Research Archives | Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ /category/research/ Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:33:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-acu-solid-purple-favicon-32x32.png Research Archives | Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ /category/research/ 32 32 Research, Creativity on Display at ACU Research Festival /2026/04/15/research-creativity-on-display-at-acu-research-festival/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:07:01 +0000 /?p=108664 More than 140 students from Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and other nearby schools presented a variety of research findings and creative projects April 7 at ACU’s 18th annual Undergraduate Research, Creativity and Innovation Festival. A related event – the Excellence in Oratory Forum – took place the night before the festival, showcasing students’ public speaking skills. … Continued

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A student stands near an informational poster and talks with two other individuals.
Junior Cadence Smith discusses her government and criminology research project.

More than 140 students from Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and other nearby schools presented a variety of research findings and creative projects April 7 at ACU’s 18th annual Undergraduate Research, Creativity and Innovation Festival.

A related event – the Excellence in Oratory Forum – took place the night before the festival, showcasing students’ public speaking skills. A segment of the forum featured performances of scriptural passages and powerful speeches delivered by the likes of John F. Kennedy, Frederick Douglass, Barbara Jordan, Gabriela Mistral and C.S. Lewis.

At the festival, undergraduate students from ACU – as well as McMurry University and Abilene High School – shared the results of their research and projects. Attendees were able to observe findings and creative works across a spectrum of disciplines, including biology, engineering, physics, history, literary criticism, rhetorical criticism, biochemistry, biblical studies, missiology and marketing.

Two students speak in front of a room.
Senior Amy Osborn (left) and junior Faith Jackson present about their research in biology and biochemistry.

“This diversity reflects ACU’s commitment to helping train students to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength,” said Dr. Randall Fowler, director of undergraduate research, creativity and innovation. “This festival showcases the best and breadth of ACU, and I applaud our students’ hard work and dedication to their scholarly craft.”

The event concluded with a dinner and presentation of awards for top scholars, Faculty Mentors of the Year, and outstanding presentations, posters and speeches.

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ACU Dean Awarded Fulbright Scholar Grant to Taiwan /2026/03/05/acu-dean-awarded-fulbright-scholar-grant-to-taiwan/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:19:21 +0000 /?p=107703 Dr. Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College and director of Lynay at Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) grant to Taiwan. This marks Morris’s third Fulbright award, highlighting his continued commitment to global engagement and academic excellence. The Fulbright IEA Program supports U.S. higher education administrators in … Continued

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Dr. Jason Morris head shotDr. Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College and director of Lynay at Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) grant to Taiwan. This marks Morris’s third Fulbright award, highlighting his continued commitment to global engagement and academic excellence.

The Fulbright IEA Program supports U.S. higher education administrators in building capacity for international education, fostering institutional partnerships and enhancing campus internationalization efforts. Through this grant, Morris will engage with Taiwanese universities and educational leaders to explore best practices in global education, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and expand opportunities for ACU students and faculty abroad.

“International exchange is vital to preparing students for lives of leadership and service in a global society,” Morris said. “I am honored to represent ACU and to deepen partnerships that will benefit our students and our university community.”

Fulbright U.S. Scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators and established professionals who teach or conduct research in affiliation with institutions abroad. They engage in cutting-edge research, expand professional networks, and often continue collaborations initiated overseas – laying the groundwork for lasting institutional partnerships. Upon returning home, Fulbright Scholars enrich their campuses by sharing their experiences, inviting international scholars, and encouraging students to pursue study and research abroad.

Morris plays a key role in mentoring ACU students through the Fulbright application process each year, helping position them for competitive international scholarships and research opportunities. In the past 10 years, 17 ACU students have received Fulbright scholarships.

“Jason’s leadership in the Honors College and the Lynay program reflects a deep commitment to academic rigor, global learning and Christ-centered service,” said Dr. Susan Lewis, ACU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His latest Fulbright award underscores his excellence in research and scholarship, and his commitment to ACU’s mission to prepare students to lead and serve around the world.”

