Innovation in Research

Breaking new ground in technology, health and more

From the development of new technologies to the creation of new health interventions, Baylor’s world-class researchers consistently display creativity and innovation. As they advance understanding in their fields, their work can lead to real-world products or applications that serve others. Here are five innovations from Baylor faculty, either in use or in development, that demonstrate the Baylor mission in action:

3D-Printed Water Filtration System 

For Min Pack, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering, mission intersects with vocation in Kenya. There, Pack and 10 students spent last summer building a catchment system to help individuals collect and store rainwater — a vital need in an arid region. Their work set the stage for a longer-term goal: to build sustainable water-purifying systems using local natural resources. While there, they began testing the viability of a 3D-printed water biosand filter sourced entirely out of local clay and sand, work they intend to develop into accessible, sustainable and affordable global water filtration.

Lung-on-a-Chip 

When the Air Force seeks to introduce advanced materials into their planes or equipment, it is important to understand how these additions will impact the health of those who serve. That’s why they partner with Christie Sayes, Ph.D., professor of environmental science and U.S. Air Force faculty fellow. Sayes has developed “lung-on-a-chip” technology to simulate the human lung and the impact of external elements, like operational environments or aerosols from advanced materials. The findings can be used to protect those who operate or maintain new materials in the field.

Cold Weather Operations Chamber 

How will humans and equipment perform in extreme conditions? It’s a question that Cory Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor of health, human performance and recreation, is helping the U.S. Department of Defense answer. Smith is leading the development of a cold weather operations chamber, housed on Baylor’s campus, that can simulate conditions ranging in temperature down to negative 50 degrees Celsius and altitude up to 30,000 feet. Congressionally funded innovation aims to improve the survivability and readiness of soldiers and medical teams called to serve in demanding field situations.

Efficient Semiconductors 

As data centers and AI systems grow, so does their demand for energy. Alan Wang, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering, seeks to address this challenge through the development of semiconductor chips that are more energy-efficient and compatible with existing silicon technology. Supported by a prestigious National Science Foundation ASCENT grant, Wang’s research explores “heterogeneous integration,” combining new materials with silicon to reduce power consumption, lower costs and grow efficiency across data infrastructure.

Rewinding the Genetic Clock  

For adolescents and young adult survivors of cancer, a lingering side-effect of treatment known as accelerated aging can impact their overall health. Treatments like chemotherapy can accelerate a person’s biological or genetic age beyond their chronological age. Savannah Rauschendorfer, Ph.D., an exercise oncologist and assistant professor of health sciences, is developing a novel exercise intervention aimed at reversing that process to “rewind the genetic clock.” Currently in pilot study, the approach targets DNA patterns that influence biological age. It’s an intervention Rauschendorfer is working to someday see integrated in post-treatment care.

What else is happening in Baylor research? Get the latest news at baylor.edu/research.