Research
News for and about the people whose discoveries, inventions, designs and scholarly achievements bring UT Dallas toward its goal of becoming one of the nation’s best public research universities.
Doctoral Student's Nanotech Research Wins Award
A UT Dallas doctoral student in materials science and engineering has been awarded a silver medal by the Materials Research Society for her work with nanomaterials. Nour Nijem, a doctoral candidate graduating this week and advised by Dr. Yves Chabal, head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, competed for the honor against 105 graduate students from institutions such as Stanford University, Princeton University, the University of California, Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. read more
Researcher Awarded $1.9 Million to Study Marijuana Addiction
A UT Dallas researcher has been awarded $1.9 million to support her studies of genetic and environmental factors related to marijuana addiction. Dr. Francesca Filbey, assistant professor at the Center for BrainHealth received the funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Despite the long history of cannabis use, which dates back to more than 2,500 years, we still know very little about its effects on the brain,” Filbey said. read more
Study: Prison Inmate Intelligence Influences Misconduct
A prison inmate’s IQ, as well as the average IQ of a prison unit, can play a role in predicting violent prison misconduct, according to a recently published UT Dallas study in the latest issue of the academic journal Intelligence. read more
Nanotech on Tap at Dallas-area Research Conference
Neuroscience and novel cancer treatments might seem worlds away from high-efficiency batteries and advanced solar cells, but the U.S.-Korea Joint Symposium of Nanotechnology Workshops, hosted and co-organized by UT Dallas, will bring these diverse fields together under one roof. The event, to be held May 1-4 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, provides an opportunity for nearly 100 scientists, engineers and students from both the United States and South Korea to highlight their collaborations and to exchange information, especially in the fields of nanostructured materials, nanoelectronics and nano-biotechnology. read more
Prof Explores Universe Through Gravity Lens Studies
The National Science Foundation recently awarded Dr. Mustapha Ishak-Boushaki, associate professor of physics at UT Dallas, a $222,000 research grant for his investigations of the gravitational lensing technique used to study the nature of the universe. His studies are aimed at improving the technique to more accurately measure the distribution and density of mass in the universe. His research also could contribute to a better understanding of dark matter. read more
Competition Spotlights Top Undergrad Research
After nearly two semesters of effort, 10 students from across the UT Dallas campus recently faced off in the fifth annual Undergraduate Research Poster Presentation. The students competed for cash prizes, with topics ranging from assessing the needs of the Dallas homeless and evaluating perceptions of inequality to research aimed at developing high-capacity energy storage devices. Medical research focused on genetics, cancer and autism-related studies. read more
ATEC Nurse Training Simulations Singled Out for Awards
Two nursing education research projects developed by the Institute for Interactive Arts and Engineering (IIAE) at UT Dallas in collaboration with the UT Arlington College of Nursing have received national and state recognition this spring. One project — “Can Game Play Teach Student Nurses How to Save Lives?” — has been named a 2012 Computerworld Honors Laureate. read more
The UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings
Harvard Business School jumped three spots to No. 2 in this year’s UT Dallas Top 100 Business School Research Rankings, an index that tracks faculty research productivity at management schools. The Jindal School faculty productivity has risen dramatically since the rankings began, from No. 36 in North America in 2005 to its current place at No. 15. read more
New Research Could Mean Cell Phones That See Through Walls
Comic book hero superpowers may be one step closer to reality after the latest technological feats made by researchers at UT Dallas. They have designed an imager chip that could turn mobile phones into devices that can see through walls, wood, plastics, paper and other objects. read more
Expanded Study Will Track Adolescent Behavior on Facebook
A large-scale, long-term UT Dallas study focusing on adolescent friendships and electronic communication is expanding to include Facebook posts. A research team led by Dr. Marion Underwood will capture and code the content of adolescent activity on Facebook. The new research is supported by a two-year grant from the National Institutes of Health. read more
Conference to Emphasize Undergrad Psychology Research
Undergraduate psychology majors will get a chance to display their research accomplishments during a conference sponsored by UT Dallas and other area universities. The North Texas Undergraduate Psychology Conference will take place on UT Dallas’ main campus in Richardson, but it represents a joint effort by psychology departments at Southern Methodist University, Texas Woman’s University and The University of Texas at Arlington, as well as UT Dallas. read more
Event to Put UT Dallas Start-Up Firms and Technology on Display
The University of Texas at Dallas will soon showcase start-up companies created by students and faculty members using technology developed at the University. The event, scheduled for April 20, is the first UT Dallas Research and New Venture Showcase to highlight UT Dallas start-up companies. The companies are based on research spanning the range of technology from biosensors to new materials and software. read more
Neuroscience Discoveries Alter Public Policy Debates
Neuroscience has made tremendous progress in understanding the adolescent brain, creating opportunities as well as challenges for using that knowledge in relation to public policies, according to an article in the Spring 2012 edition of Issues in Science and Technology. The journal is produced by the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine and The University of Texas at Dallas. read more
