![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/ntxn_spring_2020.png)
![It's in our DNA illustration It's in our DNA illustration](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/dna2_thumb.jpg)
Cover story
It's in Our DNA
An interdisciplinary research imprint is informing UNT's innovation mindset moving forward -- and may just be its ticket to the top of Tier One.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Biological Sciences, #Research, #Features, #G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #College of Engineering, #Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, #College of Health and Public Service, #2020 Spring
![mind matters illustrations mind matters illustrations](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/mind-matter-thumb.jpg?itok=vzLWp4Ii)
Expert Take
The Mind Matters
UNT is dedicated to helping students with any challenges that can stand in the way of mental health.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![electronic audio wave graphic electronic audio wave graphic](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/d1d285080e01899bfac1160376a8f4c1.png?itok=akqCk1JS)
![Sami Perfecto Sami Perfecto](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/sami-perfecto-horizonal_banner.jpg?itok=emWcCsDc)
Online Extra
Connecting Through the Worst
UNT alumni find ways to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
![Feeding the Mind Feeding the Mind](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/feeding_the_mind.jpg?itok=0GPJugI2)
Feature
Feeding the Mind
Anyone hungering to learn more about food can find a home for their curiosity at UNT.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#Features, #Department of History, #College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, #2020 Spring
![Michael Mayes Michael Mayes](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/nixon-in-china-stuttgart_banner.jpg?itok=VEjAWbEd)
Online Extra
Unamplified Voice
UNT alumnus Michael Mayes ('99) brings stories to life on the opera stage.
#2020 Spring, #Choir, #culture, #Music, #UNT News, #2020 Spring
![Austin Ford playing trumpet Austin Ford playing trumpet](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/jlc_jackrudinjazzchampionship_jan2020_1924_thumb.jpg?itok=CYUGIqK_)
Brilliantly Green
A Jazzy Performance
UNT's One O'Clock Lab Band participated in a jazz championship at Lincoln Center.
![Dustee Jenkins Photo courtesy of Spotify Dustee Jenkins Photo courtesy of Spotify](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/dustee-jenkins-spotify-1_banner.jpg?itok=QVadaizh)
Alumni Spotlight
Sound Advice
Dustee Jenkins' ('01) mantra "keep going" has guided her to the top at Spotify.
Written by: Heather Noel
#Features, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2020 Spring
![Reid Ferring Reid Ferring](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/19-0763_reid-ferring_1523_skull_thumb.jpg?itok=wkmWj1Za)
Faculty Focus
Advancing Archaeology
UNT professor is part of a team that developed a breakthrough fossil identification method.
#2020 Spring, #Science/Research, #Campus News, #Department of Geography, #2020 Spring
![Abdulrahman Habib Abdulrahman Habib](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/19_0739_-abdulrahman-habib_rg22final.jpg?itok=Lds_UTXe)
Research
Bright Minds, Smart Cities
Growing urbanization requires innovative approaches — and UNT researchers are heeding the call.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Information Technology & Decision Sciences, #Online Extras, #2020 Spring
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/bailey_turfitt_1.jpeg?itok=f_PmgNzk)
Creative Expression
Human Canvas
UNT senior Bailey Turfitt envisions elaborate images as a makeup artist.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#2020 Spring, #culture, #Online Extras, #UNT News, #Culture, #2020 Spring
![Graphic of woman pulling back curtain Graphic of woman pulling back curtain](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/istock-1192254942-01.jpg?itok=K0kS59jQ)
Curriculum
New Programs Unveiled
UNT will offer three new innovative programs designed to give students real-world skills.
![Electrical Engineering Assistant Professor Ifana Mahbub (center) works with Ph.D. students Pashupati Adhikari (left) and Nishat Tasneem on her electro-wetting project. Electrical Engineering Assistant Professor Ifana Mahbub (center) works with Ph.D. students Pashupati Adhikari (left) and Nishat Tasneem on her electro-wetting project.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0004_ifana_mahbub59tiny.jpg?itok=qjeRQRFq)
ONLINE EXTRA
The Science of Helping
UNT researcher Ifana Mahbub is exploring the biomedical applications of semiconductor devices.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Research, #Department of Electrical Engineering, #Online Extras, #2020 Spring
![Tim Stern wears augmented reality goggles. Tim Stern wears augmented reality goggles.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/gaze_0.jpg?itok=0_rhYDAu)
Research
A Whole New Frontier
Four UNT computer science and engineering seniors challenge what’s possible with augmented reality.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Research, #Department of Computer Science and Engineering, #Features, #2020 Spring
![Haifeng Zhang Haifeng Zhang](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/thumb16_824_haifeng_zhang024.jpg?itok=CVHwnuh0)
Research
Power Plant Sensors
UNT professor earned a $1 million grant to work on a solution for a critical sensor problem.
#Science/Research, #Campus News, #Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, #2020 Spring
![Student at computer Student at computer](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/15-647_cynthia-herman.jpg?itok=Se84fq_5)
Online Programs
Log In to Get a Leg Up with Coursera
The B.A.A.S., now offered online, is a unique degree pathway for non-traditional students.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/freda_frimpong_cropped.jpg?itok=hC5QQUes)
Alumni Spotlight
A Netflix for Africans
UNT alumna Freda Frimpong ('12) uses skills she honed as a student to launch streaming platform.
#2020 Spring, #culture, #Media Arts, #Social Impact, #UNT News, #2020 Spring
![Rendering of new campus. Rendering of new campus.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/campus_entry_first_building.jpg?itok=zTzP4dNp)
Facilities
Board Approves Campus Creation
The completion of new Frisco-based branch campus is expected in 2022.
![Yan Huang Yan Huang](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/untitled-1.jpg?itok=3xqvHyCC)
Faculty Spotlight
Computing Honors
Associate dean named a distinguished member of the Association for Computing Machinery.
#Science/Research, #Campus News, #College of Engineering, #2020 Spring
![Sonya Layton assists freshman lab students with a biology experienment at UNT Sonya Layton assists freshman lab students with a biology experienment at UNT](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20-0006_phages-lab_021_banner.jpg?itok=Ec0xMR_z)
Research
Students Discover New Paths
UNT PHAGES program gives undergraduates a chance to make microbiology discoveries.
Written by: Heather Noel
#Department of Biological Sciences, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Features, #2020 Spring
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/bluebonnets.jpg?itok=k8ky_djW)
Forward Thinking
What Teacher at UNT Influenced You the Most?
Three alumni share how UNT professors taught them to keep innovating and stay disciplined.
#2020 Spring, #Arts, #culture, #Digital Retailing, #Music, #UNT News, #2020 Spring
![Data trust Data trust](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/canva_-_null-2.jpg?itok=uXHVj95k)
Open Access
Innovative Data Trust
UNT is leading a team with members from around the world to create an international data trust.
![College of Engineering Associate Professor Gayatri Mehta (left) and Professor Wonbong Choi (middle) and discuss potential sensor materials with materials science and engineering graduate student Junyoung Kim (right). College of Engineering Associate Professor Gayatri Mehta (left) and Professor Wonbong Choi (middle) and discuss potential sensor materials with materials science and engineering graduate student Junyoung Kim (right).](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/19_0579_choi_and_mehta0031tiny.jpg?itok=20PzF223)
Research
Better Way to Rebuild Knees
Engineering professors are developing a sensor system for balancing the human knee.
#Campus News, #Department of Materials Science and Engineering, #2020 Spring
![Denton Square building for UNT classes in 1890, photographed in 1930s Denton Square building for UNT classes in 1890, photographed in 1930s](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/1890_site-of-first-classes_shotin1930s.jpg?itok=Ly0IZRKR)
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/wingspangala.jpg?itok=b6vjn5zF)
![Juan Loya Juan Loya ('17, '19 M.P.A.) used to believe school wasn't for him. Now he has two degrees, and is working on a third.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20-0048_juan-loya_0024_banner.jpg?itok=5PhFRxnY)
Star Student
A Determination to Create Change
Juan Loya ('17, '19 M.P.A.) advocates for young Latinos in higher education.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Counseling and Higher Education, #Star Student, #Campus News, #2020 Spring
![Oliviero Andreussi Oliviero Andreussi](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0047_oliviero_andreussi0007tiny.jpg?itok=2MSJQNfN)
Research
Preventing Pipeline Leaks
Physics professor creates a virtual organic chemistry laboratory inside a supercomputer.
#Research, #Campus News, #Department of Physics, #2020 Spring
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/sam-williamson.jpg?itok=3f808nzK)
Alumni Spotlight
Legacy of Compassion
UNT alumnus Sam Williamson ('12 M.A.) teaches students empathy with virtual reality system.
Written by: Amanda Fuller
![Tran Templeton Tran Templeton](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/thumb18_0560_tran_templeton05.jpg?itok=uCPN36Pz)
Research
Building Self Image
Assistant professor Tran Nguyen Templeton is helping children express themselves.