About Fulbright
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable alumni include 62 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur Fellows, and 44 heads of state or government.

Each year, more than 800 individuals participate in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, while over 2,000 U.S. students engage in international study, research or English teaching assistantships through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

The Fulbright Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and additional support from participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations worldwide. The program operates in more than 160 countries.

 

– Wendy Kilmer

March 5, 2026

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ACU Names New VP for Research, Library Dean /2026/02/10/acu-names-new-vp-for-research-library-dean/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:48:15 +0000 /?p=107241 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ recently announced two new hirings in academic leadership positions: vice president for research and dean of library services and educational technology.Ěý Dr. Janet Donaldson began work in January as ACU’s vice president for research, and Dr. Lee Anne Paris has been appointed dean of library services and educational technology, effective Aug. 1, … Continued

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Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ recently announced two new hirings in academic leadership positions: vice president for research and dean of library services and educational technology.Ěý

Dr. Janet Donaldson began work in January as ACU’s vice president for research, and Dr. Lee Anne Paris has been appointed dean of library services and educational technology, effective Aug. 1, 2026.

Janet Donaldson
Janet Donaldson

Donaldson comes from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she was associate vice president for research and professor of microbiology, overseeing sponsored research administration, student research and innovation, commercialization, research development, and research analytics. She earned her B.S. and Ph.D. in microbiology and biological sciences from Mississippi State University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She has held leadership roles at Mississippi State and the University of Southern Mississippi, including department chair of biological sciences and associate dean for research and graduate education.

Her research career has focused on exploring the mechanisms by which food-borne pathogens cause infections, especially Listeria monocytogenes. She has helped garner over $50M in research funding, has published extensively, and has contributed as a national and international reviewer and editor in microbial sciences.Ěý

“Dr. Donaldson is passionate about the faith-based mission of ACU and is excited to assist us in advancing our support of faculty and student scholarship and research activity,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, senior vice president for academic affairs.Ěý

Lee Anne Paris
Lee Anne Paris

Paris brings experience in academic leadership, library administration, accreditation, and faculty development. She currently serves as executive director of academic policy and curriculum at the University of Central Oklahoma, overseeing curriculum approval processes, key academic policy bodies, academic catalogs and campus curriculum systems, and serves as liaison to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and on UCO’s Higher Learning Commission Writing Team.

Her previous roles include director of research and user engagement at UCO’s Max Chambers Library and dean of library and instructional support and associate chief academic officer at Oklahoma Christian University.

Paris holds a Ph.D. in information and library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.L.I.S. from the University of Oklahoma, and a B.A. in English and Portuguese from Vanderbilt University.Ěý

“Dr. Paris’s scholarship and professional service reflect a long-standing commitment to academic libraries, digital learning and institutional effectiveness,” said Dr. Susan Lewis, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “I’m confident she brings the vision, experience and judgment needed to lead this portfolio in ways that align with ACU’s mission and strategic priorities.”

– Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 10, 2025

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DOE taps ACU, Natura to receive critical nuclear reactor fuel /2025/08/28/doe-taps-acu-natura-to-receive-critical-nuclear-reactor-fuel/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:44:31 +0000 /?p=98027 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and its partner, Natura Resources, for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor. ACU’s research … Continued

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The Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center on ACU’s campus is home to NEXT Lab.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and its partner, , for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor.

ACU’s research reactor will be the first deployment of the Natura MSR-1 – a 1-megawatt thermal molten salt reactor system. Access to HALEU is essential for advancing the design and testing phases of this pioneering project.

Because HALEU is not yet commercially available from domestic suppliers, the DOE established a process for nuclear developers to request the material. ACU is one of just three new entities selected to receive an allocation, following an initial round of awards to five companies earlier this year. The DOE is expected to finalize the contracting process and potentially deliver HALEU to recipients later this year.

This announcement follows another significant milestone as the DOE recently named Natura Resources as one of only 11 projects nationwide to participate in the new . This federal initiative is designed to fast-track the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors by 2026.

NEXT Lab research engineers work on the molten salt test system.

