DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas brought together two of its top research institutes for a bigger, more collaborative event this spring. The annual BDI Research Expo returned as the newly expanded BioDiscovery Institute (BDI) and Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI) Expo, showcasing student and faculty research from both groups.

“It’s easier when we have one big conference instead of several smaller ones,” said Jessica Rippamonti, a doctoral student in the College of Science and one of the event’s organizers. “It helps foster collaboration and gives us a chance to practice communicating our research in a supportive environment.” 

The theme of collaboration set the tone for the day, beginning with opening remarks from Ed Dzialowski, associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Science.

“Today is so exciting because we get to bring together two research institutes of excellence,” Dzialowski said. “You may not realize the commonalities between the two institutes’ research, but you’ll see they’re there.”

The event featured research presentations from undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty. Talks were spread across five rooms, each with a mix of BDI and AERI topics. Poster sessions followed, allowing attendees to connect and explore ways to expand their work — from creating biofuels out of cotton to studying how air traffic pollution affects Alzheimer’s-related factors in mice.

“This is my first time competing,” said Zachary VanSaders, a second-year graduate student researching plant lipids. “It’s a great chance to meet others and just bounce ideas around.”

This year’s career panel expanded to include not just academic and industry professionals but also representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and a patent attorney from a research company. Panelists shared how they entered their fields and answered questions about job applications and career planning.

“Keep building your skills in your downtime,” said Rachel Richter, an urban wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. “Volunteer with community projects or at places like the LLELA Nature Preserve.”

Richard Dixon, retired Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus, closed out the day with a keynote address on sustainability in biotechnology. He discussed using crops for biofuels and plant tissue as an alternative to plastic.

“We need science now like never before,” Dixon said. “Everyone has a part to play — from researchers to industry collaborators to communications teams.”

Awards were presented at the end of the event for top presentations and posters:

• 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

“This was an amazing opportunity for the two institutes to come together,” said AERI Director Amie Lund. “We’re so thankful for everyone who decided to be a part of it.”