UALR To Open Nanotechnology Center

Researchers at UALR are expected to dedicate the university’s new Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences this Wednesday. Federal, state, and local officials will be on hand for the grand opening of a facility committed to the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Center Director Dr. Alexandru Biris says the high-tech laboratories have state-of-the-art equipment.

“What I really hope is that this center and initiative will actually turn into kind of a catalyst for research for the university, the state, and the country,” said Biris. “I really would like to see some of these young scientists becoming the next leaders in science, politics, and community. The seeds for science that we are planting right now will turn into something really great.” Full story.

The Forum picks up awards in contest

The Forum took away 22 awards, including third place in the Newspaper General Excellence category, at the Arkansas College Media Association’s 2012 Conference hosted by UALR on Friday, April 20. The third-place award was the first time in a decade that UALR has placed in the overall Newspaper General Excellence category.

In other general excellence categories, News Editor Ricky Harris was named Designer of the Year; Cameron Moix, assistant news editor, took second for Reporter of the Year; Matt Johnson, sports editor, won second for Photographer of the Year; and Jennifer Ellis, executive editor, won third for Editor of the Year. FULL STORY

Students rally to discuss killing of Florida teen

The African-African Male Initiative held an open rally Thursday where about 35 students shared their perspectives surrounding the controversial death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.

“We wanted to invite other students into a healthy discussion and hear a range of views,” AAMI Team Coordinator Harvell Howard said.

The AAMI is a student success program developed to address the concern over low retention rates held by African-American males, according to UALR’s website. The program empowers, supports and assists African-American male students through their college career and aims to raise graduation rates through peer and administrative mentorship as well as academic and personal success workshops.... Full Story

Student Attempts Suicide at School

A Dover middle school student had to be hospitalized Wednesday. Relatives tell Channel Seven that he tried to commit suicide because he was being bullied. Since the incident, Channel Seven has received emails from current and past students who say there is a bullying problem.
The Dover Marshall's office tells me the 13-year old attempted to hang himself in a school bathroom Wednesday morning over a break-up in a relationship. Full story...