People
People of I³R
Our leadership, staff and researchers are the heart of I³R. Their collaboratory spirit and work lead change and find solutions.
Ranu Jung, Ph.D.
Founding Executive Director & Endowed Chair
Dr. Ranu Jung is the founding executive director and endowed Chair for the U of A’s Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, Associate Vice Chancellor, and Distinguished Professor of biomedical engineering. Dr. Jung is one of the world’s foremost researchers in biomedical and neural engineering, has led multiple transdisciplinary research teams and grants, has more than 100 refereed publications, and 14 U.S. patents. A champion for innovation and entrepreneurship, she develops devices that lead to scientific advances with clear pathways to clinical application.
Ranu and I3R are featured on the University’s "Determined" website, which highlights the people and programs that make a positive difference for the state of Arkansas and beyond.
Ranu also was interviewed for a recent “Short Talks from the Hill” podcast on her vision and dreams for the Institute.
Dean Matt Waller of the Sam M. Walton College of Business interviewed Ranu on his popular "Be Epic" podcast.
Advanced Technology Team
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.
- B.S. in Bioelectrical Enginnering from Brown University
- M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Enginnering from Case Western Reserve University
- 2020 Senior Member (elected), National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
- 2019 Invited Faculty; IEEE Brain Initiative, “Neurotech Entrepreneurs Workshop”
- 2019 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Nominee, Arizona State University Faculty Women’s Association
- 2012 Top Five Percent Faculty”, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. In recognition of teaching excellence.
- Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors and IEEE
- Editiorial Board of "Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation"
- Editorial Board of "Frontiers in Neuroengineering"
- Associate Editor for IEEE EMBS
- Member of Steering Committee for the Data Resource Center of NIH SPARC
- Self-Anchoring MEMS Intrafascicular Neural Electrode (2010), assigned to Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University.
- Fitting system for a neural-enabled limb prosthesis system (2014), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Communication interface for sensory stimulation (2015), assigned to Ranu Jung, Kenneth Horch, James J. Abbas, Stephen Phillips, Bertan
Bakkaloglu and Seung-Jae Kim.
- Modular multi-channel inline connector system (2016), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
Neural interface activity simulator (2017), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees. - Systems and methods for decoding intended motor commands from recorded neural signals
for the control of external devices or to interact in virtual environments (2017), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Directional-specific extraneural recording device (2018), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Systems and methods for advanced medical device placement and usage (2020), assigned to Dignity Health, Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona
State University.
- Non-invasive intraoral neurostimulation device for obstructive sleep apnea (2020), assigned to Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of Arizona State University.
- Systems and methods for delivering focalized neurostimulation (2022), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees and Arizona
Board Of Regents On Behalf Of Arizona State University.
- Neurotechnology
- Medical Rehabilitation and Exercise
- Computational models
(BMEG)-Biomedical Engineering
(ENGR)-Engineering
- B.A. in Political Science from University of Colorado Boulder (2006)
- M.A. in Political Science, International Relations from Colorado State University (2010)
- Ph.D. in Public Policy, Community Development from University of Arkansas (2022)
- Microsoft Excel Advanced Certified, 2015
- Tableau Certified
- International Development Studies Program, Colorado State University, 2010
- 2023, NSF Convergence Accelerator Track J, Food & Nutrition Security Grant $750,000 (PI)
- 2022, Celebrate Arkansas' Ones to Watch
- 2019, High Performance Team Award, Walton Career Services, Sam M. Walton College of Business
- 2019, Dean's Professionalism Award, Sam M. Walton College of Business
- 2015, Rookie Award, Sam M. Walton College of Business
- 2012, The President’s Volunteer Service Award
- 2012, International Educator for Africa (Senegal, International Foundation for Education and Self-Help)
- 2009, U.S. Department of State Certificate of Appreciation, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
- Member, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Diego focuses his work on providing researchers with a robust framework for the conduct of efficient clinical trials. He maintains study master files and advises researchers with the purpose of guaranteeing that research is conducted in compliance with Institutional Review Boards and granting agencies. In addition, he designs electronic data capture and clinical trial management instruments that simplify the workflow of research operations. Among his most crucial responsibilities, Diego supervises the recruitment, screening, and enrollment of human participants as well as the subsequent collection and archiving of experimental data.
