STEPHENVILLE, Texas \u2014 Unprecedented student engagement drove a record high number of poster and Three Minute Thesis graduate presentations at this year\u2019s RIED Research Symposium Friday, Feb. 27, in the ballrooms of Tarleton State University\u2019s Barry B. Thompson Student Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRIED\u2019s annual Research Symposium is a celebration of everyone\u2019s collective contribution and efforts, seen in the 105 research projects,\u201d said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. \u201cIt also reflects Tarleton State\u2019s commitment to student success while achieving R1 status.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s symposium achieved a milestone in that both the number of poster presentations and Three Minute Thesis graduate presentations exceeded last year\u2019s total. An impressive 32 submitted projects were funded by the President\u2019s Excellence in Research Scholars grant, an initiative providing seed funding for faculty-led student research that reinforces Tarleton State\u2019s commitment to research excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Dr. Iyer said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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