Three Tarleton State University faculty members have been recognized at the Texas Innovation Conference Awards for their leadership in translating research into real-world solutions that advance industry, improve lives and address global challenges.
Dr. Rajani Srinivasan, Dr. Bryant Wyatt and Dr. Abolghassem Zabihollah were honored for their work spanning sustainable water purification, high-performance computing and adaptive engineering technologies. The awards highlight university innovators whose research demonstrates strong potential for commercialization, scalability and societal impact.
“These recognitions reflect the caliber of innovation taking place at Tarleton State and the meaningful ways our faculty are applying their expertise to solve complex, real-world problems,” said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President for Research.
Dr. Srinivasan, a professor of chemistry, was recognized for her pioneering work in developing plant-based polysaccharide technologies for water purification. Her research focuses on creating low-cost, non-toxic materials capable of removing emerging contaminants such as microplastics, pharmaceuticals and industrial pollutants from water systems. Designed for capacity, her innovations can be deployed within existing municipal and industrial infrastructure, eliminating the need for costly redesign.
Her work has resulted in patented technologies licensed for commercial use, demonstrating early market adoption and real-world applicability. In addition to environmental applications, Dr. Srinivasan has expanded her research into the biomedical field, developing targeted, biocompatible delivery systems for therapeutics. Her approach integrates sustainability with performance, including circular processes that repurpose treatment byproducts for agricultural use.
Dr. Wyatt, professor of mathematics and founder and director of Tarleton State’s High Performance Computing Lab, was recognized for advancing computational infrastructure that accelerates research across disciplines. Established with industry support, the lab has become a central hub for GPU-accelerated computing, enabling complex modeling and simulation previously inaccessible at primarily undergraduate institutions.
His innovation lies in translating advanced computing capabilities into expandable, domain-specific tools that support interdisciplinary discovery. Recent work includes developing a computational digital twin of the human heart’s left atrium to better understand cardiac arrhythmias. Supported by a National Institutes of Health grant and collaborative partnerships with leading medical institutions, this research positions high-performance computing as a critical driver of translational science and future clinical applications.
Dr. Zabihollah, a professor of mechanical engineering, was recognized for developing a smart, adaptive ankle-foot orthotic system to address foot drop, a condition affecting millions of individuals, including stroke survivors and those with spinal cord injuries. In collaboration with Dr. Joe Priest, a professor of kinesiology, the innovation integrates embedded sensors, adaptive actuation and wireless communication within a lightweight, wearable device that continuously monitors gait and delivers real-time assistance.
Unlike traditional orthotic solutions, the system dynamically adapts to individual movement patterns, offering personalized support while preserving natural mobility. The technology has reached the prototype stage, with ongoing validation and clinical testing, and is supported by active commercialization efforts, including industry partnerships and intellectual property development. The work reflects a human-centered approach to engineering, translating advanced materials and sensing technologies into accessible healthcare solutions.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