Native to Venezuela, Diego holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University, and his experience pulls from a background in clinical research that dates to his very first job during college years. As a researcher, he is motivated by serving at the crossroads of creativity and discovery and takes pride in supporting his colleagues through the visionary endeavors undertaken at the Institute.
- B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University
- M.S. in Biomedical Enginnering from Florida International University
- Electronic Data Capturing
- Clinical Trial Management Instruments
- Data Collection and Archiving
(NANO)-AR Inst-Nanoscale Materials Science/Engr
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- B.S. in Psychology from Lock Haven University
- M.A. in Arts from Radford University
- Ph.D. in Behavioral Sciences from University of North Texas
- Programming
- Behavioral Analysis
- Virtual Reality
- Neuro-haptics
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- B.S in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University
- Neural Stimulation
- Sensorimotor Integration
- Prosthetics
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- Oak Park High School B.S.
- University of Arkansas (Expected May 2024)
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- Nettleton High School
- B.S. , University of Arkansas (Expected May 2024)
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomaterials
- Engineering Design
- Pilot's License
- 2023, University Honors
- 2019, Salutatorian
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- B.S. in Enviromental Studies from University of Oklahoma
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Neuroscience
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- B.S. in Illustration and Graphic Design from Bemidji State University
- Prototyping
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
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.
- B.S. in Electronics and Communication Enginnering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal India
- M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University
- Neural Engineering
- Computational Neuroscience
- Sensorimotor Integration
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (Member)
- Biomedical Engineering Society (Member)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (Senior Member (Elected 2006; only 7% of the approx. 380,000 members are elected to this rank); Student member (‘81-’82 (India), ’87-’91 (USA)); Member 1992, Senior Member 2006)
- IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (Member)
- International Women’s Forum (Member by invitation and selection only)
- National Academy of Inventors (Charter Member, 2012)
- Organization for Computational Neurosciences (President 2006-2009; Board of Directors 2003-2005)
- Sigma Xi (Full Member by nomination)
- Society for Neuroscience (Member)
- Society of Women Engineers (Senior Member)
- Lifetime Fellow (Elected 2022): American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) “for distinguished contributions in inspired technologies for humans for recovery and restoration of lost function, and development of the first wireless, implantable, intraneural-interface system for haptic restoration on upper-limb amputation”
- Fellow (Elected 2020): Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) “for national and international contributions to Biomedical Engineering and for inspirational leadership within the Biomedical Engineering Society”
- Fellow (Elected 2017): National Academy of Inventors (NAI) “have demonstrated a highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society”
- Fellow (Elected 2013): American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) “for outstanding contributions to developing novel physiology-based orthopedic devices, and for fostering academic and industrial interactions to advance neuro-engineering”
- Doctor Technices Honoris Causa, Aalborg University, Denmark (2021) “For Her Distinguished Efforts in The Field of Biomedical Engineering, Neural Engineering and Neurophysiological Control For Rehabilitation”
- Ernst & Young Innovator of The Year, NWA Tech Summit (2023)
- Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Endowed Chair of Institute of Integrative and Innovative Research, University of Arkansas (2021)
- Science and Technology Award, 31st annual In the Company of Women Awards, Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (2019)
- Health Care Heroes Award Finalist, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Miami, Florida (2019)
- Torch Award, Outstanding Faculty Award, Florida International University (2016)
- Outstanding Support and Leadership Award, Society of Aerospace Engineering Student Chapter, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University (2016)
- Top Scholar, Florida International University (2012)
- New Florida 2010 Scholars Boost Award, Board of Governors, Florida (2011)
- Wallace H. Coulter Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University (2011)
- Commissioner: Biomedical Research Commission, State of Arizona (2009-2011)
- Faculty Honoree, Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Arizona State University (2007)
- Science and Engineering Award, Governor’s Certificate of Recognition, Commonwealth of Kentucky (2002)
- Whitaker Foundation Young Investigator Research Award (1997)
- Individual National Research Service Award (F32), National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) (1993-1995)
- N.E. Ohio Research Fellow, American Heart Association (1991-1992)
- All India Student Seminar and Paper Contest in Electronics, Finalist, Hyderabad, India (1981)
- Gandhi Memorial Centenary Merit Scholarship, Bhilai Steel Plant, Steel Authority of India Ltd., India (1977-1982)
- Self-Anchoring MEMS Intrafascicular Neural Electrode (2010), assigned to Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate acting for and on
behalf of Arizona State University.
