Expanded Program Enhances Research Opportunities for Students

Aerospace engineering senior Philip Wilson attended an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) conference. Rohit Raut, a senior physics major, presented his work at a nuclear research symposium, and senior biology major Jaden Rankin had the opportunity to feature her research at an entomology conference.

These and other University of Texas at Arlington students were able to showcase their original research at major symposiums thanks to UTA’s expansion of its popular undergraduate research program that provides funding for select students to present at academic conferences.

“At the conference, I presented my work on rotating detonating engine nozzles to students from other universities, professors and other AIAA members,” said Wilson, who along with his partner, Khushi Piparava, presented their work and won second place among student presenters. “I got to see the research and work done by my peers at other universities, and it solidified my plans to stay on at UTA and pursue my Ph.D. in aerospace engineering.”

The initial expansion of this program supported eight students, each receiving up to $1,000 based on the costs of attending a symposium.

“We’re allowing a select group of students to showcase their original research at international conferences, which allows students to network with future collaborators, talk to possible employers and experience firsthand what it’s like to be an established researcher,” said Kayunta Johnson-Winters, director of undergraduate research at UTA and an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “The response from the students and their faculty advisors has been so encouraging.”

The program enabled Raut, an aspiring physicist, to attend a meeting at CERN, the European Organization of Nuclear Research.

“As a physicist and a researcher, it’s always exciting to be at CERN,” Raut said. “You never know if the person standing next to you in the lunch line is the physicist who inspired you to pursue physics.”

Raut will graduate in the spring and is applying to doctoral programs to study high-energy physics, particularly in neutrino and dark sector research, which explores the fundamental particles and forces that shape the universe.

Rankin said her experience in the program has strengthened her commitment to pursuing graduate studies in biology.

“Attending Entomology 2024 last November allowed me to learn more about the field of insect research,” she said. “It was my first major research symposium, and it was so incredibly exciting to meet people at all levels of education.

“I plan to pursue a Ph.D. and possibly work in a national park after I finish my studies.”

Ken Perry presented research on the connection between high-fat meals and cardiovascular health—conducted with his faculty mentor, R. Matthew Brothers—at the American Physiological Society meeting. He received two awards for his presentation.

“The first award was given to about 100 people, but the second was more of a competition meant to honor the top 10 undergraduates at the entire conference, which had over 20,000 people,” Perry said. “It was really a huge honor for me.”

Ben Gervasi, a senior art history major, attended the Midwest Art History Society Conference, calling it an “amazing opportunity to network with experts in the field.”

After earning his degree this spring, Gervasi plans to attend graduate school to further his study of late-19th-century French art. Eventually, he hopes to teach at the university level.

“Research is not confined to the papers you write,” Gervasi said. “The events you attend and the places you explore naturally inspire your research and keep it fresh.”

Program participants:

• Lucine Devejian, Fort Worth (Nolan Catholic High School)
  Attended American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, San Antonio
   
• Ben Gervasi, Arlington, (Martin High School)
  Attended Midwest Art History Society Conference, Chicago
   
• Ken Perry, Arlington (Arlington High School)
  Attended American Physiological Society Summit, Long Beach, California
   
• Ravi Ramkissoon, Mansfield (Timberview High School)
  Attended American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, San Antonio
  Attended American Chemical Society, Youth Challenge, Singapore, February 2025
   
• Jaden Rankin, Terrell (North Forney High School)
  Attended Entomology 2024, Phoenix
   
• Rohit Raut, Jhapa, Nepal (Dhulabari Secondary School)
  Attended DUNE Collaboration Meeting and DUNE LArTPC Analysis Workshop, Geneva, Switzerland
   
• Philip Wilson, Mansfield (Mansfield High School)
  Attended AIAA Region IV Student Conference of 2024, Stillwater, Oklahoma
   
• Carson Wright, Waxahachie (Waxahachie Global High School)
  Attending Symposium for the Communication of Complex Information in March 2025, Saint Paul, Minnesota

Learn more about UTA’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities on its website or email the office.

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UT Arlington is the second-largest institution in the UT System. UTA’s combination of outstanding academics and innovative research contributes to its designation as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution, a significant milestone of excellence. The University is designated as a Hispanic Serving-Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and has earned the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to accelerating Latino student success. The University ranks in the top five nationally for veterans and their families (Military Times, 2024), is No. 4 in Texas for advancing social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), and is No. 6 in the United States for its undergraduate ethnic diversity (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). UT Arlington’s approximately 270,000 alumni occupy leadership positions at many of the 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas and contribute to the University’s $28.8 billion annual economic impact on Texas.