The Arkansas Research Alliance announced today 14 Impact Grants awarded to University of Arkansas researchers. The grants were among the 25 grants totaling $1,868,910 awarded to researchers conducting practical science on Arkansas research campuses. 

"Each of these grants helps push forward practical research that intersects with growth opportunities aligned with Arkansas' economic growth," said Douglas Hutchings, ARA's academy director. "We look forward to seeing results."  

The U of A researchers who received funding are contributing significant science to projects ranging from smart robotics and lithium batteries to supply chain efficiency and low-friction graphite coatings:

• Laurent Bellaiche, Materials Design for Advanced Devices
• Robert R. Beitle, Biologics Manufacturing and Bioseparations
• Yue Zhao, High-Efficiency SiC-Based Solid-State Circuit Breaker for DC Systems
• Min Zou, Innovative Low-Friction Graphite Coatings for Conveyor Systems
• Sarah Hernandez, Barge Detection for Situational Awareness and Commodity Monitoring
• Chase Rainwater, Smart Robotics Arm for Packaging
• Leonard Harris, Combination Cancer Therapy Prediction Using ML and Mechanistic Modeling
• Alejandro Martin Gomez, Melanoma Detection Using Low-Cost Total Body Photography Systems
• Xiangbo Meng, Commercialization of High-Energy Lithium Metal Batteries
• Karthik Nayani, Up-Concentration Technology for Lithium Extraction
• Prashanth Ravishankar, Sustainable Aeroponic Vertical Farming of Milk Thistle for Nutraceutical Applications
• Morgan Broberg, Steel Fabrication and Structural Testing
• Janeth Gabaldon, Cold Supply Chain Efficiency with IoT
• Anthony Gunderman, Precision Agriculture Robotics for Blackberries

ARA Impact Grants, which were awarded for the first time to researchers outside the membership of the ARA Academy of Scholars & Fellows, awarded competitive grants of up to $75,000 for 12-month scientific and engineering research projects that involve universities and industries in Arkansas and that support one or more of the seven growth opportunity areas profiled in ARA's report, Enabling an Innovation-Led Future for Arkansas: University Research Competencies Aligned with Innovation Growth Opportunities. 

"Among ARA mandates is to bring deeper collaboration between the state's research community and industry," said Bryan J. Barnhouse, ARA president & CEO. "The demand for the Impact Grant program is proof of concept that when applied research is paired with the vested interest of industry across targeted sectors, it fuels innovation that leads to the development of new technologies and economic advancement of our state."  

The growth opportunity areas include: 

1. Population health innovations and clinical research 
2. Power electronics, advanced packaging and grid management systems 
3. Next generation transportation and logistics systems 
4. Materials engineering applications 
5. Precision agriculture 
6. Food production and integrative health 
7. Supply chain, retail and consumer analytics

These seven areas represent key opportunities where Arkansas is uniquely positioned to lead in innovation-driven market growth, and they support the state's established industries while advancing emerging sectors critical to the future economy.

U of A Projects Awarded ARA Impact Grants

Next-Generation DC Grid Protection Technology
Principal investigator: Yue Zhao
This proposal develops high-performance, silicon carbide-based circuit breakers that greatly improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of direct current (DC) electrical grids, which are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources. In collaboration with Wolfspeed, this technology not only strengthens Arkansas' role in smart grid innovation but also supports the broader goal of achieving sustainable, distributed energy solutions for homes and businesses across the state.
 
Smart Robotics for Efficient and Autonomous Packaging
Principal investigator: Chase Rainwater
Addressing growing demands for rapid and error-free fulfillment in retail logistics, this project partners with Walmart to create a highly sophisticated robotic arm. By employing cutting-edge computer vision and artificial intelligence, the system autonomously selects, organizes and packages products—boosting speed and efficiency in fulfillment centers and reducing labor costs. This innovation supports Arkansas' position as a leader in retail logistics automation and supply-chain technology.

Enhancing Cold Supply Chain Efficiency With IoT-Enabled Smart Sensors
Principal investigator: Janeth Gabaldon
This project applies IoT-enabled smart sensors to improve Arkansas' cold supply chain, which is vital for transporting perishable agricultural goods. By tracking temperature variations within transportation vehicles, the technology reduces spoilage, lowers costs and enhances food safety. Partnering with J.B. Hunt Transport and the Global Cold Chain Foundation, this supports Arkansas' position as a leader in innovative, sustainable logistics and food distribution.

Revolutionary Materials to Transform Technology
Principal investigator: Laurent Bellaiche
This partnership with Intel aims to discover advanced materials that could significantly improve technologies like medical ultrasound devices and next-generation electronics. This research could lead to major healthcare advances and electronics innovations, positioning Arkansas as a national leader in high-tech materials research and potentially creating local jobs in advanced manufacturing.
 
