Congratulations to Dr. Tom Risch, who received permanent appointment as vice provost for research and technology transfer and executive director of Arkansas Biosciences Institute at A-State. He has been serving in an interim capacity in both positions. Risch, who completed his Ph.D. at Auburn, came to A-State in 2001, and previously has filled various other program and departmental leadership roles. Details are online.

Ashley Pinkard is the new grants and contracts specialist for Research and Technology Transfer. She works with faculty to develop grant proposals for research and campus programs, plan and facilitate research development trainings, and identify funding opportunities that align with faculty research. Previously she was sponsored programs officer in Sponsored Programs Accounting. Pinkard earned a Master of Public Administration degree at A-State.

JoAnna Cupp, assistant professor of nutritional science and interim program director, was one of 100 individuals selected to participate in the Mary Frances Picciano Dietary Supplement Research Practicum at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. During the intensive sessions, participating faculty members, Ph.D. students, postdocs and other professionals studied various aspects of dietary supplements and their impact on human health.

An exhibition of work by John Salvest, professor of art, will formally open Saturday evening, 5-8, at David Lusk Gallery in Nashville. In the exhibition, "Field Guide," Salvest presents a series of 26 images, of various trees, created through his use of a single tool, an ink stamp. He also will discuss his work during a talk at Lusk Gallery at 11 a.m. May 11. An exhibition guide is available online.

Cathy Naylor is the new employee training and development coordinator for the Division of Finance and Administration. She will conduct new employee orientation, develop curriculum for new training programs, and administer the learning management system for Human Resources. Naylor, who earned a marketing degree at A-State, previously was assistant director of budget and planning for Academic Affairs and Research. More details are online.