Two University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences graduate students will bring their cancer and cell biology research to downtown Fort Smith on Dec. 4 as part of the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith’s Research Den series, a free public program designed to connect the River Valley with relevant academic work. 

The December Research Den will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Room 103 of the Bakery District, 70 S. Seventh St., in Fort Smith. The event is free and open to the public, with short presentations followed by question-and-answer sessions in a casual, conversational setting.

UAMS Microbiology graduate student Steven Murdock will discuss “How do viruses cause cancer?” and cell biology graduate student Walter Saul Aragon-Ramirez will explore “How do materials inside human cells get delivered to the right place?”

Research Den, hosted by the UAFS Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, is intended to take science out of the lab and into the community. Organizers emphasize that talks are designed for curious nonexperts, “no jargon, no intimidation,” and focus on discoveries happening in and around Fort Smith.

“Research thrives with collaboration.” said Taylor Martinez, director of research and sponsored programs at UAFS. “By bringing those outside of UAFS to Research Den, we’re not only showing our students what is possible in their academic journeys but also highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives scientific discovery across Arkansas,”

For River Valley students, especially those considering STEM fields, the December event offers a chance to see how early academic interests can lead to advanced research opportunities at institutions like UAMS.

“We look forward to having a variety of research that impacts the River Valley as Research Den continues,” Martinez said.