The HARLS-CS's rapid access to measurements
provides important insights into a number of processes that operate
at scales that have been underrepresented in previous research. The
availability of these instruments coupled with the existing research
infrastructure and active research programs of the research team members
present a strong opportunity for graduate recruitment. As part of the
recent Walton Charitable Foundation's gift of $300M to the U of A, a
number of distinguished graduate fellowships have been created, with
some valued at $30,000 per year. We believe that the combination of
these new fellowships and the opportunities for new research allows
us to increase recruitment of very high quality students. In addition
to meeting significant research objectives and improving graduate and
undergraduate research training, the HARLS-CS provides important economic
development opportunities for the state and region.
Results of research by Bajwa, Stephen,
andde Noble have direct and immediate economic benefit to the agricultural,
forestry and construction sectors. The approaches developed using the
HARLS-CS have a good potential to provide new business opportunities
for graduating students with these new skills. Research by Limp, de
Noble, Brahana, Jansma and Boss have significant public policy and decision
making implications and improvements in analysis can be expected to
lead to improvements in pubic policy. Access and training in this new
technology will also benefit the state's underserved populations connecting
them to high-tech jobs and helping fuel the economic engine of the state,
thus improving the economic and technological climate of Arkansas.