- Multi-lead multi-electrode management system (2014), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Modular Multi-Channel Inline Connector System (2014), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Neuromorphic controlled powered orthotic and prosthetic system (2014), assigned to Advensys, Llc.
- Method for mapping sensor signals to output channels for neural activation (2014), assigned to Ranu Jung, James J. Abbas, Brian P. Smith, Kenneth Horch.
- Fitting system for a neural enabled limb prosthesis system (2014), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Low noise analog electronic circuit design for recording peripheral nerve activity (2014), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Communication interface for sensory stimulation (2015), assigned to Ranu Jung, Kenneth Horch, James J. Abbas, Stephen Phillips, Bertan
Bakkaloglu, Seung-Jae Kim.
- Neural interface activity simulator (2017), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Systems and methods for decoding intended motor commands from recorded neural signals
for the control of external devices or to interact in virtual environments (2017), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- System and method for neuromorphic controlled adaptive pacing of respiratory muscles
and nerves (2018), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Directional-specific extraneural recording device (2018), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Flanged self-closing microchannel array (2019), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback when interacting with virtual objects (2021), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Systems and methods for controlled pacing of respiratory muscles (2022), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Systems and methods for delivering focalized neurostimulation (2022), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees and Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of Arizona State University.
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys
- B.S. , University of Arkansas (expected May 2025)
- Computer Science
- Engineering Startups
- Coding/Software Programming
- 2021, Stephens Award
- 2022, Cross-Cultural mentor of the year
- Treasurer, Engineering World Health student Organization
- Project Manager, McMillon Innovation Studio
- Member, Cross Cultural Conversation Club
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Sathyakumar (Sathya) received his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA and his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Instrumentation from BITS Pilani, India. As a Research Engineer in the Biomedical Engineering Department at Florida International University (FIU), Sathya was a key member of a multi-disciplinary team that developed and deployed a fully implantable neural-interface system for restoring sensations to individuals with upper-limb amputation. Sathya has experience with securing FDA approval to perform a clinical trial of a novel implantable medical device. He is also experienced in developing research software for clinical use and conducting research involving human participants. He also has over five years of experience with managing projects involving academic-industry-clinician collaborations. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on developing fitting procedures for electrical nerve stimulation systems.
At the Institute, Kuntaegowdanahalli supports technology development activities of academic researchers and industry collaborators, with an emphasis on system integration and the full spectrum of regulatory processes and approvals.
- B.S. in Electronics and Instrumentation from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani India
- M.Sc. in Electronics and Instrumentation from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani India
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering from University of Cincinnati
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University
- Neural engineering
- Medical Product Development Certification
- Regulatory Affairs Management Certification
- 2020, "Cade Prize for Innovation"
- 2020, C3i Concept to Clinic: Commercializing Innovation Programs of the National Institutes of Health
- 2009-2010, Science Foundation Arizona Fellowship
- 2006-2007, University Graduate Scholarship
- 2008, Instutute of Nanoscale Science and Techology Grant
- Fitting system for a neural enabled limb prosthesis system (2014), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Modular multi-channel inline connector system (2017), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Multi-lead multi-electrode management system (2019), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Arianna is a doctoral student from Venezuela at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research. She moved to the U.S in 2018 to pursue a doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering. Arianna graduated as a Chemical Engineer from Universidad Simon Bolivar, one of the most prestigious universities in Venezuela, in February 2015. She worked for 3 years at Johnson & Johnson where she was able to develop technical and leadership skills. She published one review paper in 2019. She also mentored an undergraduate student who is now accepted at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for postbaccalaureate studies.
She is currently working with pre-clinical models to determine optimal paradigms for stimulation of nerves to achieve selective activation of nerve fibers. She is working on a National Institutes of
Health Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience project along with groups from Arizona State University, Washington University, Université de Bordeaux and Université de Cergy-Pontoise from France.
- B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Universidad Simon Bolivar, Miranda, Venezuela
- Ph.D. in Bioenginnering and Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University
- Neuromodulation
- Neural Engineering
- Neurorehabilitation
- 2023, Latino Alumni Society Scholarship – University of Arkansas
- 2023, Charbonneau Family Scholarship, Dr. Ivy M Park Memorial Scholarship and SWE Board of Trustees Achievement Scholarship - Society of Women Engineers.
