Students and faculty from the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) participated in the 2026 Arkansas STEM Posters at the Capitol event held at the Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda on March 4. The event brought together undergraduate researchers from universities and colleges across the state to present their work to legislators, policymakers, fellow researchers and members of the public. 

The annual event highlights the wide range of research being conducted across Arkansas institutions of higher education. This year, the program included more than one hundred student researchers from multiple Arkansas colleges and universities presenting dozens of research projects spanning disciplines such as mathematics, natural sciences, agriculture and engineering. 

Six UAM students participated in the event. Nyla Compeaux of Cut Off, Louisiana, Daizy McKee of Monticello, Arkansas, and Lucas Warren of Wilmar, Arkansas, presented research under the mentorship of Dr. Arturo Quintero Ferrer, assistant professor of biology at UAM. Emily Esquivel of Hermitage, Arkansas, Alexandria Lewis of Monticello, Arkansas, and Ashley Wallace of Little Rock, Arkansas, presented research under the mentorship of Dr. Djamali Muhoza, assistant professor of chemistry at UAM. 

Compeaux, McKee and Warren presented a project titled “Optimization of Seed Potato cv. Russet Burbank Using a Vertical Hydroponics System.” Their research explores the use of certified seed potato in a vertical hydroponic system as a potentially cost-effective approach to improving potato production while addressing challenges associated with traditional cultivation methods. 

Esquivel, Lewis and Wallace presented a project titled “Dual Targeting of Cdc42 and Rac1 Reveals Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.” Their work focuses on identifying compounds capable of inhibiting two proteins involved in cancer cell migration and metastasis using computational screening and biochemical assays. 

The event also gives students an opportunity to practice presenting their research to a broader, non-scientific audience. 

Dr. Muhoza emphasized the importance of this experience for undergraduate researchers. “Studying science in the classroom is only one part of scientific training. We try to get students involved in the discovery process. Experiences like this allow students to learn how to conduct experiments and analyze, visualize and explain their data. I’m glad we are able to provide UAM students with that kind of scientific training.” 

Dr. Muhoza serves as the director of the UAM Student Research Experience Program, while Dr. Ferrer serves as the assistant director. Together, they work to help students gain research experience and develop career preparedness in science-related fields. 

For more information about STEM programs at UAM, contact the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at slaters@uamont.edu or 870-460-1016.

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