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Helen Ryals, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education at Alice L. Walton School of Medicine with expertise in Anatomy. In this role, she is designing and delivering the School’s Anatomy Curriculum.
About
Career Highlights:
Adjunct Professor of Human Anatomy and Laboratory Coordinator for PA/CRNA Nursing Courses, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Junior Professor/Instructor of Human Structure and Anatomy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Teaching Assistant and Lecturer for the College of Health Professions Physician Assistant and Dental Hygiene Program Gross Anatomy Course, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Faculty in the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Science, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Education:
PhD in Neurobiology and Developmental Science: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock
BS in Chemistry: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Fayetteville
Honors & Awards:
Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Alpha Class (2010)
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (2006)
Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Senior Scholar, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (2006)
Jacob Sacks Award for Excellence in Chemistry (2005)
Chemistry and Biochemistry Achievement Award (2005)
Friedrich A. Kekulé Award for Excellence in Chemistry (2004)
University of Arkansas Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Honorary Scholar (2003-2005)
University of Arkansas Chancellor’s List (2003-2005)
Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List, University of Arkansas (2003-2005)
Honors College Academy Scholar, University of Arkansas (2002-2006)
Boards, Advisory Committees, and Professional Memberships:
Member, American Association for Anatomy (2017-present)
American Association of Clinical Anatomists, 2025-present
International Association of Medical Science Educators, 2025-present
Treasurer, UAMS College of Medicine Class of 2010 (2009-2010)
Member, UAMS Underclassmen Mentor Program (2007-2010)
Founding Member & Secretary, UAMS Wilderness Medical Society (2007-2008)
Research Focus and Interests:
Anatomy education, with an emphasis on clinically integrated teaching and effective laboratory‑based learning
Leveraging background in neuroscience to contribute to neuroscience and neuroanatomy instruction by incorporating principles of neural structure, function, and learning sciences to enhance curriculum design, assessment, and student engagement
Research: