Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Dozens of undergraduate students from universities across Texas shared their research findings and fielded questions about their work at the inaugural Student Research Spotlight at .
The new event, hosted by the and the , gave the students a chance to network with scientists and their peers while learning about research and graduate school opportunities at UNT Health.
UNT Dallas's Princess Johnson, present her latest research during the Student Research Spotlight symposium at UNT Health Fort Worth
More than 30 undergraduate students from 11 Texas universities presented research projects that delved into a wide array of health-related and biomedical science topics.
For Princess Johnson, a student at UNT Dallas, it was a chance to present her work to a new audience and to hear about the latest research.
鈥淧articipating in events like this is important because it allows me to share my research, receive valuable feedback, and learn from other researchers,鈥� Johnson said.
鈥淣etworking helps me gain new perspectives, refine my work and build connections that support my academic and professional growth,鈥� Johnson said.
Johnson鈥檚 research explores how repeated, low-dose exposure to certain compounds in disinfectants can drive bacterial resistance to commonly used cleaning products. Her work could help ensure that disinfectants are not only effective but also do not contribute to public health concerns like antibiotic resistance.
Ayrion Moody, a kinesiology major at the 国产亚洲福利精品 Texas, says the poster presentation helped him brush up on his scientific communication skills.
鈥淚n today鈥檚 climate, communicating science and its impacts effectively is extremely important. Presenting my research to other scientists helps develop these vital skills,鈥� Moody said.
鈥淚n addition, it鈥檚 great to interact with amazing researchers who can offer insights into your project and avenues for collaboration.鈥�
Ayrion Moody shows his abstract board to Dean Keller as he discussions and answers questions at the Student Research Spotlight
Moody鈥檚 research investigates how blood sugar changes in response to a model of the tissue damage that is suffered following a heart attack. His presentation earned a first-place award in the poster competition.
Like many of the participants, Moody plans to pursue his PhD in biomedical sciences after graduation. Autumn Loftis, assistant director of admissions at UNT Health, helped organize the event. She says it鈥檚 inspiring to see so many talented students who want to pursue science as a career.
鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly excited to continue fostering these connections year after year, helping students explore graduate school opportunities that support their long-term goals and future careers,鈥� Loftis said.
Graduate students in UNT Health鈥檚 College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences gained experience as judges for the poster competition and Dr. Johnathan Tune, professor and chair of Physiology and Anatomy and assistant dean for research at CBTS provided a keynote address about his career path and experiences as a scientist and highlighted the value of building strong connections in the scientific community.
Ultimately, organizers say events like this one can serve as a springboard for current and future scientists in Fort Worth, the Metroplex and beyond.
鈥淥ne of our goals is to connect students and scientists who may have potential collaborators doing similar research right in their own backyards,鈥� said Dr. Rance Berg, assistant dean of graduate education and admissions at CBTS.
鈥淭hese kinds of connections could lead to better research experiences for students, ultimately creating new solutions to health problems.鈥�
Poster Presentation Awards
First Place, Session 1
- Sarah Love, Tarleton State University
Second Place, Session 1
- Myra Khan, UT Dallas
First Place, Session 2
- Ayrion Moody, UNT
Second Place, Session 2 (tie)
- Laura Brambila, Dallas Baptist University
Second Place, Session 2 (tie)
- Shreya Tantry, UT Arlington
From - Research: by Matt Havlik