![Kent Chapman Kent Chapman](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/19_0806_kent_chapman_1554_final.jpg?itok=Bu6lZQ70)
Research
New Uses for Lipids
UNT professor is finding better ways to store and use lipids.
#Department of Biological Sciences, #Science/Research, #Campus News, #2020 Spring
![From left, UNT Alumni Association Executive Director Rob McInturf and John Matthews From left, UNT Alumni Association Executive Director Rob McInturf and John Matthews](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/unt_cassaro-1132_banner.jpg?itok=x5hiNuYJ)
UNT Alumni Association
Alum Pours Proceeds into Student Scholarships
John Matthews ('83, '87 M.B.A.) supports key initiatives with his North Texas Tempranillo.
Written by: Amanda Yanowski
![Joe Valdez Joe Valdez](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/joevaldez_thumb.jpg?itok=Qzx4BgIy)
Alumni Spotlight
Hearst Winner Shares Storytelling Inspiration
Joe Valdez ('19) placed in the top 20 this year in the prestigious Hearst Media contest.
![Eunyoung (Lucy) Kim and Nikhil Vicas and Abhishek Joshi Eunyoung (Lucy) Kim and Nikhil Vicas and Abhishek Joshi](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/regeneron_banner.jpg?itok=7TCKVq0U)
Research
Regeneron Finalists
Three TAMS seniors earn $2,000 prize in prestigious science and math competition.
#Science/Research, #Campus News, #Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, #2020 Spring
![UNT President Neal Smatresk UNT President Neal Smatresk](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/neal_circle.png?itok=t1HA1nkP)
From our President
Creative and Interdisciplinary
Forward-thinking programs and collaborations yield opportunities for 21st-century learning.
![Diamond Eagles Project Celebration at The Hub Club of Apogee Stadium Diamond Eagles Project Celebration at The Hub Club of Apogee Stadium](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/diamond-eagles-celebration_5478_banner_0.jpg?itok=do56bBKL)
UNT Alumni Association
Digitizing the Texas Fashion Collection
The UNT Diamond Eagles Society voted this year to support digitally archiving the collection.
![Laisha Gardner Laisha Gardner is a sophomore physics major at UNT and is part of the university's Powerlifting Club.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20-0065_laisha-gardner_3168_banner.jpg?itok=Ud0Sj88R)
Student Spotlight
A Weighty Goal Achieved
UNT sophomore Laisha Gardner is a nationally ranked powerlifter.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![Jackie Lawrence Jackie Lawrence](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/jackie-lawrence-1_banner.jpg?itok=CVtaFjVt)
Alumni Spotlight
Weaving a World
Alumna Jackie Lawrence ('19) will help re-create a series of hotel rooms -- with fibers.
#2020 Spring, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #culture, #Muse, #UNT News, #Alumni Profiles, #2020 Spring
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/ntxn_masthead_social-media_rv_1.png?itok=i5TagJMC)
![Channeling exhibit Channeling exhibit](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/perspective_channeling-positions-berlin_banner.jpg?itok=V2GVD0y-)
Perspective
Taking Aim at the Past
Professor attempts to understand how archives of information create a cultural snapshot.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Technology, #Online Extras, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2020 Spring
![court gavel graphic court gavel graphic](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/istock-165814312_thumb.jpg?itok=HT2JOt7c)
Competitions
Dream Team
UNT saw four teams advance to the American Moot Court Association tournament this year.
#Campus News, #Department of Political Science, #2020 Spring
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/empirical-paradox-complexity-thinking-and-generating-new-kinds-of-knowledge_300.jpeg?itok=QygRxPnu)
Faculty Books
Challenging New Ways of Thinking
UNT professors tackle a variety of issues in new books.
![Melania Kang and Stephen Baker Melania Kang and Stephen Baker](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/melania_kang_and_steven_baker_cropped_.jpg?itok=5uHBXGbw)
Dialogue
Wonderful Memories
Alumni Melanie Kang ('82) and Steven Baker met at North Texas. Their hobby led to a sweet business.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/iaa_fellows13.jpg?itok=OqX7QTSA)
Innovation
The Gift of Time
Four UNT professors receive a semester off from teaching to pursue personal projects.
![Operation Stimulus team Operation Stimulus team](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/screen_shot_2020-03-25_at_1.10.50_pm.png?itok=S0DV9aMz)
Competitions
Logistics Win
UNT took first place in the 2020 Operation Stimulus national case competition.