- 2022, P.K Kuroda Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Engineering recipient – University of Arkansas
- 2014, Top Performer for Leadership Imperatives "Shape" - Customer & Logistics Service Johnson & Johnson Venezuela
- 2014, Outstanding Work recognized as “Mention” – Universidad Simon Bolivar
- Member, Society for Neuroscience
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Dr. Pena focuses on the research, development, and translation of neurotechnology to offset the effects of injury or disease.
He received bachelor’s degrees in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, and a PhD in Biomedical engineering from Florida International University. He has training and expertise in neural engineering and neuromodulation approaches for understanding neural function and providing rehabilitation after trauma. He also has experience with human subject psychophysical testing and computational modelling. He is currently spearheading efforts to develop a business framework that will facilitate translation and commercialization of novel neurotechnology.
- B.S. in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University
- Neural Stimulation
- Virtual Reality
- Neuro-haptics
- Project Grant: Making "Sense" of Sensorimotor Rehabilition in VR
- 2020, Cade Prize: Third Place Winner (Project Team) - Cade Museum, Gainesville, FL
- 2019, Dissertation Year Graduate Fellowship, Florida International University, Miami, FL
- 2019, Award for Excellence (poster presentation), Military Health System Research Symposium
- 2014, Award for Outstanding Member, Alpha Eta Mu Beta BME Honor Society
- 2013, Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship, National Science Foundation
- 2021-2022, Guest Editor, Special Issue "Neural Electrode in Biolectronic Medicine", Micromachines
- 2019, Member, Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society
- 2018, Member, Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (2018-19 FIU chapter Vice-president)
- 2014, Member, Alpha Eta Mu Beta, BME Honor Society (2014-15 FIU chapter President)
- 2013, Member, Biomedical Engineering Society (2013-14 FIU chapter Vice-president)
- 2009, Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- 2009-2011, Member, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
- Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback when interacting with virtual objects (2022), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
- Systems and methods for delivering focalized neurostimulation (2022), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees and Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of Arizona State University.
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- M.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Nanjing Forestry University
- B.S. in Information Technology from Valley View University, Ghana
- MBA., University of Arkansas (Expected May 2024)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Aliyah is a fourth-year doctoral student majoring in Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Institute for Innovative and Integrative Research. She is the recipient of the National Science Foundation Bridge-to-Doctorate Fellowship, Florida Education Fund (FEF) McKnight Fellowship and received an Honorable Mention for the National Science Foundation
Graduate Fellowship Program in 2020. Shell received her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers University - New Brunswick in May 2019. Her past experiences include holding a position as an Engineering Intern at Nouveau Prosthetics & Orthotics, and two positions at MTF Biologics as a Product Development Co-op and Packaging & Sustainability Engineer. Her research interests include understanding brain function and the use of virtual reality environments to offer rehabilitative therapies for those with neurological deficits.
- B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University
- PhD in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Expected December 2024
- Neural Stimulation
- Virtual Reality
- Neuro-haptics
- 2023, Ada I. Pressman Memorial Scholarship, Society of Women Engineers
- 2022, Paul K. Kuroda Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Engineering
- 2022, University of Arkansas Women’s Giving Circle Grant
- 2021, FEF McKnight Doctoral Fellowship, Florida International University
- 2020, NSF GRFP 2020 - Honorable Mention, Florida International University
- 2019, NSF Bridge to Doctorate Fellowship, Florida International University
- 2019, Angel Award Recipient, NSBE School Chapter, Rutgers University
- 2019, 3rd Place in Boeing Flight Competition, NSBE National Conference
- 2017, Student Ambassador for the School of Engineering, Rutgers University
- 2017, National Society of Leadership and Success Inductee, Rutgers University
- 2016-2019, Dean’s List, Rutgers University
- Member, Society for Neuroscience
- Member, Society for Women Engineers
- Member, Society for functionalk Near Infrared Spectroscopy
- Member, National Society for Black Engineers
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Anil earned a Master's in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He has been working in the various fields of Biomedical Engineering for more than 15 years and has experience in preclinical and clinical studies. Thota has played key roles in the development of a novel implantable system to interface with peripheral nerves and a one-of-a-kind mobile app as a diagnostic tool (aid) for balance problems in people with sports concussion. The mobile app is being adapted for use in Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson's disease. He is highly experienced in designing experimental protocols and testing processes to ensure the data collection process is repeatable and to obtain reliable outcome measures. Thota was granted two patents (primary contributor) for his creativity in developing processes for fabricating, deploying, and managing neural electrodes. He has published scientific outcomes in 16 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings and presented research findings at 35 national and international conferences.
