Meet the CMDD Team
Pictured from left to right: Stephen Afolabi, DJ Yang, Dr. Nafis Haque, Micah Shaver, Dr. Jerry Darsey, Brianna Harper, Dr. Darin Jones, Oscar Banks, and Kanyinsola Adetula.
About Us
We are a university research center providing the scientific community and corporate partners with state-of-the-art molecular modeling capabilities. We use some of the most powerful computational facilities as well as the most powerful molecular modeling software in the world.
Research & Innovation
CMDD advances interdisciplinary research in bioinformatics, molecular modeling, and computational science to better understand biological and biomedical systems.
Our students pursue advanced degrees in fields including bioinformatics, chemistry, physics, and engineering while contributing to research that addresses complex scientific and biomedical challenges. Through hands-on research experience, students develop the technical skills and knowledge needed to support future innovation and discovery.
Driving Discovery Through Research
CMDD advances molecular modeling and bioinformatics research to support scientific discovery and explore new approaches to complex biomedical challenges.
Our work focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration, computational research, and expanding research in areas that often receive limited attention. By combining advanced technology with scientific innovation, CMDD aims to support future breakthroughs in disease research and molecular science.
The center also serves as a learning and research environment for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in bioinformatics, chemistry, physics, engineering, and related fields. Through partnerships with research institutions across the country, students and faculty contribute to a growing network of scientific collaboration and discovery.
Support Our Research
The Center for Molecular Design and Development is supported through grants and private donations. Contributions help advance interdisciplinary research, expand student opportunities, and provide access to the computational tools needed for cutting-edge molecular modeling and bioinformatics research.
Support for CMDD can be made through the UALR Foundation or by using the Support link on this website.
Funding Priorities
- Graduate student support — approximately $26,000
Includes stipend, tuition, fees, and research overhead.
- Postdoctoral fellow support — approximately $50,000
Includes salary and research overhead.
- Advanced research workstations — approximately $20,000 each
High-performance computing systems are essential for running modern molecular modeling and bioinformatics software.
All contributions made in support of CMDD are tax deductible.