The Office of Research and Innovation at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) hosted two exceptional event days at Austin’s Capital Factory. UTD’s distinguished faculty and staff guided visitors through groundbreaking advancements in augmented and virtual reality, advanced sensing technology, revolutionary medical devices for trauma treatment, and next-generation education and workforce development.
Attendees explored an interactive environment featuring four stations where UTD’s researchers showcased innovative technologies, including immersive digital worlds via VR, cutting-edge sensor technology, a Minecraft-inspired educational program, and a transformative device addressing PTSD and other traumas.
Rapid Detection for Critical Care
Dr. Shalini Prasad’s research revolutionizes diagnostic tools and point-of-need devices with global healthcare implications. “The opportunity for rapid, immediate critical decision-making can change lives, possibly save lives, or, at the very least, improve the quality of life,” explains Dr. Prasad.
On the frontlines of combating the fentanyl crisis, she has engineered an intuitive device that can detect dangerous substances in saliva with remarkable precision and efficiency. Her portable food safety technology scans for potential allergens and contaminants that might otherwise go undetected.
Perhaps most groundbreaking is Dr. Prasad’s pioneering wearable electrochemical sensor—the first of its kind—that transforms human perspiration into real-time data about disease activity and physiological functions. This innovation serves as an early alert system, identifying biomarkers that signal infections ranging from COVID-19 to inflammatory bowel disease before they reach critical mass.
Innovative Neurological Treatment for PTSD
Dr. Robert Rennaker and his team have developed a groundbreaking wireless vagus nerve stimulator that precisely redirects neuroplasticity—the brain’s remarkable ability to rewire neural connections.
Their approach involves implanting a microscopic chip on the vagus nerve during a simple outpatient procedure. This technological innovation stimulates the nerve to release brain chemicals that amplify learning potential. During therapy sessions, individuals with PTSD are guided to process trauma memories while receiving carefully calibrated nerve signals.
Early clinical trials suggest these therapies are breaking new ground in recovery: improving mental health and quality of life for PTSD patients and boosting mobility for stroke and spinal cord-injured patients.
Dr. Rennaker enjoyed interacting with the attendees, “The Capitol Factory Event was a wonderful experience meeting with a diverse array of people interested in solving problems that affect our society.”
Gamification: Innovative Learning Environments
Dr. Walter Voit, Dr. Eric Kildebeck, and Dr. Robert Steininger are creating engaging, visually compelling learning experiences. Their mission is to transform learning for students in complex subjects like semiconductors, chemistry, battery manufacturing, biology, and the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
Their innovation enables students to enter virtual 3D worlds, where AI customizes challenges, instruction, and environments for personalized learning and discovery. These advanced learning environments will prepare the next generation of innovators, cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Their research focuses on three primary areas for workforce development. They create simulation environments for restricted workplaces such as semiconductor facilities, hospitals, and nuclear plants. They also concentrate on AI Adaptability, developing intelligent agents that demonstrate flexibility in complex scenarios. Additionally, their work includes Sandbox Classrooms, where they design immersive spaces for experimental learning with AI-curated content.
Immersive Training with VR
The UT Dallas Innovation Showcase featured Jeff Price and his team demonstrating remarkable achievements in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Working closely with talented students, they have positioned UT Dallas at the forefront of immersive technology.
Their research explores how Gamification, VR, and AR can transform fields such as education, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. From training simulations to augmented reality interfaces, their projects push beyond conventional thinking.
“Seeing my students transform theoretical concepts into fully functional, cutting-edge experiences creates the same excitement as watching a successful launch,” says Jeff Price. “This showcase wasn’t just about demonstrating our technical achievements but igniting conversations about the trajectory of immersive technology and its impact across human experience.”
Four Focused Panel Discussions
Four dynamic panel discussions complemented the interactive stations, bringing together leading minds from research and industry.
