Arts, technology, and emerging communication doctoral student Hamida Khatri, with her advisor Jeffrey Price, studied the impact of virtual reality on the treatment of mental trauma associated with gender-based violence. “It’s important for me to show the students that not only is what they are doing cool, but it is also impactful for the greater community,” said Price, associate professor of game development and virtual reality.

More than 90 University of Texas at Dallas doctoral and master’s students presented their research on topics ranging from virtual reality and health care to brain function and machine learning during the Graduate Student Poster Competition and Research Showcase on Oct. 25.

Hannah Rodriguez, a human subjects research specialist in the Office of Research and Innovation, paints the mural in the Visitor Center and University Bookstore atrium.

Hosted by the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI), the event drew 570 attendees who voted for their favorite presentations.

Molecular and cell biology doctoral student Roopal Dhar took first place for her research examining how chronic exposure to the inflammatory protein interleukin-1 disrupts antioxidant signaling in breast cancer cells. Computer science doctoral student Ankur Yadav MS’21 placed second for his work using topological data analysis and machine learning to analyze various forms of visual data. Third place went to molecular and cell biology doctoral student Fabiha Zaheen Khan for her research on bacteria.

The poster competition also featured research from students in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology for the first time, said Suzanne Head, director of program development and outreach in the ORI.

Hamida Khatri, an arts, technology, and emerging communication doctoral student in the Bass School, examined the impact of virtual reality on the treatment of mental trauma associated with gender-based violence.

“Being part of this poster competition has helped me understand what people think about this project. I met people who could relate to the emotional fallout following domestic abuse. I also met somebody who is going to help me get grants,” she said.

Chemistry doctoral student Aidely Aranda presented her research on polymers and liquid bridges.

Attendees also participated in a community painting project sponsored by the Office of Research and Innovation and the Office of Communications. The mural, designed by marketing graphics designer Pete Pagliaccio and printed by Paintillio, served as a project to unite Comets.

“It was very important to our team that we provide an opportunity for the campus to be involved in a community project as well as highlighting the arts,” Head said.

Additional sponsors of the event included Amazon Web Services, AEM Creations, Frios Gourmet Pops, J’s Donuts, Nikki’s Popcorn Company, the Southwest Research Institute and White Rock Coffee.