion, purpose, and potential of the work done by the brilliant researchers, she advocates for necessary resources to support them in making an impact. While the research is a primary focus, Delia advocates for the support staff who enable groundbreaking discoveries to occur. I³R values the skills, talents, and creativity of the support team integrating research work and people in a dynamic mission-driven collaborative aligned to solve wicked problems. “Ultimately the objective of our communications work is to elevate the profile of the University of Arkansas by promoting the integrated, innovative research and the people at I³R.”

Delia credits the culture at I³R with encouraging her to “regain balance” after 20 years in a large corporate environment. She enjoys supporting her daughter, a competitive golfer, and loves playing golf with her. She’s active in her church and finds time to run. “The culture at I³R is one that cares about the skills and spirit you bring to the job and encourages whole person engagement.”

Delia earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. Her impactful work has awarded her the Rosa Carrillo Torres Humanitarian Award, the Anam Cara Award, and a Lifetime Achievement from United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona.

Finance Manager Rahmawati Ashley Chua assists the team to create a positive workflow at The Institute of Integrative and Innovate Research (I³R). “I may not be in research, but what I do in the background makes everything flow so staff and researchers have the answers to questions before they are asked.”

Ashley, a self-described “numbers person,” oversees all the financial aspects of I³R. After her career in healthcare finance, she joined the University of Arkansas working for the Small Business and Technology Department Center, Department of Geosciences, and School of Human Environmental Sciences. Her diversified experience provides financial and technical leadership, strategic planning and analysis, and operational prowess to support the team’s innovative research. Her integral behind-the-scenes work places her at the forefront of innovative research alongside the other staff of I³R.

She appreciates the challenge presented by the mission and vision of I³R to conduct innovative, integrative research within an entrepreneurial framework. “I’m proud to be part of the work. It’s incredible to be working with people making new discoveries that solve problems and make lives better.”

She loves to travel when not helping solve wicked problems and values quiet time at home with her family.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University at Long Beach and a Series 6 Certification.

Executive Administrator Mercedes Gazaway is adept at what she half-jokingly calls “navigating the gray.”

She facilitates the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research’s (I³R) research and administrative teams by connecting them with information and people at the University of Arkansas and the community at large. Her ability to navigate complex systems and discover simple solutions allows others to work on solving wicked problems. “Navigating the dynamics of a university this size can be difficult for everyone. Being a resource for my team helps others stick to their studies.”

Her passion for the projects and people at I³R grew from her previous experience in people-supporting roles at the University of Arkansas and her alma mater Mississippi State. Her role at I³R gives her the opportunity to learn new things while building and sustaining the positive culture. “Honestly, it’s one of the most diverse groups of people I’ve ever worked with. I want to be here and help build I³R by putting support structures and making people welcome to make an impact.”

When not connecting researchers to resources and charting courses for her teammates, Mercedes crochets and spends time with her husband, daughter and pets. She enjoys experiencing all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer young families, such as visiting farmer’s markets and spending time outdoors.

Mercedes earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University. During her time at the University of Arkansas, she received the Golden Tusk Award and Employee of the Quarter.

Project Advancement Specialist Peg Hart loves science.While she didn’t explore this career path as extensively as the researchers at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R), she uses her status as a Certified Research Administrator and her knowledge in journalistic writing and business administration to support their research. Her abilities allow for proposals and applications to receive top consideration by funders. “This is a way I can be involved in cutting edge science,” she says.

Her role facilitates researchers continuing to research while she manages paperwork and administrative tasks that accompany requests. “Proposals tend to be very competitive, which can be very frustrating for researchers who take time away from their passion to prepare them. I help by course correcting, so that we submit quality proposals to better our chances to be selected for funding.” Peg is part of a diversely talented supporting cast that directly impacts the work of I³R by providing essential services and input to the researchers to make sure every proposal is professional and of the highest quality.

Peg worked with entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas and brings an expanded view of the potential for research. “A lot of research is done, but then it doesn’t go anywhere,” she admits. “Here we are working towards commercialization to provide services and opportunities that support people in enhancing their lives.”

