The University of North Texas (UNT) served as a hub for innovation during its annual Research and Design (R&D) Expo held on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The event took place on the UNT campus in Denton, Texas, providing a platform for senior engineering students to exhibit their final projects, which spanned a variety of disciplines, including biomedical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as computer science and materials science.
Notable projects included a wearable sensor for managing eczema created by Chloe Nguyen and her team in biomedical engineering. This device aims to help users monitor skin hydration levels and was supported by the Plano-based biomedical consulting firm, The RealTime Group. Nguyen’s project also garnered $5,000 as a finalist in the iUNT Pitch Competition, an initiative aiding student entrepreneurs.
In the field of computer science, students collaborated with the Texas nonprofit Eat Like the Rainbow to develop an educational online board game designed to teach children about nutrition. The game is a result of a five-year joint effort, aiming to promote healthy eating habits among young players.
The electrical engineering students introduced the Trash Identification and Disposal (TI-D) Robot, which uses advanced image recognition technology to sort and dispose of litter efficiently. Given the Texas Department of Transportation’s report on the 362 million pieces of litter amassed on state roads annually, this innovation holds significant potential for public space maintenance.
Focusing on improving bone implants, a materials science team introduced a radially graded stainless steel lattice designed to enhance integration with natural bone, potentially setting a new standard in orthopedic implants.
Mechanical engineering students, working within the construction management program for the first time at the Expo, partnered with local companies on regional projects, extending practical learning beyond the classroom.
The Expo also featured a newly introduced research poster competition, giving both undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to showcase and discuss their projects across disciplines, underscoring UNT’s commitment to hands-on learning and multi-disciplinary cooperation.
The R&D Expo not only highlights student achievements but also affirms UNT’s role as a breeding ground for future professionals ready to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions.