University of Arkansas at Little Rock Hosts Annual CBHHS Research Symposium

The two-day event included presentations from faculty and graduate students awarded CBHHS research grants, workshops, and a guest lecture by Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, a clinician and adjunct faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine. In her talk titled “The Un-Fragile Generation: What OCD and Anxiety Research Teaches Us About Educating Independent, Resilient Young Adults,” McIngvale shared insights drawn from her personal experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, emphasizing the need to confront anxiety while providing support in educational settings.

Research topics at the symposium varied widely, covering maternal health disparities, workforce skills, artificial intelligence (AI), homelessness services, and community volunteerism. Assistant professor Judy Staley and associate professor Stacy Pendergraft presented on culturally responsive simulation techniques for nursing students, arguing for the importance of understanding patient backgrounds alongside medical training.

Connie Barber, an associate professor at the School of Business, explored the relevance of skills gained through online gaming to the digital workforce, particularly in communication and problem-solving. Graduate student Meher Mujtehdi Syeda from the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology examined public perceptions of AI therapy, highlighting concerns regarding accountability and emotional reliance on AI systems.

Additionally, research by Dr. Esaa Samarah from the School of Social Work and graduate students focused on changes in the use of corporal punishment in Arkansas public schools over the past 15 years. Katie Helms, an associate professor at the School of Counseling, Human Performance and Rehabilitation, investigated the motivations behind volunteerism at road races in Arkansas, utilizing mixed-methods research.

Other presentations addressed topics such as employment challenges after incarceration, police reporting trends, telehealth, and decisions made in legal contexts. The symposium provided a platform for researchers to present their work, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and gain insights from one another.

Associate dean Tusty ten Bensel commented on the significance of the symposium, noting its showcase of diverse scholarship across the college and the meaningful conversations it sparked. McIngvale’s keynote was particularly impactful, reinforcing the importance of building resilience among young adults. The event highlighted the ongoing research efforts within CBHHS and the collective contributions of all participants.