Robots to Boost Arkansas Blackberry Farming
Principal investigator: Anthony Gunderman
Arkansas blackberry growers struggle with labor shortages during peak harvest season. This project will develop affordable robotic platforms combined with advanced artificial intelligence to accurately detect ripe blackberries, improving harvesting efficiency and reducing labor costs. By integrating technology and precision agriculture practices, this innovation promises higher yields, lower costs and increased profits for Arkansas farmers, making the state a leader in automated specialty crop farming.

Smart Technology to Improve Cancer Treatments
Principal investigator: Leonard Harris
This project uses artificial intelligence combined with biology-based modeling to rapidly identify optimal drug combinations for melanoma, a challenging type of cancer. While currently at an early stage, this method could eventually reduce the time and costs involved in developing cancer treatments, ultimately benefiting Arkansas patients and positioning the state as an innovation hub in personalized cancer care.
 
 Low-Cost Melanoma Detection for Rural Arkansas
Principal investigator: Alejandro Martin Gomez
Arkansas has high rates of melanoma with limited access to early diagnosis, particularly in rural areas. This project, in collaboration with Lumo Imaging, will develop affordable and portable skin-scanning technology using advanced cameras and AI to detect melanoma early. By providing affordable, mobile skin examinations, the project promises to greatly improve cancer outcomes, especially for underserved communities, while creating new opportunities for Arkansas healthcare innovation.
 
High-Energy Batteries for Electric Vehicles
Principal investigator: Xiangbo Meng

To boost adoption of electric vehicles, this project is developing high-energy lithium metal batteries that can nearly double driving range compared to current EV batteries at significantly lower cost. Partnering with Arkansas-based Interf LLC, this technology could attract investments, create local jobs, reduce EV costs, improve performance and safety, and position Arkansas as a leader in next-generation transportation technologies, helping to energize the state's automotive and battery manufacturing industries.

 Turning Arkansas Lithium into Profits and Jobs
Principal investigator: Karthik Nayani
This project develops new technology to economically extract lithium from Arkansas brines, making previously uneconomic lithium deposits viable. By partnering with USA Lithium LLC, this research could attract major investment to Arkansas, leading to new industries and local job creation.

Barge Detection for Enhanced Transportation and Logistics
Principal investigator: Sarah Hernandez
Aiming to improve safety and efficiency on Arkansas' inland waterways, this project develops an innovative barge detection system leveraging AIS data and satellite imagery. Currently, barge traffic lacks precise monitoring, impacting logistics efficiency. In collaboration with the Western Arkansas Intermodal Authority, this technology will provide real-time situational awareness, improve commodity tracking and inform infrastructure investments, enhancing Arkansas' competitive edge in next-generation transportation logistics.
 
 Aeroponics: Future Farming for Healthier Supplements
Principal investigator: Prashanth Ravishankar
This project explores sustainable vertical farming (aeroponics) methods to grow milk thistle, a valuable herb known for liver-protective properties. By precisely controlling growing conditions, Arkansas farmers could efficiently produce cleaner, high-quality herbal supplements, contributing to healthier lifestyles and creating economic opportunities within the state's nutraceutical sector.

Expanding Biologics Manufacturing Through Advanced Separation Processes
Principal investigator: Robert R. Beitle
In partnership with Pel-Freez Biologicals, this project develops advanced processes for separating biologics, specifically Complement Component C4b Binding Protein (C4BP) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM), from existing production streams. Utilizing column chromatography and membrane filtration, this work could significantly expand Arkansas' biologics manufacturing capabilities. Anticipated outcomes include increased production capacity, job creation and reinforcing Arkansas' position as a biotechnology leader.
 
Advanced Structural Testing for High-Strength Steel Fabrication
Principal investigator: Morgan Broberg
Focused on the steel fabrication industry, this initiative collaborates with Lexicon Inc. to develop and test weld details for high-strength steel connections exceeding current industry standards. Through rigorous experimental testing, the project aims to validate the safety, durability and applicability of high-strength steel in civil infrastructure, promising substantial improvements in construction efficiency and sustainability. Successful outcomes will support industry adoption, benefiting Arkansas' prominent steel manufacturing and fabrication sectors.
 
Boosting Efficiency and Sustainability in Arkansas' Conveyor Industry
Principal investigator: Min Zou
Conveyor systems are essential for Arkansas' thriving e-commerce, logistics and manufacturing sectors but often face high energy losses due to friction. This innovative project, partnering with Arkansas-based Hytrol Conveyor Company, aims to develop advanced graphite-based coatings that significantly reduce friction, energy consumption and maintenance costs. These new coatings could save Arkansas companies millions of dollars annually, improve efficiency in warehouses and distribution centers, and position Arkansas as a leader in advanced manufacturing and sustainable industrial practices.

About Arkansas Research Alliance: Founded in 2008, Arkansas Research Alliance is dedicated to elevating a fundamental belief: Research Matters. Operating as a public-private partnership, ARA invests in research that stimulates innovation, encourages collaboration, and strengthens economic opportunity.