UTSA Research

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Groundbreaking research is happening at UTSA! Professor Itamar Lerner and the Sleep and Memory Computational Lab are investigating the crucial link between REM sleep and PTSD risk in first responders. Understanding "dream sleep" could revolutionize future evaluations and treatment.

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UTSA professor examines relationship between sleep and PTSD APRIL 29, 2025 — Researchers at the UTSA Sleep and Memory Computational Lab are studying how Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep could influence individuals who are regularly exposed to stressful experiences and are at higher risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

So proud of our very own Siobhán Fleming, PhD, Senior Director of Faculty Research Development, for receiving the Collaboration Champion Award at today’s UTSA Excellence Awards Ceremony! Siobhan has been instrumental in supporting faculty across campus — building strong partnerships, advancing research efforts and fostering a collaborative environment that empowers faculty success. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition!

Don't miss the 2025 Small Business Week Awards on May 8! In an annual ceremony co-hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UTSA Institute for Economic Development Texas South-West SBDC Network, the event celebrates local entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to our community and features breakout discussions and networking opportunities. It's not too late to register.

Learn more: https://sasbdc.org/

Texas grew more than any other state in 2024, but that trend may be changing. The Texas Demographic Conference will explore how population change will impact infrastructure, the economy and more. Join this vital exploration of our state's future with the Texas Demographic Center on May 21–22 in Dallas or virtually.

Register for the event: https://tinyurl.com/2tkh4fsv

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/4u8cxpkx

Texas Demographic Conference offers glimpse of state’s future population The Texas Demographic Center, a state agency housed at UTSA, will host the Texas Demographic Conference on May 21–22 in Dallas.

How can machine learning speed up drug development? A team of biomedical researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to identify viable treatments for two viruses that can spread from bats to humans. After scanning 40 million compounds, the algorithm identified more than two dozen viable treatments.

Scientists from UTSA - The University of Texas at San Antonio, Southwest Research Institute and Texas Biomedical Research Institute are collaborating on this groundbreaking project.

"Our work highlights the power of collaborative, multidisciplinary research by our San Antonio institutions to bring together a comprehensive and cohesive strategy for developing novel anti-viral drug candidates," said UTSA researcher Stanton McHardy.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4s2hwzc4

San Antonio scientists use machine learning to identify potential treatments for deadly viruses A team of San Antonio-based biomedical researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to identify more than two dozen viable treatments for diseases caused by zoonotic pathogens that can jump from animal hosts to infect humans. Scientists from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), The Universit...

How can research bolster workforce development in rural communities? UTSA researcher Vanessa A. Sansone, Ed.D. is part of a new initiative listening directly to rural stakeholders across five states to create impactful training programs. Working with her team in the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, Dr. Sansone will apply qualitative and ethnographic research techniques to identify the industries and skills most needed in each region.

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/bdfv3hpv

UTSA researcher to help fuel rural workforce development across five states Left to right: Cecilia Orphan, co-director; Andrew Koricich, executive director; Alisa Hicklin Fryar, co-director; Vanessa A. Sansone, co-director; and Kevin R. McClure, co-director.

UTSA researchers are revolutionizing TBI treatment! The team is using data-driven approaches to create a dashboard for clinicians to better understand and treat traumatic brain injuries in veterans. The research will draw from data from a sample of 3,000 patients to identify trends, shedding light on an injury type that is notoriously difficult to diagnose and evaluate.

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UTSA-led research to develop groundbreaking tool to improve treatment plans for TBIs APRIL 9, 2025 — Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious issue affecting thousands of people in the U.S. every year. For military service members, the impact is even more profound. Since 2000, over 492,000 cases of TBI have been reported, making it one of the defining injuries of modern warfare, ...

The UTSA Institute for Economic Development reported another high-impact year of job creation and economic growth for Texas!

The dedicated team of expert consultants and economic development practitioners supported the creation of 4,345 new jobs, driving growth in our state. The team also aided 46,337 businesses and had an overall direct economic impact of $1.8 billion.

Learn how the institute fuels economic growth:

Valdez Institute for Economic Development reports $1.8 billion in economic impact Left to Right: Rod McSherry, associate vice president for innovation and economic development; Susannah Munro, director, Apex Accelerator; Michael Gonzalez, associate regional director, SBDC; Richard Sifuentes, director, UTSA SBDC.

Organizations are constantly seeking ways to improve employee productivity. A new study from UTSA provides data-driven insights on the impact of peer recognition through digital platforms. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored communication strategies.

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UTSA marketing researcher studies peer influence in the workplace MARCH 31, 2025 — Can organizational communications impact the efforts of employees? According to a study by Stephen He, assistant professor of marketing in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA, sharing peer success can influence employee performance.

UTSA's Dr. Thomas Forsthuber collaborates on a study revolutionizing how we understand and treat childhood brain tumors. By analyzing T cell responses, the research team aims to adapt cancer therapies to each patient's unique immune system.

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UTSA researchers lend expertise to improve treatment for childhood brain cancers MARCH 24, 2025 — Thomas Forsthuber, professor in the department of molecular microbiology and immunology and endowed Jesse H. and Mary Gibbs Jones chair of biotechnology, collaborated with researchers and pediatric neurosurgeons at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Children...

Would you turn to ChatGPT when you're sick? Patients are choosing AI over human doctors, but can it give accurate medical advice? UTSA researchers are working to boost AI's capabilities and trustworthiness in the medical field.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4emb36nz