#Department of Marketing & Logistics, #Campus News, #2020 Spring
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/dora_drimalas_and_brian_flynn_cropped.jpg?itok=E9C4chFs)
Creative Endeavors
Designing Memories
Major companies turn to UNT alumni Dora Drimalas ('96) and Brian Flynn ('94) for big projects.
#2020 Spring, #culture, #UNT News, #Visual Arts and Design, #2020 Spring
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/16_687_campuslatesept55b1.jpg?itok=dNg-aiuA)
![Chad Wynn Chad Wynn](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20-0066_chad_wynn_3224_banner.jpg?itok=6aM27E9c)
Feature
Academic Home Run
UNT's sport entertainment management program is designed to cultivate future heavy hitters.
Written by: Leigh Anne Gullett
![Elizabeth Leese Elizabeth Leese](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/leesebanner.jpg?itok=su8BYU6U)
ONLINE EXTRA
Cut from a Different Cloth
Fashion alum Elizabeth Leese (’17) designs one-of-a-kind custom bridal gowns.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Online Extras, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2020 Spring
![Guido Verbeck Guido Verbeck](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/verbeck-illo_0.png?itok=kWm-Avae)
Commercialization
Leaving Their Mark
Licensing agreements help UNT researchers make an even greater real-world impact.
#Research, #Department of Chemistry, #College of Engineering, #Online Extras, #2020 Spring
![Brett Luce stands on top a sign for the Katahdin Baxter peak Brett Luce stands on top a sign for the Katahdin Baxter peak](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/brett-luce-1_banner.jpg?itok=-ZIIFf40)
Outdoor Pursuits
Blazing His Own Trail
Alumnus has gone from climbing at the Pohl Recreation Center to hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#Alumni Life, #Alumni life, #College of Arts & Sciences, #Department of Geography, #Department of Political Science, #College of Health and Public Service, #2020 Spring
![Andrew DeCaen Andrew DeCaen](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0088_andrew-decaen51.jpg?itok=1n7V34ev)
ONLINE EXTRA
Whopperjawed Meals
Associate professor of art Andrew DeCaen turns the rituals of eating into unique works of art.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#Online Extras, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2020 Spring
![Sara Cederburg on a foot bridge under construction Sara Cederburg on a foot bridge](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/spreading-out-swings-6-banner.jpg?itok=UYoqvkRu)
Alumni Spotlight
Building a Safer Path
UNT alumna Sara Cederburg ('00) helped construct a bridge for a small town in Bolivia
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#Department of Communication Studies, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #Alumni Profiles, #2020 Spring
![UNT System logo UNT System logo](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/screen_shot_2020-03-27_at_12.36.41_pm.png?itok=AzH-NTHW)
![Hamlet-Javion Hamlet-Javion](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/hamlet-javion_dec_banner.jpg?itok=h_6uNHId)
Mean Green
Building the Hoopla
The men's basketball team is the 2019-20 Conference USA Regular Season Champions.
![Patricia Ebaire planks during her yoga class. Patricia Ebaire planks during her yoga class.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/ebaireplank.jpg?itok=QHnGWGL0)
Fitness
The Picture of Health
At 66, Patricia Ebaire (’98) is full of energy and fit as a fiddle — both inside and out.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, #College of Education, #Online Extras, #2020 Spring
![Fifties campus Fifties campus](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/1958yucca_betweenclasses_0.jpg?itok=3lUTUuui)
Retrospective
A Growing Dedication to Campus Inclusivity
The University of North Texas began its march to diversity on its opening day in 1890.
![Bret Hawkins stands outside of Gnome Cones in Denton. Bret Hawkins stands outside of Gnome Cones in Denton.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/promo_gc-bret-denton-photo.jpg?itok=glx0Bdak)
Entrepreneurship
There's No Business Like Snow Business
Communication design alum turns quirky senior project into Denton business venture.
Written by: Brittney Dear
![Omeed Shams Omeed Shams](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/omeed-shamsjpg_thumb.jpg?itok=Mlvy3SvS)
Alumni Spotlight
Surpassing Expectations
UNT alum discovers passion for entrepreneurship.
Written by: Trista Moxley
![Lindsey Miller with Dolly Parton Lindsey Miller with Dolly Parton](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/lindsey-miller-with-dolly-bap.jpg?itok=Fag6kOlE)
Alumni Spotlight
Striking a Chord
Lindsey Miller performs on Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
![Flowers in front of the UNT Welcome Center Flowers in front of the UNT Welcome Center](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0146_unt_preview0251_branded_0.jpg?itok=I8PpW0Pn)
Graduation
Picture This
Our Zoom backgrounds can give you a piece of UNT as you take your graduation photos.