Neuroscience Conference to Look at Neuropsychiatric Disorders
The UT Dallas Neuroscience Conference in April will focus on the brain’s cortical and subcortical networks and how their interactions are linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences launched the annual neuroscience event in 2011, and this year’s conference is expected to attract a large number of leading brain scientists from around the country. The sessions will take place on April 13 on the UT Dallas main campus. read more
Dreams and Determination Drive Marketing Science Scholar
When César Zamudio dived into his doctoral research, he didn’t think he had a great idea, know much about the subject, have data or know whether it would appeal to the marketing community. But he knew the topic was unique and he was doggedly determined. In February, Zamudio won honorable mention in the annual 2011 Marketing Science Institute Alden G. Clayton Dissertation Proposal competition. read more
Undergrad Researchers Win With Efficient Lighting Proposal
A team of undergraduate students from the UT Dallas chapter of the Society of Physics Students earned a national award for their proposal to create high-efficiency devices for displays and lighting. They were one of only nine research groups in the country selected to receive the Sigma Pi Sigma Undergraduate Research Award, which comes with about $2,000 in research funds. read more
Researchers Unveil Robot Jellyfish That Runs on Nanotechnology
Researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas and Virginia Tech have created an undersea vehicle inspired by the common jellyfish that runs on renewable energy and could be used in ocean rescue and surveillance missions. In a study published this week in Smart Materials and Structures, scientists created a robotic jellyfish, dubbed Robojelly, that feeds off hydrogen and oxygen gases found in water. read more
Grant Funds Study of Bilingual Education Effectiveness
A postdoctoral fellow in the Callier Center for Communication Disorders has won a competitive research grant to study the effectiveness of bilingual education programs. Findings from the first phase of Dr. Raúl Rojas’ investigation are scheduled for publication in Child Development later this year. read more
Research Aims at Better Diagnosis of Language Issues
Recent studies by a UT Dallas researcher aim at finding better ways to diagnose young children with language impairments. Dr. Christine Dollaghan, a professor at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders and the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, is author of a paper in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. read more
Nanoparticle Study Wins State Cancer Research Funding
Dr. Jie Zheng, a member of the chemistry faculty at UT Dallas, has received more than $1.2 million in funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas for work on safer nanoparticles that could make early diagnosis of prostate tumors possible. Dr. Zheng, assistant professor of chemistry, explores biomedical applications of tiny gold nanoparticles that can be used to help detect tumors. read more
Study Links Spanking and Genetics to Childhood Aggression
A study co-authored by UT Dallas criminologist Dr. J.C. Barnes shows that the risk of problem behavior during childhood—particularly for boys—is greatly increased if children have genetic predispositions for these behaviors and if they are spanked by their parents. read more
MBA Students Report Improved Full-Time Employment
A survey of graduate students shows those seeking MBAs are increasingly employed in full-time jobs. For the last two years, Naveen Jindal School of Management Associate Dean Monica Powell has surveyed part-time business administration graduate students, collecting information on everything from classroom preferences, to program design, to best communication methods to career outlook. read more
Two UT Dallas Papers Honored by Geophysics Society
Two technical papers by researchers at the Center for Lithospheric Studies at UT Dallas have been ranked among the top 31 papers presented at the 2011 Society of Exploration Geophysicists annual meeting. A geosciences doctoral student's paper was presented at the society's 81st annual meeting. read more
Study Compares Traits of Autism, Schizophrenia
A UT Dallas assistant professor is studying the differences between the social impairments found in autism and schizophrenia to help develop better treatments for people with both disorders. By differentiating between them, Dr. Noah Sasson hopes researchers can develop new ways to counteract the negative social experiences of patients. read more
Researchers Find Rare Life in Pacific Ocean's Depths
A joint research group of U.S. and Japanese geoscientists, including a team from UT Dallas, has discovered a system of hydrothermal vents teeming with life three miles below the surface of the western Pacific Ocean. Their findings appeared in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. read more
Research is Teaching: Mentors Inspire Lives of Discovery
Research laboratories in academic settings are critical to efforts to better understand the world around us and beyond. These environments offer the building blocks and training grounds necessary to develop young scientists. Sometimes, such environments grow within a university setting over long periods of time as a result of the serendipitous accumulation of people and resources. But serendipity—while it makes for great stories and in Dr. Baughman’s case, a great scientist—isn’t enough. UT Dallas works to foster an environment that actively supports students and faculty forming research partnerships. By pairing excellent faculty with promising students, mentorships not unlike the one that shaped Baughman’s career can flourish. read more
Chess Masters Help Researchers Understand How We See the World
Just as expert chess players scrutinize a board to calculate their next moves, UT Dallas cognitive neuroscientists are examining the way these aficionados’ brains work to gain better understanding of how visual information is processed. In three recent papers, Dr. James Bartlett, Dr. Daniel Krawczyk and doctoral student Amy Boggan of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences discuss whether an expert chess player’s analysis of a board is similar to the attention paid by most people to new or familiar faces.
