DENTON (UNT), Texas — On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the University of North Texas hosted the newly expanded BioDiscovery Institute (BDI) and Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI) Expo. This collaborative event, held at the UNT campus, showcased groundbreaking research from both student and faculty members.
The decision to merge the BDI Research Expo with AERI’s event was driven by a desire to foster greater collaboration and communication among researchers. Jessica Rippamonti, a doctoral student in the College of Science and one of the event organizers, emphasized the benefits of this approach. “It’s easier when we have one big conference instead of several smaller ones,” she said, noting the supportive environment it created for communicating research.
Ed Dzialowski, associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Science, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the shared mission of the two institutes. “Today is so exciting because we get to bring together two research institutes of excellence,” Dzialowski stated.
Featuring research presentations across five rooms, the expo provided a platform for undergraduate and graduate students alongside faculty to present their work. Topics ranged from biofuels created from cotton to studies on the impact of air pollution on Alzheimer’s-related factors in mice. Poster sessions followed the presentations, fostering connections and collaboration among attendees.
The event also included an expanded career panel with professionals from the Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and a patent attorney, offering valuable career advice. Rachel Richter, an urban wildlife biologist, encouraged attendees to enhance their skills through community involvement and volunteering.
Richard Dixon, a retired Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, closed out the day with a keynote speech on sustainability in biotechnology, emphasizing the importance of scientific endeavors in today’s world. “We need science now like never before,” Dixon remarked, calling for collaboration across sectors.
The day concluded with awards for top presentations and posters, recognizing outstanding contributions from both undergraduate and graduate participants:
- Undergraduate poster winners: Julia Moreira and Cindy Alonso-Cocuren
- Undergraduate presentation winner: Brady Erlandsen
- Graduate poster winners: Abdul Rawoof, Isha Mittal, and Jose Robledo
- Graduate presentation winners: Savannah Thomas, Spencer Lee, and Tyler Armstrong
Amie Lund, the director of AERI, expressed gratitude for the successful collaboration and the participation of all attendees: “This was an amazing opportunity for the two institutes to come together. We’re so thankful for everyone who decided to be a part of it.”