Rapid DNA in Arkansas: The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has launched Rapid DNA at participating booking stations, starting with Saline County (Sept. 23) and expanding toward Faulkner County, aiming to generate DNA profiles in about 90 minutes and speed searches in CODIS. UAMS Leadership & Research: UAMS invested Chancellor C. Lowry Barnes in the Harry P. Ward Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair, highlighting efforts to keep rural hospitals open and expand UAMS partnerships. New Faculty at UAMS Eye Institute: Retinal specialist Ahmed Shakarchi joined the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute as an assistant professor of ophthalmology. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $54.6M in Rural Health Transformation Program grants to support rural hospitals, workforce, and community health across all 75 counties. Semiconductor Innovation in Arkansas: A new research institute focused on semiconductor innovation opened in Arkansas, backed by electronics research pillars including power electronics and AI cybersecurity. STEM Education Pipeline: NTCC students conducted field research in Arkansas watersheds, and A-State received an NSF grant to improve drought tolerance in rice and wheat using mycorrhizal inoculants. Campus Tech Access: UA Little Rock and UAMS programs continued boosting hands-on medical experience for students, including a UAMS summer scholars track.