News

New Director Announcement

Title: Rising Stars: Meet Jai Starling
Date: June 8, 2026
Summary: We are thrilled to welcome Jai Starling as the new Director of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Featured recently in NashvilleVoyager, Starling brings an extensive background in research administration, grants management, and organizational development, focusing on building the sustainable infrastructure needed to support UAPB’s mission-driven research community.
Link: Read her full interview in NashvilleVoyager

Center for AI and Data Analytics (CAIDA) Expansion

Title: UAPB Extends AI and Data Analytics Services to the Region
Date: May 30, 2026
Summary: The new Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (CAIDA) at UAPB is expanding its mission beyond the campus. Founding Executive Director Dr. Trina Fletcher and Chancellor Anthony Graham are leading efforts to assess regional needs and deploy AI and data analytics training to external business leaders, farmers, and community members across the Delta.
Link: Read the full article in the Pine Bluff Commercial

UAPB Computer Science Student Anand Geddam Wins 1st Place at Research Symposium

Anand Geddam, a student in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), recently secured 1st place in the oral presentation competition at the UAPB Research Symposium.

Mentored by Dr. Vinay Raj, Geddam’s outstanding presentation earned him top honors at the university-wide event. As the first-place winner, he received a $500 cash prize sponsored by the AR-Alliance.

UAPB Computer Science Student Hawulethu Ndlovu Wins 3rd Place at DART Symposium

Hawulethu Ndlovu, a student in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), recently won 3rd place in the undergraduate category for a data science-related research project at the DART Student Symposium and Poster Competition held at the Clinton Center in Little Rock.

Mentored by Dr. Vinay Raj, Ndlovu’s presentation stood out among competitors from various universities across Arkansas, including UA Fayetteville, UALR, and SAU. The award carries a $250 prize.

UAPB Biology Student Praise Fabiyi Wins 2nd Place at Arkansas Academy of Science Conference

Praise Fabiyi, a student in the Department of Biology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), recently secured 2nd place in the undergraduate poster competition at the 2026 Arkansas Academy of Science Conference held in Magnolia, AR.

Mentored by Dr. Vinay Raj, Associate Professor, Fabiyi’s award-winning presentation focused on a bioinformatics-related research project. The state-wide competition featured undergraduate students from various institutions across Arkansas, including UCA, Arkansas Tech, Arkansas State, UALR, and SAU. Fabiyi’s award includes a certificate and a $50 cash prize.

STEM Building Dedication and Open House

The STEM Academy and Conference Center was officially opened November 4, 2014 to a capacity crowd. Distinguished guests included Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald Bobbitt, Representative Henry Hank Wilkins and more. You can view the event in its entirety at right, download the program or view the article written by the Pine Bluff Commercial.

View the article courtesy of the Pine Bluff Commercial

View the souvenir program

Ryan Watley, 2009 STEM Scholar Graduate to Receive Ph.D. in December 2014

Dr. Ryan Watley’s scientific interest began at the age of sixteen, noting the effects of Escherichia Coli. Upon graduation from Pine Bluff High School, he was accepted into The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff aspiring to become a chemist. During his under-graduate stint, he was a member of the STEM Scholars Academy where the National Science Foundation facilitated the establishment of his research portfolio through summer research experiences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, The University of South Florida, and the University of North Texas. Here he investigated and developed protein labeling tags for mass spectrometer analysis, lipid membrane bilayers for the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, and chromophores for protection against high energy lasers, respectively. Additionally, his passion for organic chemistry as it relates to biological ap-plication was given birth. Upon obtaining his bachelor’s of science, he was admitted to the graduate program at the University of Oklahoma in the department of chemistry and biochemistry specializing in organic chemistry. He was immediately drawn to Dr. Yoiungjae You’s research group for the establishment of novel therapeutic methods and agents for cancer. Dr. Watley thus far has developed unprecedented theranostic drugs for fluorescence guided photodynamic therapy and is currently compiling his findings for publication among high impact journals. Now that his dissertation is complete, he hopes to be a servant to his community through education and inspiring others to dream and achieve no matter the opposition. Dr. Watley attributes his success to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and appreciates all mentors, family, and friends who helped foster his arrival thus far.