Panel 1: Gamification for Workforce Development
- Dani Lamb, Assistant Director, Strategic Research Initiatives, Office of Research and Innovation, The University of Texas at Dallas (moderator)
- Dr. Walter Voit, Director, Center for Engineering Innovation, The University of Texas at Dallas
- Jeff Price, Director, VAST LAB, The University of Texas at Dallas
- Lauren Alder, Manager, Workforce Development, Texas Instruments
During this panel, Lauren, representing workforce development at Texas Instruments, provided an overview of the need for technicians and operators as Texas Instruments expands its footprint in Texas and Utah. Dr. Walter Voit discussed the need for industry and skill awareness, as well as how video games like Minecraft can promote workforce awareness across multiple sectors. Regarding training, the ability to fail in virtual environments, such as video games, can teach students the critical thinking and technical skills necessary in industries like healthcare and advanced manufacturing, where failure can be dangerous. Jeff Price, a video game design professor and AR/VR expert, shared this sentiment, noting the importance of realistic AR and VR design, where training can be more accessible, and muscle memory can be formed. “This panel showed the audience everyone is a gamer, highlighted out-of-the-box solutions to workforce development, and focused on industry workforce needs specific to the semiconductor space in North Texas,” said panel moderator Dani Lamb.
Panel 2: Addressing National Security One Battery at a Time
- Dr. Tom Campbell, Co-Founder of LEAP Manufacturing (moderator)
- Dr. Joseph J Pancrazio, Vice President, Research and Innovation, The University of Texas at Dallas
- Lital Mehr, Battery Program Lead, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- Adam Reed, Energy and Environment Programs Manager, Associated Universities Inc. (AUI)
- Pete Mathias, Partner, Alumni Ventures
- Dr. James Trevey, CTO and Co-Founder, Forge Nano
This panel examined energy independence and the challenges of global battery production. It revealed how China’s dominance in mineral processing and battery production creates supply chain vulnerabilities and discussed strategic solutions for protecting critical resources. The panel spoke on the crucial role of batteries in shaping the future of national security and enhancing economic strength. Their insights were well-received by a standing-room-only audience, which learned of the United States’ current dependence on foreign entities for battery solutions, various technology advances to drive economic growth and enhance military readiness, and potential strategic solutions to protect the battery supply chains,” said Campbell.
Panel 3: Optimal Brain Health for Warfighters
- Dr. Mike Stebbins, Senior Vice President, Advanced Technology International (ATI) (moderator)
- Jennifer Zientz, Director of Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters, UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth
- Kevin Gatley, Former Navy SEAL, Operations Officer, Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters, UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth
- Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, Founder and Chief Director, UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth
This panel focused on the science-backed approaches being deployed to enhance the cognitive capabilities of special operations forces. They shared scientific breakthroughs in developing, testing, and delivering the first comprehensive BrainHealth Index, which measures brain health optimization and motivates self-agency to strive for brain gains. This unique measure significantly alleviates the stigma associated with building stronger brain skills, regardless of one’s starting point or brain challenges. The BrainHealth Team discussed their validated training protocol (Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Tactics) that provides practical strategies to advance peak performance–directly within the troops via a train-the-trainer model with the warfighters’ Cognitive Enhancement Specialists. The conversation illustrated how they are deploying a Top Gun approach, where warfighters are trained to refresh their brain performance constantly and never rely on yesterday’s skills. They seek advice to overcome the significant hurdles and complexities of navigating decision-making within the military and federal programs.
Panel 4: Bridging Biomanufacturing
- Dr. Mike Stebbins, Senior Vice President, Advanced Technology International (ATI) (moderator)
- Dr. Rob Rennaker, Texas Instruments Distinguished Chair in Bioengineering, UT Dallas, and CEO, Xnerve Medical
- Dr. Shalini Prasad, Department Head of Bioengineering, UT Dallas, and Co-Founder, EnLiSense
- Justin Yang, Founder and CEO, DMV Bio
This panel explored connections between defense capabilities and medical innovations. They revealed how advanced healing technologies and defense systems create significant interdisciplinary impacts: Dr. Prasad and her team engineer various point-of-care testing devices. “The opportunity for rapid, immediate critical decision-making can change lives, possibly save lives, or, at the very least, improve the quality of life,” she explains. Dr. Prasad and her team are advancing research in various areas, including wearable healthcare monitoring devices, do-it-yourself food testing, and rapid fentanyl detection. Dr. Rennaker and his team are working to conquer PTSD with the assistance of a tiny implanted device that stimulates the vagus nerve. In addition, they are advancing therapies for tinnitus, traumatic brain injury, peripheral nerve injury, and stroke treatment.
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