These recent federal announcements propel ACU’s NEXT Lab into the national spotlight, solidifying the university’s position as a key contributor to U.S. nuclear energy innovation. The ACU research reactor project is the only university-led reactor project in the country with a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It also marks the first time a liquid salt-fueled reactor has been licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“ACU is grateful to the Department of Energy and Secretary Wright for their leadership in advancing America’s nuclear energy future, and we deeply appreciate Congressman Jodey Arrington, Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz for their continued support of our groundbreaking nuclear research,” said ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert. “This access to fuel enables ACU and our partners at Natura Resources to take the critical next steps in designing and testing advanced nuclear technology – paving the way for safe, clean and reliable energy while creating extraordinary opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute to innovative research with global impact and strengthening our nation’s energy security.”

The project has also received significant support at the state level, as the 89th Texas legislature’s recently approved budget directed $120 million to benefit the NEXT Lab and Natura partnership, in conjunction with Texas Tech University and the Texas Produced Water Consortium.

— Wendy Kilmer
Aug. 28, 2025

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ACU Dallas Launches Applied Research Center to Foster Transformative, Faith-Inspired Research /2025/07/09/acu-dallas-launches-applied-research-center/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:54:01 +0000 /?p=96775 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ (ACU) proudly announces the launch of the Applied Research Center (ARC), a new initiative that empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful, high-quality research that addresses real-world challenges and generates innovative, community-driven solutions. Rooted in ACU’s commitment to faith and scholarship, the ARC serves as both a resource hub and a … Continued

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Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ (ACU) proudly announces the launch of the Applied Research Center (ARC), a new initiative that empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful, high-quality research that addresses real-world challenges and generates innovative, community-driven solutions.

Rooted in ACU’s commitment to faith and scholarship, the ARC serves as both a resource hub and a collaborative space for research that impacts local and global communities. The center provides a range of services, including research education and training, support for faculty and doctoral student research, seed funding and facilitation of community-based research partnerships.

“Research at ACU Dallas is more than academic—it’s a reflection of our commitment to serve, to question deeply, and to innovate with purpose,” said Dr. Jennifer Butcher, Vice Provost for Research, Writing & Special Initiatives. “The Applied Research Center is a vital expression of that mission, empowering our community to seek knowledge that transforms lives and creates meaningful impact.” 

Inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6:14–22), the ARC symbolizes a vessel of preservation, renewal and hope. In this spirit, the ARC is a sanctuary for ideas, fostering resilience and forward-thinking solutions in a rapidly changing world.

Key features of the ARC include:

  • Training and Resources: Workshops and materials to enhance research knowledge and skills for students and faculty.
  • Funding Support: Seed grants for faculty research and guidance in securing external funding.
  • Student Fellowships: Research opportunities and mentoring for students at all levels.
  • Recognition and Publication: Annual research conferences, awards for research excellence and publication opportunities.
  • Collaborative Research: Support for student-faculty partnerships and multidisciplinary research through ARC Collectives.
  • Community Engagement: Partnerships with local organizations to co-create research that addresses shared challenges.

“Through the ARC, we are equipping researchers not only with knowledge and tools, but with a deeper purpose—to serve others through discovery and innovation,” said Dr. Raquel Ellis, ARC Director.Ěý

The ARC Collectives, composed of faculty, students and community partners, are a cornerstone of ARC’s collaborative approach. These groups work across disciplines to pursue research, apply for external grants, present at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

“The ARC is more than a center—it’s a movement to harness academic inquiry in service to others, guided by our Christian faith,” said Dr. George Saltsman, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs for ACU’s Dallas campus.

For more information about the Applied Research Center and how to get involved, visit acu.edu/arc or contact arc@acu.edu.

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Texas legislature funds water desalination through Texas Tech, ACU, Natura Resources partnership /2025/07/01/texas-legislature-funds-water-desalination-through-texas-tech-acu-natura-resources-partnership/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:29:29 +0000 /?p=96705 A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to Texas Tech University to help accelerate their research partnership with Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by Natura Resources.Ěý In January, ACU entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas … Continued

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NRC Construction Permit
In September 2024, the NRC issued a construction permit to ACU to build the Natura MSR-1, marking the first liquid salt fueled reactor licensed by the NRC in American history and the first U.S. university research reactor approved in more than 30 years.