He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on developing technology to simplify the process of implanting electrodes into peripheral nerves.
At the Institute, Thota supports academic researchers and industry collaborators as they perform acute and long-term studies in pre-clinical models, with an emphasis in the food-tech and healthtech sectors.
- B.S in Biomedical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
- M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from University of Kentucky
- M.S. Biomedical Enginnering from Case Western Reserve University
- PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Florida International University
- Neuromodulation
- Neural Engineering
- Neurorehabilitation
- 2013, Finalist in Southeast / BIO plan business competion
- 2007-2012, Graduate Research Assistantship, Cleveland Clinic
- 2001, Best paper (2nd prise), Rocky Mountain Bioengineering Symposium
- Graduate Research Assistantship, University of Kentucky
- Member, Society of Neuroscience
- Member, Biomedical Engineering Society
- Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Multi-lead multi-electrode management system (2016), assigned to The Florida International University.
- Multi-lead multi-electrode management system (2019), assigned to The Florida International University Board Of Trustees.
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Industry & Community Engagement
Laura’s areas of expertise are print, web and digital media design, front-end web development, user interaction and user experience, accessibility, research and analysis, marketing strategy, and visual storytelling. Laura has an A.A.S. in graphic design, a certification in user experience with a specialty in interaction design from the Nielsen Norman Group, and 13 years of industry experience. Research has always been an area of interest and enjoyment for Laura. She began her career at the University of Arkansas in the College of Engineering, working directly with a wide range of researchers on campus to tell the world about their work through the college’s various communication channels. Laura prides herself on her ability to bring large-scale ideas to fruition through collaboration, determination, and always asking, “how can we do this better?”
- A.A.S in Graphic Design from Northwest Arkansas Community College
"Creating a color palette for print and web that is accessible and people will actually use"
- UX Certification- Wireframing, Navigation Design, Analytics and User Experience, Visual Design for Mobile and Tablet, The Human Mind and Usability from The Nielson Norman Group
- Project Management Reinvented for Non-Project Managers from LinkedIn
- Project Mangement Starts with Laying Good Ground Rules from LinkedIn
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Johnan Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communications Studies from Arkansas Tech University. In addition to co-editing The Arka Tech, ATU’s daily/weekly news source, Johnan served as Resident Assistant and Orientation Leader during his time at the university. He has experience with long-form story writing and broadcast production, earning awards from the Arkansas College Media Association for headline writing and podcasting.
- B.A in Journalism from Arkansas Tech University
- B.A in Communications from Arkansas Tech University
- 2019-2022, University Honors, Arkansas Tech University
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- B.A in Journalism from Arkansas Tech University
- B.A in Communications from Arkansas Tech University
- 2019-2022, University Honors, Arkansas Tech University
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- B.A. in Political Science, Spanish, French from Saint Mary's College
- Master of Public Policy (M.P.P) from Harvard Kennedy School
- Harry S Truman Scholarship
- Woodrow Wilson Fellowship
- Irish Cultural Center Anam Cara Award
- Rosa Carrillo Torres Humanitarian Award
- United Cerebral Palsy of Central AZ Lifetime Achievement Award
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Operations
Rahmawati (Ashley) oversees all fiscal matters for the Institute, which includes financial analysis, budgeting, reporting, forecasting, and accounting processes. She collaborates with researchers and administrators across campus on financial aspects of Institute projects and program management. She has more than 15 years of higher education experience. Before joining the
Institute, she worked at the School of Human Environmental Sciences, Department of Geosciences and the Small Business and Technology Development Center. Prior to working at the University, Chua worked in a variety of fiscal leadership roles in the private sector with PacifiCare/United Healthcare, John Hancock Financial Services and Office Depot. She graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a degree in accounting.
- B.S. in Accounting from California State University of Long Beach
- Traveling
- Crafting
- Art
- Painting
- Running
- Series 6
- Life insurance license
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Mercedes earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Mississippi State University. She has been with the University of Arkansas for six years. Prior to joining the Institute, she was part of the alumni programs team at the Arkansas Alumni Association working with student programs, alumni groups and collaborating with various members of the campus community. She is tenacious and has experience in project management, volunteer management, budgeting, event planning, providing customer service, relationship building, and strategic planning.
