The College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas

Lei Guo, assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Arkansas, has been named to the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists' 2026 40 Under 40 list, a national recognition honoring emerging leaders in environmental engineering and science.

Read full story: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82533

Earlier this month, the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) honored the 2026 class of NAI Senior Members at its annual conference. Senior Members are recognized for having successfully produced, patented and commercialized technologies that have brought, or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society and economic progress.

The College of Engineering had two faculty members recognized in this year's class: Kartik Balachandran, associate dean for research, and Wenchao Zhou, associate professor of mechanical engineering.

Read more on Balachandran: https://news.uark.edu/articles/80820/kartik-balachandran-to-be-inducted-into-national-academy-of-inventors

Read more on Zhou: https://news.uark.edu/articles/80849/wenchao-zhou-to-be-inducted-into-national-academy-of-inventors

Jian Zhang, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering, has received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to further explore how collective groups of cells coordinate their movement through tissues.

This research could help us better understand how cancer cells migrate through the body.

Read more: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82490/career-awardee-to-study-how-cells-move-together-through-the-body?v=639177331590322398

Congratulations to all of the engineering students who earned a spot on the Spring 2026 Chancellor's List and Dean's List!

This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment required to achieve this level of academic excellence.

Check out the Spring 2026 Chancellor's and Dean's Lists and see who earned top academic honors this semester. ➡ https://news.uark.edu/articles/82440

The University of Arkansas recently hosted the AR-STRIDES Industry-Government-University Roundtable in Rogers, bringing together leaders from industry, government and higher education to discuss the future of transportation, logistics, infrastructure, AI and workforce development in Arkansas.

As part of the National Science Foundation-funded AR-STRIDES initiative, the event convened experts from organizations including Walmart, Sam's Club, J.B. Hunt, ArcBest, Tyson Foods, Uber Freight, the Port of Little Rock and ARDOT to explore how research, data analytics and innovation can help address real-world transportation and supply chain challenges.

The discussion will help inform future research priorities, workforce development efforts and industry partnerships that strengthen Arkansas' transportation and logistics ecosystem.



Industrial Engineering at the University of Arkansas

The Razorbug Diploma Tour continues today. Here, Micah Hale, professor of civil engineering in The College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas presents Hunter Keller a framed diploma for his master’s degree in construction management. Hunter shares what he learned with his students in drafting and architecture classes at Conway High School.

🐗 🚗 Next stop: Hot Springs

Congratulations to this year's 2026 Biggadike Innovation Grants Award recipients for advancing student success through innovation in engineering education!

Five innovative projects have received BIG Awards to strengthen the engineering student experience at every stage — from foundational math support and community-engaged learning to curriculum development and hands-on experiences.

"These projects represent the kind of bold, imaginative thinking that moves engineering forward," said Laura Moix, innovation and impact strategist for the College of Engineering. "Faculty and staff across the college looked seriously at what students need to succeed and developed creative responses grounded in the student experience."

Read more: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82362/

Congratulations to Ali Ubeyitogullari of the University of Arkansas: Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering on earning a National Science Foundation CAREER Award! Ali Ubeyitogullari received a NSF CAREER Award to support his research on making aerogel out of agricultural byproducts.

Read more: https://aaes.uada.edu/news/nsf-career-award-aerogel/

Calling all BENG Alums — let's catch up at the ballpark! We're hosting a summer alumni event on Thursday, July 23, at the NWA Naturals game, and we'd love for you to join us! We've reserved an air-conditioned double suite for the evening, so come ready for a night of baseball, refreshments, and great conversation with fellow classmates, faculty, and staff.

Families are welcome, and each alum can reserve up to 5 tickets. The Naturals will take on the Springfield Cardinals at 7 p.m. RSVP by July 6!

Learn more and RSVP here: https://conta.cc/4v5n8ip

At the annual Engineering Expo, more than 95 senior design teams brought their ideas to life, solving real-world challenges from healthcare to space exploration and everything in between.

With nearly 500 public votes cast, top projects included:

🥇 A portable tissue processing unit expanding access to diagnostics worldwide

🥈 A custom ride-on car giving children with mobility challenges independence

🥉 A computer-vision-guided prototype for automating strawberry decalyxing

Read more about the Engineering Expo: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82284