A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to to help accelerate their research partnership with Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by .Ěý

In January, ACU entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech, Natura and the to address Texas’ most pressing water and energy challenges. A key goal of the collaboration is to integrate MSR technology with water desalination systems, aiming to purify produced water from oil and gas operations for beneficial use.Ěý

The Natura Resources MSR-1, a liquid-fueled molten salt reactor that was licensed last year by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be constructed on ACU’s campus as a university research reactor – the nation’s first in more than 30 years – is the first step toward commercial deployment of the technology in the Permian Basin to provide energy and beneficial use of produced water. The appropriation to Texas Tech will include a subaward to ACU for research, development, permitting, licensing and construction of the MSR-1 the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory.

“Texas Tech University is proud to partner with Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and Natura Resources in advancing desalination of produced water through cutting-edge molten salt reactor technology,” said Lawrence Schovanec, president of Texas Tech University. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability and addressing critical energy and water security challenges.”

SERC research bay from above
A view from above the research bay at the grand opening of ACU’s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center where a molten salt research reactor will be housed.

Natura’s MSR technology will also generate life-saving medical isotopes essential for cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging and other advanced medical procedures, which will help alleviate global shortages and establish Texas as a leader in medical innovation.

“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature for their historic commitment to advanced nuclear innovation,” said Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources. “This appropriation allows Natura and ACU to deploy the nation’s first advanced, liquid-fueled reactor in late 2026. Such milestones position Natura as the leader in the advanced reactor space and Texas as the leader in clean energy, water technology and the production of life-saving medical isotopes. Thanks to this unprecedented support, Texas is poised to shape the future of energy, water and medical science for the world.”

The ongoing partnership between Texas Tech, ACU and Natura Resources also contributes to workforce development, research and the establishment of a robust supply chain within Texas. These efforts, supported by the state’s recent investment, will help ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy, water and medical resources for Texas communities and beyond.

“Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ is honored to partner in this historic initiative with Texas Tech University and Natura Resources,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “ACU, along with our partners, is positioned to become a national leader in advanced nuclear training and research, setting a global standard for clean energy and medical advancements. We are especially grateful to Sen. Perry, Rep. Lambert and Rep. Darby for their leadership and support in making this partnership possible.”

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ACU receives $2.1 million through grant project with Pepperdine /2025/02/19/acu-receives-2-1-million-through-grant-project-with-pepperdine/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:00:22 +0000 /?p=93615 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s Siburt Institute for Church Ministry will receive $2.1 million as part of a collaboration with Pepperdine University’s Empower and Equip program, designed to strengthen the ministries and leadership of Churches of Christ in rural areas and small towns. Lilly Endowment Inc. granted Pepperdine $7.5 million for the Empower and Equip initiative, which … Continued

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Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s will receive $2.1 million as part of a collaboration with Pepperdine University’s Empower and Equip program, designed to strengthen the ministries and leadership of Churches of Christ in rural areas and small towns.

Lilly Endowment Inc. granted Pepperdine $7.5 million for the Empower and Equip initiative, which aims to enhance the vitality of rural ministries by providing encouragement, updated data, leadership training, opportunities for collaboration and resources to expand ecclesial imaginations. Pepperdine is collaborating with ministry leaders and organizations, including ACU’s Siburt Institute, through sub-granting and partnerships.

“The national scope of the Siburt Institute positions us well to serve the aims of this initiative,” said Carson Reed, vice president for church relations at ACU and executive director for the Siburt Institute. “We are excited about partnering with Pepperdine and with an array of other institutions and colleges to resource rural and small town congregations.”

