TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
TXST will showcase the depth and impact of its research enterprise during its annual Research Week, a multi-day celebration of discovery, innovation, and broader impact and engagement taking place April 6-10.
Research Week highlights how TXST researchers are addressing societal challenges and mentoring the next generation of researchers, scholars, and innovators. TXST research advances health, technology, sustainability, and economic development and creates opportunities for collaboration and public engagement.
A dynamic lineup of events designed to connect faculty, staff, industry partners, and the broader community will celebrate the full TXST research enterprise from early-stage discovery to real-world application and commercialization. Here are some of the featured events: “Telling Human Stories in Interesting Times: Humanities Research at TXST” (April 6 at 11 a.m. at the LBJ Student Center): The panel brings together faculty scholars to explore how research in history, philosophy, literature, and languages helps us understand today’s complex world. The keynote address and panel discussion will highlight how humanities research preserves cultural knowledge, examines ethical challenges, and amplifies the human experiences.
Research Design Day at STAR Park (April 6 at 5 p.m.): STAR Park spotlights breakthrough technologies emerging from the university’s incubator and ventures rooted in chemistry, materials science, systems engineering, and applied life sciences. The event is for faculty, industry partners, and community members to learn how TXST research is being translated into scalable solutions for infrastructure resilience, national security, sustainable manufacturing, and health.
Regents’ Professor Lecture: Dr. Oleg Komogortsev (April 7 at 5 p.m. at the LBJ Student Center): Dr. Oleg Komogortsev, Regents’ Professor of Computer Science, will present “Eye Tracking and eXtended Reality: Opportunities and Applications,” highlighting cutting- edge research at the intersection of biometrics, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. His work explores how eye-tracking systems can be used for human state assessment, secure authentication, and next-generation interaction in virtual and augmented reality environments.
TXST INNO Innovation Awards & Showcase (April 8 at Noon and 1:30 p.m. at the LBJ Student Center): The Office of Innovation, Commercialization, and Engagement will host a two-part event celebrating research-driven entrepreneurship, including an invitation-only luncheon honoring innovators and a public showcase of emerging technologies and startup ideas. Together, these events highlight Texas State’s growing innovation ecosystem and its commitment to turning research into real-world, market-ready solutions.
Regents’ Professor Lecture: Dr. Susan Morey (April 8 at 5 p.m. at the LBJ Student Center): Dr. Susan Morey, Regents’ Professor of Mathematics, will present “Extremal Ideals: ‘One Ring* to Rule* them All*’”* and offer insight into advanced concepts in algebra and combinatorics. Her research focuses on the structure and properties of algebraic systems, including ideals associated with graphs and hypergraphs, with implications for both theoretical mathematics and broader scientific applications.
Alkek Library Research Resources Showcase (April 9 from 9 a.m. to noon): This interactive, multi-session event highlights the tools and collections that support research across disciplines. Investigate Data (9–10 a.m.) explores data discovery, management, and preservation resources. Explore Archives (10–11 a.m.) showcases historical collections and digitization efforts documenting Texas State and the Hays County region. And Discover Cultural Heritage (11 a.m.–12 p.m.) features materials related to Texas, the Southwest, and Mexico. Together. Alkek Library resources enable discovery, preservation, and storytelling.
Graduate Student Research Conference (April 9 at 4 p.m. at the LBJ Student Center) Held in the LBJ Student Center, the Graduate Student Research Conference highlights the work of emerging scholars through poster presentations spanning all disciplines. Graduate students will present thesis research, creative works, case studies, and collaborative projects, and engage with peers, faculty, and attendees from across campus and beyond.
Together, these events reflect TXST’s commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and aligning research with real- world needs.
Texas State’s research is deeply rooted in community needs and regional and national priorities. From improving healthcare delivery and addressing aging populations to advancing secure technologies and sustainable systems, TXST researchers are translating ideas into tangible outcomes.
Research initiatives highlighted during the week demonstrate Texas State’s broad impact across multiple areas, including health innovation addressing aging, dementia, and community health disparities; advancements in technology and security through eye-tracking biometrics, AI systems, and extended reality; and economic development supported by startups and commercialization efforts at STAR Park.
The week also emphasizes cultural preservation by expanding access to regional archives and heritage collections, as well as workforce development through hands-on research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
Research Week is for researchers, research administrators, community members, industry partners, policymakers, and students. Events encourage participation, foster partnerships, and focus on societal priorities. TXST is creating opportunities for dialogue and knowledge- sharing.
Texas State University continues to expand its research footprint and gain position as a leading public research institution in Texas. With growing investment in interdisciplinary initiatives, strategic hiring, and innovation infrastructure, TXST is advancing toward national prominence.
