News
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
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.