 The Siburt Institute’s role in the project involves conducting and gathering fresh research and data, training leaders, and building a publicly accessible library featuring sermons, educational classes and community engagement guidance.Ěý

Other aspects of Pepperdine’s initiative include:

  • Ten regional hub partnerships to provide targeted training and encouragement for for equipping ministers and lay leaders within their communities
  • An annual conference bringing together leaders from project partners nationwide to share updates, identify community needs and provide a platform for strategic planning to address future challenges facing rural ministries.
  • A research component led by Pepperdine’s research team to investigate the causes of declining church attendance and religious sentiment, not only within Churches of Christ, but across various denominations.Ěý

Pepperdine University is one of 20 organizations from across the United States receiving grants through the Lilly Endowment’s Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative.

“We are honored to receive support from  Lilly Endowment Inc. as it invests in the future of Churches of Christ in rural areas and small towns,” said Mike Cope, director of ministry outreach at Pepperdine University, who will be the director of the initiative. “We believe our work will help reignite a passion for ministry and bring renewed energy to these vital congregations, and we’re eager to work in collaboration with the Siburt Institute in both national and regional efforts to accomplish the goals.”

Learn more about ACU’s .

— Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 19, 2025

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ACU achieves elite academic recognition with Carnegie Research 2 status /2025/02/13/acu-achieves-elite-academic-recognition-with-carnegie-research-2-status/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:05:30 +0000 /?p=93381 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ has earned Research 2 (R2) status in the latest update from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education – a milestone that reflects ACU’s intentional commitment to research growth and academic excellence. The prestigious R2 designation places Abilene Christian among top research universities in the nation, recognizing high spending and doctorate … Continued

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Student in ACU's Department of Engineering and Physics conduct research
Students in ACU’s Department of Engineering and Physics regularly engage in research in collaboration with national laboratories.

Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ has earned Research 2 (R2) status in the latest update from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education – a milestone that reflects ACU’s intentional commitment to research growth and academic excellence.

The prestigious R2 designation places Abilene Christian among top research universities in the nation, recognizing . Among 120 governing members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities – a higher education association of Christian institutions around the world – ACU is one of only two to achieve R2 or R1 status.

“This recognition affirms our commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and empowering students and faculty to make a real-world impact,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president.

Strategic Growth

Achieving this status is a key element of the university’s and the result of a broad institutional focus. ACU was first included in the Doctoral Universities grouping as a Research 3 university in 2022 and immediately had its sights set on moving up to R2.Ěý

“We set an aggressive goal to become R2 because we believe our mission calls us to examine carefully the challenges society and the world face and to provide solutions and hope,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, senior vice president for academic affairs. “We want our students to gain these same skills, and we want our current and future faculty to have a passion for our mission and this work.”

ACU’s research expansion has been fueled by significant growth in the last decade:

  • $8.18 million in research spending for 2022-23
  • An average of 68 research doctorates awarded per year
  • More than 800% increase in research and development expenditures from 2010-22, ranking ACU among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing research programs, according to
  • Named among the Top 50 nationally for Undergraduate Teaching and Undergraduate Research by U.S. News & World Report
  • Establishment of vice president for research position in Fall 2020
  • Dr. Kay Tindle hired as vice president for research in Fall 2024

Excellence for the Future

Rhoden Field Lab is ACU’s own working farm. The 400-acre property, with large and small livestock, provides plentiful hands-on learning and research opportunities for students

With only 133 universities nationwide classified as R2 this past year and just 40 private institutions among them – including Villanova, TCU, Marquette and Wake Forest – ACU’s achievement places it in elite company and promises to enhance the student experience and faculty development.

“Our faculty – with students working right alongside them – are engaged in world-class research and finding solutions to relevant, pressing problems,” Tindle said. “R2 status allows us to attract even more renowned scholars and researchers who share our Christian mission, and it opens new doors to collaborative research opportunities that benefit both the university and the broader community.”

Learn more about ACU’s innovative research programs and student involvement.

— Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 13, 2025

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AI Research at ACU, funded by Google: Transforming Computer Science Education /2025/02/12/ai-research-at-acu-transforming-computer-science-education/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 21:25:56 +0000 /?p=93355 As a high school student, Gweneth Barbre was intrigued by psychology, design and computer science and she knew she wanted to explore the interaction between people and computers. So she looked for a university with a similar research focus and opportunity. Less than a year later, as a freshman computer science major at Abilene Christian … Continued

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Musa Blake and Gweneth Barbre conduct AI research as part of ACU’s Design and Interaction in Computing Education (DICE) Lab

As a high school student, Gweneth Barbre was intrigued by psychology, design and computer science and she knew she wanted to explore the interaction between people and computers. So she looked for a university with a similar research focus and opportunity. Less than a year later, as a freshman computer science major at Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­, she works as a research assistant to Dr. James Prather, analyzing data about how novice programmers interact with Artificial Intelligence tools, and she’s preparing for a paper submission to an international academic conference.

“Dr. Prather’s experience in that field was very relevant to my interest and made ACU a very strong option for what I want to do,” Barbre said. “The research questions we’re exploring are very interesting, considering AI is still pretty new. But the most important thing is seeing the research process first hand – how questions get brought up and answered, learning about research design and methodology.”

Prather, associate professor of computer science, has been researching AI’s impact on computer science since 2021. Even prior to the public launch of ChatGPT, he co-authored an initial paper, The Robots Are Coming, published in early 2022, establishing him as an early voice in the field. Other researchers have cited that paper 458 times, and it’s been downloaded nearly 20,000 times.

Dr. Brent Reeves, professor of computer science and management sciences, soon joined him in the research, and the two have since honed in on AI’s role in education, particularly in programming courses.

“AI is transforming how we teach programming,” Prather said. “It’s not just about coding anymore – it’s about learning how to prompt, analyze and refine AI-generated work responsibly.”

Jared Wright came to ACU planning to study video game development but decided to focus on the more technical side of the field and along the way found a new love for learning and higher education, thanks to his involvement in the research team focused on novice programmers interaction with Artificial Intelligence.

“I did not expect or intend to do research or any higher academics,” said Wright, who graduated in December 2024. “I switched to a computer science major and didn’t know precisely what I wanted to do. But getting to work on that initial research project and attend the conference where the paper was presented lit a fire underneath me. It seemed like an exciting place to be and a community of people I wanted to be around. I realized I did want to pursue a professorship and an academic career. I hadn’t thought about doing research before, but now it is the main plan.”

Drs. James Prather and Brent Reeves in Milan, Italy
Drs. James Prather and Brent Reeves at the 29th annual Association of Computing Machinery conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education in Milan, Italy

With undergraduate students like Wright and Barbre working alongside them, Reeves and Prather have earned best paper awards, presented at prestigious conferences, and received invitations to give keynote lectures on the subject. They’ve explored AI’s effectiveness in solving complex coding problems, reshaped curriculum design – at ACU and universities around the world – and addressed how students interact with AI tools. Their studies reveal advantages, such as accelerated learning for advanced students, and risks, such as over-reliance and an illusion of competence among struggling learners.

“We thought AI would help struggling students catch up, but instead, it widened the gap,” Prather says. “Those with strong metacognitive skills excelled, while others became more dependent and fell further behind.”

In 2023, Google took notice of ACU’s groundbreaking research, awarding their team $60,000 initially and another $100,000 the next year, in unrestricted grants. That funding allowed them to purchase eye-tracking systems, which they’re currently using for experiments in how novice users adapt to AI.Ěý

The grant collaboration also led to Prather taking part in Google.org’s philanthropic efforts in curriculum development for K-12 schools and universities, ensuring AI integration into modern education.

Their influence isn’t limited to the U.S. In 2023, Reeves and Prather were part of an international working group — including colleagues from Canada, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, the U.S., Finland and New Zealand – assessing the state of AI in computer science education and preparing recommendations to educators. Their ongoing work tackles pressing questions and looks toward solutions: 

  • How can AI be leveraged for effective learning while mitigating its pitfalls? 
  • How should curriculum evolve in an era where AI can write code? 
  • How can AI reshape programming accessibility across human languages?

