STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Unprecedented student engagement drove a record high number of poster and Three Minute Thesis graduate presentations at this year’s RIED Research Symposium Friday, Feb. 27, in the ballrooms of Tarleton State University’s Barry B. Thompson Student Center.
Encompassing areas from engineering to social science, the more than 100 exhibits highlighted how research at Tarleton State is dynamic, interdisciplinary, and highly responsive to both local and global challenges.
“RIED’s annual Research Symposium is a celebration of everyone’s collective contribution and efforts, seen in the 105 research projects,” said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. “It also reflects Tarleton State’s commitment to student success while achieving R1 status.”
This year’s symposium achieved a milestone in that both the number of poster presentations and Three Minute Thesis graduate presentations exceeded last year’s total. An impressive 32 submitted projects were funded by the President’s Excellence in Research Scholars grant, an initiative providing seed funding for faculty-led student research that reinforces Tarleton State’s commitment to research excellence.
Student researchers showcased their projects in areas spanning engineering (mechanical, environmental, civil, agricultural, integrated circuits), computer science (machine learning, vision-language models, data systems), biological and environmental sciences (crop health monitoring, soil health, biochar, microplastics), health sciences (cancer research, rural health, physical therapy), social sciences (social work, cultural dynamics, economic development), and psychology (adolescent cognitive development).
Many of the projects directly engaged rural communities, focusing on real-world applications and supporting the development of solutions that improve quality of life, economic opportunity and resilience.
“The research is not only academically rigorous but also profoundly connected to the needs of the region, fostering student involvement and building stronger networks between the university and the broader community,” Dr. Iyer said.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.