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Symposium to Focus on Advances in Brain Plasticity
The Center for BrainHealth, in partnership with the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at The University of California, Berkeley, presents the annual “Reprogramming the Brain to Health Symposium.” The symposium focuses on the latest research breakthroughs in brain plasticity. read more
Undergrad’s Work Details Protein’s Role in Neurological Disorders
A UT Dallas undergraduate’s research is revealing new information about a key protein’s role in the development of epilepsy, autism and other neurological disorders. This work could one day lead to new treatments for the conditions. Senior neuroscience student Francisco Garcia has worked closely with Dr. Marco Atzori, associate professor in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. read more
Sister Institutions Chart Plans to Collaborate on Research
More than 500 miles separate UT Dallas and UT Pan American, but the two schools hope to effectively narrow that distance after research faculty from both met to discuss working together on science, technology, engineering and mathematics projects. The STEM Faculty Research Symposium gathered faculty from the sister institutions in hopes of establishing a program that promotes long-term collaboration in their fields. Disciplines represented at the symposium included biology, electrical engineering, physics, geosciences, chemistry, material science, mathematics and mechanical engineering. read more
Prison Misconduct Findings Shed Light on Crowding Problem
UT Dallas criminologist Dr. Robert Morris and doctoral student Erin Orrick won the 2012 William Simon/Anderson Publishing Outstanding Paper award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences for their article that shows offenders who return to prison on technical parole violations are far less likely to engage in prison misconduct. read more
Study Links Alzheimer’s Marker to Deficits in Healthy People
Researchers from the Center for Vital Longevity at UT Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center have completed a large-scale neuroimaging study of healthy adults that measured beta-amyloid protein—a substance whose toxic buildup in the brain is a diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s disease. The findings, published in the February 1, 2012, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, mark a crucial step toward being able to predict who may be at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease long before symptoms appear. read more
Training Video Game Designed for Army Wins New Award
For the third time in two years, the First Person Cultural Trainer, a research project from the UT Dallas Arts and Technology program, has won a major national award for serious gaming. FPCT received the Best Game award in the Government Category of the 2011 Serious Games Showcase and Challenge. FPCT is sponsored by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command G-2 Intelligence Support.
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Book Explores the Adolescent Mind as It Changes
UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth's chief director Dr. Sandi Chapman was part of an interdisciplinary team that wrote and edited a new book, The Adolescent Brain: Learning, Reasoning and Decision Making. read more
Lectures to Offer Developmental Insights on Children’s Health
UT Dallas’ Center for Children and Families welcomes parents and professionals to campus this spring for its fourth annual series of lectures examining different aspects of children’s health and development. The series kicks off on Jan. 27 with a talk by Dr. Noah Sasson of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences on the “Evolving Diagnosis of Autism.” He will discuss how and why the definition of autism has changed over the past several decades.