Peg put roots down in the University of Arkansas years ago when she graduated. She enjoys gardening and hand crafting ceramics. Peg earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. She is also a Certified Research Administrator.

Human Resource Partner Julia Menke’s passion for people is contagious. Her love of of her coworkers manifests itself in her support of their personal and professional growth. “People are at the core of everything. Every business, every university, every research institution depends on people.”

Julia's important role in supporting the work of the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) resides in matching people with the mission. She is often the first point of contact for someone interested in joining the team.. “I³R exists to bring innovative research to everyday people. I’m here to grow our mission by supporting the people making this possible,” she says.

She appreciates the opportunities for personal growth I³R offers her and other members of the team. I³R’s status as a recent addition to the University of Arkansas via the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation has allowed Julia to effectively foster growth and positive work culture as one of the first team members. “I³R supports my growth; it supports my passion, and it supports the future. I³R is going to change the world when we succeed at what we are setting out to do.”

When not discovering talent and creating processes and procedures, Julia works on diversity initiatives in Northwest Arkansas and indulges in the occasional video game session. She is also pursuing her Bachelor degree. “My favorite activity is to spend time with my partner and kid, enjoying a quiet life outside of work.”

Julia earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Madisonville Community College, Julia is working on her Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and Communication, expected to be complete by December 2024.

Project Manager Philip Sambol launched his first business at age eight, starting a life-long journey of entrepreneurship that’s traveled through various industries. His diverse experiences in restaurants, retail, entertainment, and nonprofits taught him valuable lessons that he brings to his role at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R). “I’ve been told in all these ventures that ‘you can’t do it all’,” he says. “At I³R, we’re not afraid to take on big challenges in a purposeful way that embraces complexity.”

Philip works closely with the team of scientists and researchers focused on establishing sustainable regional agricultural production. This research studies the impact of applying technological tools and data analysis used by large food companies to small and medium-sized produce and protein producers. This technology aims to build sustainable regional food ecosystems and generaterural economic development. Philip believes the impact reaches beyond the family farm. “Sustainable food systems mitigate the effects of climate change, improve air and water quality, improve biodiversity and benefit public health while also making fresh, healthy, seasonal food accessible.”

His work at I³R provides the opportunity to take a systems level view of wicked problems and begin the process of solving complex challenges facing human society in the years ahead. Philip builds relationships within the University, private and nonprofit sectors. “No one person can do it all, but a coalition can do anything.”

When not working to solve wicked problems, the “recovering professional musician,” picks up his guitar. He also loves to try new foods and restaurants, especially creative culinary concepts and cuisines. “Northwest Arkansas has this creative energy that I’ve felt in only a few places.”

Philip earned his Bachelor of Arts inHotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from the University of Denver in Colorado, and is completing an Interdiscplinary Studies degree at the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville.

Administrative Assistant Caroline Wahlgreen wants to create growth opportunities and change in the people she works with by supporting their work and building relationships both internally and externally within I³R. This, paired with her practical knowledge of operational protocols and her desire to create notable community impact cements her as one of the many pivotal support staffers at the Institute. “It’s important to me to be a part of something bigger than myself – something that will leave the world a better place,” she saysIn her role at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R) Caroline works to improve processes and streamline operational pipelines. She appreciates that her input is valued in projects of every size, and the opportunity to contribute as I³R grows. Being able to provide support on the operations side is something that she enjoys, as it allows her to take part in life-changing research at the Institute. “I³R is going to be a big force of change in my home state, and that motivates me to continue the work that I do.”

In addition to providing administrative support, Caroline found an outlet for her passion for community education through building and coordinating the Institute’s new Undergraduate Research Program and K-12 Outreach plans. “One of the Institute’s earliest priorities was giving back to the community and getting the next generation involved in their mission; I’m extremely humbled that I get to take part in that every day.”

When she’s not enjoying the beautiful weather of Northwest Arkansas on the Downtown Fayetteville Square or at the Botanical Gardens, you can find her in her garden, tending her houseplants, cooking, or reading – her dog by her side.

Caroline earned her Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology in 2021, landing on the Dean’s list with distinction during the 2020-2021 academic year.