Arkansas Biosciences Institute recognized Dr. Emily Bellis, assistant professor of bioinformatics, who was selected to receive its “New Investigator of the Year” award during ABI’s recent fall symposium. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, which with A-State is an ABI member, partially funds her research that uses artificial intelligence to analyze data from drone images of agricultural production. Details about Bellis and her research work are online.

Dr. Rob Williams, associate professor of educational leadership, curriculum and instruction and program director, educational leadership–principalship program, has a new professional role. Williams has been elected vice president of ArATE (Arkansas Association of Teacher Educators), which is the state chapter of the national Association of Teacher Educators (ATE). He has served on the ArATE board for the past three years, as well as the ArATE budget committee.

Dr. Dwayne Powell, assistant professor of accounting, is a co-author of research recently published in the Journal of Forensic Accounting Research. Previous researchers had provided a mathematical model showing that separation of accounting duties increases fraud, thus contradicting widespread and long-held industry beliefs. Powell and his associates argue that this controversial conclusion relied on unrealistic assumptions. Their article is available online.

Jeff McLaughlin, associate professor of theatre design and technology, designed scenery and projections for Crazy for You, a production at historic Tent Theatre in Springfield, Mo. Crazy for You, a musical comedy written by Ken Ludwig with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and music by George Gershwin, is the third show McLaughlin has designed at Tent Theatre. The other shows are Cry Baby and Catch Me if You Can.

Congratulations to Prathima Pattada, who has been selected October recipient of the PROPS (Proudly Recognizing Our Pack Staff) recognition which is selected by a Staff Senate committee. Pattada, former data and assessment coordinator in the College of Education and Behavioral Science, is now project program director at Arkansas Biosciences Institute. She was interviewed about her campus recognition, which was based on her initiative and dedication to her work.