Adrian Cadar, senior biology major, and Udayan Vaidya, a student in the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, were among more than 140 undergraduate students who presented 80 research projects at the Texas Undergraduate Research Day in Austin in February. The event showcased the research experiences of undergraduate students for Texas legislators and the public, highlighting how research conducted by undergraduate students positively impacts Texas.

Cadar’s research of the cardiovascular system could lead to improved treatment for premature babies at risk of developing a heart defect that causes abnormal blood flow. Vaidya’s computational model to predict outbreaks of Dengue fever could be used by public health services to forecast outbreaks as well as assess prevention strategies.