These faculty members’ findings are shaping the future of AI-integrated education worldwide, and at Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­, undergraduate students are engaged in real-world research and problem solving all along the way.

Learn more about research at ACU.

Learn more about ACU’s School of Information Technology.

— Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 12, 2025

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ACU partners with Texas Tech, Natura to advance cutting-edge technology /2025/01/28/acu-partners-with-texas-tech-natura-to-advance-cutting-edge-technology/ Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:26:07 +0000 /?p=92929 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and Texas Tech University announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Natura Resources LLC of Abilene to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura’s molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction on the ACU campus. The collaboration, which includes the Texas Produced Water Consortium (TxPWC) located at Texas Tech, … Continued

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Research engineers work on the Molten Salt Test System at ACU’s Nuclear eXperimental Testing Laboratory, part of the research toward construction of the Natura Resources-sponsored Molten Salt Reactor. Photo by Jeremy Enlow.

Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ and Texas Tech University announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with of Abilene to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura’s molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction on the ACU campus.

The collaboration, which includes the located at Texas Tech, builds on the rapid progress of the Natura MSR-1 system, which has become one of the nation’s leading advanced reactor projects. Together, the partners will demonstrate the potential for Natura’s commercial reactors to address Texas’ critical water and energy needs by integrating MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems.

“This partnership will address critical challenges we face as a state,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “By working with Natura and Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­, we’re securing crucial water resources and driving innovation in energy. By creating greater access to water, energy and jobs, we will contribute to a stronger future for our communities. Texas Tech is proud to be part of this collaborative effort.”

Texas faces significant challenges in meeting its growing demand for clean energy and water. Small modular MSRs offer a promising and scalable solution and could become a valuable asset to purify produced water generated by oil and gas wells, which is then available for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The integration of MSR technology with desalination systems will provide a sustainable and efficient way to address these needs.

“Natura Resources’ MSR technology represents a significant advancement in clean energy innovation, equipping Texas with the tools to meet its energy and water needs for decades to come,” said Doug Robison, founder and president of Natura Resources. “Our partnership with Texas Tech University and Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ exemplifies our collaborative approach to addressing critical challenges and driving technological advancements. This collaboration will pave the way for the commercial development and deployment of MSR technology in Texas and beyond.”

Texas Tech’s faculty members bring extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, separation technologies and the high-temperature environments required for MSRs. The university has developed a strong reputation for research in extreme conditions, drawing from its experience with oil well technology. The TxPWC is leading research and development of purification of produced water and its beneficial use for Texans. Additionally, Reese Center, located west of the university’s main campus in Lubbock, provides a secure and specialized environment for conducting the research necessary to advance MSR systems.

“ACU has long standing relationships with Natura and Texas Tech, so it’s exciting when our research and technology initiatives align in this kind of unique partnership,” said Phil Schubert, ACU president. “We look forward to growing opportunities and making a real difference in Texas and around the world.”

The next steps for this partnership include the completion of the demonstration reactor and the development of systems to integrate Natura’s reactors with water desalination and energy production technologies.

Why This Matters:

  • Water Security: The integration of MSRs with desalination technology offers a sustainable solution to Texas’ growing water scarcity through purification of produced water generated by oil and gas production.
  • Energy Innovation: Small modular MSRs provide a scalable, clean energy source, helping meet the state’s increasing energy demands.
  • Economic Growth: The partnership will accelerate the commercial development of MSRs and fosters business opportunities, research funding and job creation, strengthening Texas’ leadership in advanced energy and water technologies.
  • Workforce Development: This project aims to create a workforce trained in chemical operations at extreme conditions, directly benefiting Texas

About Natura Resources
Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced reactor developer committed to answering the world’s increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes and clean water by developing commercially deployable molten salt reactors. Natura’s small modular reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which increases efficiency and reduces waste. The Natura MSR-1 being deployed at Âé¶ą´«Ă˝Ół»­ is the first liquid-fueled reactor design to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In less than five years, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to performance.

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