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BrainHealth Director Recognized for Research Impact
Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, chief director of the UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth, was recently presented with the 2011 Honors of the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders & Sciences. The Academy congratulated Chapman for her “enormous contributions to the area of pediatric traumatic brain injury” and cited her for “an unprecedented impact on its research and clinical work.” The award is the association’s highest honor. read more
Doctoral Student Lauded for Materials Research
UT Dallas doctoral student Muge Acik was recently named a silver award winner at the Materials Research Society’s meeting for excellence in academic achievements and materials research. Acik’s research focuses on the engineering and chemistry of carbon materials, including graphene oxide sheets. It is hoped that new materials can be created to improve electronic devices and energy storage. read more
Wanted: High-Quality Jobs and a Skilled Workforce
As the United States slowly recovers from the Great Recession, it needs to focus on creating not just more jobs but more high-quality jobs and providing workers with the skills necessary to perform those jobs, according to an article in the Winter Issues in Science and Technology. Because too many U.S. workers lack the education and skills required for high-paying jobs, employers often choose to compete based only on low costs rather than on better worker performance, writes Harry Holzer of Georgetown University. read more
Prof's Theory Could Improve Shelf Life of Electronics
Research by UT Dallas engineers could lead to more efficient cooling of electronics, which would pave the way for quieter and longer-lasting computers, cell phones and other devices. Much of modern technology uses silicon as semiconductor material. But research recently published in the journal Nature Materials shows that graphene conducts heat about 20 times faster than silicon. read more
Tiny Quantum Dots Hold Promise in Prof's Research
UT Dallas researchers are making strides in understanding the workings of quantum dots – nanosized particles that have immense potential in several industry applications. Quantum dots could be used in a variety of ways ranging from illuminating the human body in high-tech medical imaging to increasing the efficiency of energy sources. read more
Callier Center’s Bruton Conference to Focus on Grief and Hearing Loss
UT Dallas’ Callier Center for Communication Disorders will host a full-day workshop for area hearing and speech professionals focusing on strategies for helping families deal with grief arising from hearing loss. read more
Symposium to Explore Transition from Neural Health to Alzheimer’s Disease
Changes in the brain that occur during normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease will be the focus of a symposium to be held at the UT Dallas Center for Vital Longevity on Jan. 20. Fragile Minds: Understanding the Transition from Neural Health to Alzheimer’s Disease is a half-day symposium co-sponsored by the UT Dallas Center for Vital Longevity and the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center. read more
Study Seeks Ways to Help Young Diabetics Help Themselves
A National Institutes of Health grant will fund a UT Dallas professor's new study of the factors affecting young people's ability to effectively treat themselves for diabetes. The NIH grant, which totals $2.7 million and runs through 2016, will fund research activities across multiple sites, including UT Southwestern and UT Dallas.
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Profs Earn Award for Article on Employment Issue
Two public affairs professors in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at UT Dallas received an award for their article examining attitudes about employment at will among state human resource managers in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas. The award was presented at the business meeting for the Public Administration Section of the American Political Science Association’s annual conference in Seattle. read more
NSF Grant Funds Search for Ways to Ensure Data Authenticity
Researchers at UT Dallas are part of a $3 million collaborative grant from the National Science Foundation to study ways to ensure the authenticity and confidentiality of data—which can include everything from patient information to financial records. The grant will fund a multi-university investigation that includes researchers from UT San Antonio and Purdue University. read more
Pretrial Release Study Seeks Ways to Curb Jail Costs
A UT Dallas study seeks to find the most efficient, safe and cost-effective ways to handle Dallas County defendants who are released from jail before their cases go to court. Dr. Robert Morris, an assistant professor of criminology in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, will lead the study which will use county data to answer key questions, such as how release practices affect court appearance rates. read more
UT Dallas Professor Presents Findings to UK Security Officials
A UT Dallas professor recently presented her research on biometric security technology to officials of the United Kingdom’s Home Office, which oversees the nation’s anti-terrorism and crime-fighting efforts. Security leaders were particularly interested in how biometrics might be used to protect against terrorism or other types of crime when the Olympics are held in London next year.
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UT Dallas Researchers Help Measure Child Poverty
Nearly 30 percent of children in Dallas County are living in poverty, according to a Children’s Medical Center report compiled by the Institute of Urban Policy Research at UT Dallas. The report, Beyond ABC 2011: Assessing Children’s Health in Dallas County, examines the quality of life of area children. read more
Research Scholar Grants Awarded to 70 Undergrads
Recipients of the 2011 Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards make up the biggest class in the program’s five-year history. In all, 70 students will receive funding for 69 projects that cover a wealth of topics, including facial recognition, online communities, flexible electronics, public investment, energy transfer and social media marketing. This is almost a 50 percent increase from the 46 awards made last year and more than triple the 21 awards made when the program began in 2007. read more
$7 Million in Awards Fund Research to Help Veterans
Revolutionary research by the Center for BrainHealth aims to help vets recover from brain injuries, deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and improve physical mobility. The research team has begun screening service men and women who are interested in participating in the innovative studies. read more
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