- B.B.A in Business Administration from Mississippi State University
- Supervisor Development Program
- Phi Sigma Pi Leadership in Action
- Mississippi State Institutional Review Board Certification
- 2023, Employee of the Quarter
- 2018, Golden Tusk Award
- 2015, Maroon Volunteer Center Group Community Sertice Excellence Award, Silver Level
- 2014, Delta Tau Chapter of Phi Sigma Pi Service Key
- 2014, Maroon Volunteer Center Individual Community Service Excellence Award, Bronze Level
- 2014, Martin Luther King Day Drum Major for Service Award
- 2012, Maroon Volunteer Center Individual Volunteer Spirit Award
- 2011, Day one Leadership Pod Award
- Member, Mississippi State Alumni Association
- Member, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Peg earned degrees and certifications from three colleges at the University of Arkansas: Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education. Previously, as the grant coordinator for the Biomedical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering, she became a Certified Research Administrator. Now, as a member of the Institute, Hart works with researchers from across campus as the Institute submits proposals from collaborative groups and assists with the transfer of grants for incoming researchers.
- B.A. in Journalism from University of Arkansas
- M.B.A. in Business Administration from University of Arkansas
- Certified Research Administrator
- Teaching Certification Middle School and High School (expired), University of Arkanas
- National Council of University Research Administrators
- University of Arkansas Alumni Association
- Women's Giving Circle
- Research and Administrations Certification Council Item Writing Committee
- Certified Research Administrator
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
Philip is a lifelong entrepreneur, who started his first business at eight years old. After learning the fundamentals of business and hospitality at Bob's Steak and Chop House, his family's fine dining restaurant in Dallas, TX, Philip embarked on a career in the entertainment business. Over the course of six years as a performer and manager, Philip played over 1,000 shows in more than 30 countries, while negotiating dozens of global recording and licensing agreements for his group, The Strange Boys. Yearning to get back into food, and find a more placed-based endeavor after years of travel, Philip has been doggedly pursuing solutions to the challenging issues surrounding food security and health equity. Starting in 2012, Philip spent time in New Orleans and rural North Carolina before finding a home in DC as the founding Executive Director of Oasis Community Partners, a non-profit that operated the Good Food Markets social enterprise grocery store. Philip was a two-term member of the DC Food Policy Council, and has volunteered with several grassroots organizations focused on youth education, senior services, and urban agriculture.
Spearheaded the Good Food Markets social enterprise grocery store effort in the Washington DC Metro area; raised rounds totaling over $11M in nonprofit program related investments, government-backed loans, and public sector grants to build new grocery stores in four former food deserts in DC, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
Secured and led numerous consulting engagements in several states performing market analyses, creating pro forma budgets for new ventures, and developing funding for food systems investment. Brings years of designing and implementing strategic initiatives in the private sector, and as a two-term member of the DC Food Policy Council (co-chair of the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group);
Mayoral appointee to the Food Policy Council : engaged in federal legislation for implementing SNAP online sales, expanding access to the WIC food program, supporting regional agriculture, promoting health education, and continuing food-as-medicine programs.
As the founding Executive Director of Good Food Markets’ parent nonprofit, Oasis Community Partners, led the development of over $2M in grant funded programs. Developed educational programs with the community to address diabetes, heart disease and obesity by improving diet and fitness in collaboration with public sector agencies and community-based organizations. Responsible for developing bylaws and conducting organizational governance, as well as communications to internal and external stakeholders.
Since 2019, managed construction of new facilities with project budgets in excess of $1M each, and consulted on development projects with budgets ranging from $5M-50M. front-line operating expertise, proven track record of nonprofit grant making, and experience financing food systems investments
- B.A. in Restaurant and Tourism Management from University of Denver
- Regional Food Systems
- Nutrition Security
- Food Tec
- Social Enterprise
- Co-Chair at DC Food Policy Council
- Creating Health Collaborative
- Ward 5 Advisory Council, Seabury Resources on Aging
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
- B.S. in Biology from University of Arizona
- Dean's List with Distinction, 2020-2021
(VCRI)-Vice Chancellor - Research & Innovation
