A study co-authored by Dr. Emily Bellis (left), assistant professor of bioinformatics, Computer Science and Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Dr. Travis Marsico (right), professor of botany and associate chair, Biological Sciences, and colleagues was published Monday in Scientific Reports. In the project with the U.S. Forest Service, the researchers found significant environmental risks associated with nonnative seeds that arrive in U.S. ports on refrigerated shipping containers. The article is online.

Dr. Susan Whiteland, associate professor of art education, recently published her first issue as editor of the International Journal of Lifelong Learning in Art Education (IJLLAE). The journal examines educational and cultural policy issues related to lifelong learning, arts and aging, community-based art education, museum-based art education, and intergenerational and transformative arts-based learning. The journal is available online.

Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee, assistant professor of herpetology, is the principal investigator for a conference grant of $46,586 awarded by the National Science Foundation. Working with colleagues at Iowa State and Minnesota-Morris, the researchers will develop a workshop on improving diversity, equity and inclusion among professionals and students in the field of herpetology. The workshop will be next year during the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

A $50,024 grant proposal by Dr. Shawn Drake, professor of physical therapy and department chair, has been approved by the Kays Foundation to help purchase hospital beds for a new lab. In the Kays Foundation Interprofessional Acute Care Simulation Lab, students from multiple programs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions will develop their skills in working with patients in an acute-care setting.

Dr. Claudia Benavides Ambs, associate professor of sport management, has been invited to join the American Network of Sciences in Human Movement Research. The organization includes researchers from higher education institutions in North America, Central America and South America. Through their work as educators and researchers, members strive to improve the generation and transmission of knowledge in the various fields of human movement sciences.