Latest News
Austin ISD celebrates National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
By Austin Journal | May 15, 2024
Austin ISD is marking National Speech-Language-Hearing Month by celebrating the critical role of Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), particularly highlighting the work of Rebecca Rogers. Rogers, who has spent a decade supporting classrooms and students with diverse speech and language impairments, is now entering her fifth year at Blanton Elementary School. Her dedication and service have earned her the title of SLP of the Year.
Leaky City Pipes Benefit Drought-Resistant Trees on UT Campus: Study
By Austin Journal | May 15, 2024
Even during periods of drought, Waller Creek on The University of Texas at Austin campus remains hydrated. This is due to a significant proportion of the water that flows through it — ranging from 25% to 50% — originating from wastewater leaking from city pipes.
Texas researchers discover defense mechanism in persistent cholera strain
By Austin Journal | May 14, 2024
A lethal strain of cholera bacteria, first identified in Indonesia in 1961, continues to spread globally, causing thousands of deaths and infecting millions annually. This persistent strain has puzzled scientists for decades. However, a recent study published in Nature by researchers from The University of Texas at Austin reveals how this virulent strain has managed to survive.
Annual Salute staff recognition ceremony celebrates Austin ISD's finest
By Austin Journal | May 14, 2024
The annual Salute staff recognition ceremony, held on May 8 at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, celebrated this year's finalists and winners. The event was marked by a significant presence of McCallum High School journalists who were there to celebrate the honorees.
UT Seed Fund invests $250,000 in water purification startup NALA Membranes
By Austin Journal | May 13, 2024
Discovery to Impact at The University of Texas at Austin has announced a $250,000 investment in NALA Membranes. This UT-affiliated startup is pioneering advancements in water purification through the development of a new class of chlorine-tolerant membranes for reverse osmosis industrial and municipal wastewater systems. This marks the fifth investment by UT's $10 million Seed Fund, which supports promising startups built on University-owned intellectual property emerging from UT Austin’s extensive $845 million research enterprise.
Stampede3 supercomputer begins full production for open science research
By Austin Journal | May 13, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin has launched a powerful new supercomputer that will enable dynamic open science research projects in the U.S. For over a decade, the Stampede systems — Stampede (2012), Stampede2 (2017) and now Stampede3 (2024) — have been flagships in the National Science Foundation’s scientific supercomputing ecosystem. A $10 million award from the NSF has made Stampede3 possible, which will facilitate computational and data-driven science and engineering research and education.
Stampede3 supercomputer launched: A boost for US open science research
By Austin Journal | May 13, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin has launched a powerful new supercomputer, Stampede3, which is set to enable dynamic open science research projects across the U.S. For over a decade, the Stampede systems have been key components in the National Science Foundation’s scientific supercomputing ecosystem. The latest addition, Stampede3, made possible by a $10 million award from the NSF, will facilitate computational and data-driven science and engineering research and education.
UT Seed Fund invests $250,000 in water purification startup NALA Membranes
By Austin Journal | May 13, 2024
Discovery to Impact at The University of Texas at Austin has invested $250,000 in NALA Membranes, a startup affiliated with the university that is advancing water purification. The company is developing a new class of chlorine-tolerant membranes for reverse osmosis industrial and municipal wastewater systems. This marks the fifth investment by UT's $10 million Seed Fund, which supports promising startups built on University-owned intellectual property.
Austin ISD faces widening budget deficit, explores options to bridge gap
By Austin Journal | May 10, 2024
The 2023-24 budget deficit has widened due to lower than anticipated property values and average daily attendance. This could potentially result in the district starting the 2024-25 school year with a $59 million deficit, while simultaneously exploring ways to close this gap.
Austin ISD honors school nurses during National Nurses Appreciation Week
By Austin Journal | May 9, 2024
The Austin Independent School District (ISD) is taking time to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable dedication and compassion of its school nurses. The district extends its gratitude for their steadfast commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and overall well-being of students on a daily basis.
Austin ISD acts swiftly following Ascension-Seton cybersecurity incident
By Austin Journal | May 9, 2024
Austin Independent School District (ISD) systems have been confirmed secure following an investigation related to a cybersecurity incident on May 8. The district's Information Technology department acted swiftly in response to the incident, which was connected to its nursing partner, Ascension Seton.
Austin High School Teacher Nick Lebo named finalist for National Career Teacher of the Year Award
By Austin Journal | May 8, 2024
"Austin High School Career and Technical Education Teacher, Nick Lebo, stands as a distinguished finalist for the prestigious National Career Teacher of the Year award. Lebo was also recognized as the Best Teacher of the Year for the 2022-23 school year. Our teachers play a huge role in supporting students during their time in Austin ISD while preparing them for college, career, and life after high school. 'As teachers, we have the joy and privilege of doing work every day that has an eternal impact,' Lebo said. 'I think (this honor is) just a reflection of the fact that we...
Pulitzer Prize Awarded to History Professor Emerita
By Austin Journal | May 7, 2024
"AUSTIN, Texas —Jacqueline Jones, professor emerita in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin, has been awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for history for her book 'No Right to an Honest Living: The Struggles of Boston’s Black Workers in the Civil War Era,' published by Basic Books.
Earthquakes Shifting Northeast in Midland Basin of Texas
By Austin Journal | May 6, 2024
A team of scientists at The University of Texas at Austin has discovered a concerning trend in the seismic activity of the Midland Basin in Texas. Led by Dino Huang, a research assistant professor at the Jackson School of Geosciences, the researchers found that earthquakes are moving northeast towards Big Spring, away from their usual occurrence in the southwest near Odessa and Midland.The study, based on data collected by the TexNet seismic monitoring network, revealed that the region has experienced an increase in seismicity since 2018. Huang highlighted the potential...
Austin ISD Seeks Community Input for Redesign of Metz Outdoor Space
By Austin Journal | May 3, 2024
The Austin ISD is seeking input from the community as they embark on the redesign of the Metz Elementary School outdoor space. This initiative comes after receiving a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support outdoor learning.In a statement, the school district expressed their commitment to creating a space that benefits the entire Austin ISD community. The new Metz Outdoor Wonder and Learning Center aims to cultivate outdoor learning experiences, with a focus on student field trips and professional development for teachers. The space will also be open to the...
Two University of Texas Professors Elected to National Academy of Sciences
By Austin Journal | May 3, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — The National Academy of Sciences has recently elected two distinguished faculty members from the University of Texas at Austin. Neuroscience professor Kristen Harris and molecular biosciences professor Keiko Torii have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the field of science.David Vanden Bout, dean of the College of Natural Sciences, expressed his pride, stating, “This outstanding recognition of our faculty members is a reflection of the phenomenal basic research happening here in life science disciplines as diverse as neuroscience and...
4 UT Scholars Join American Academy of Arts and Sciences
By Austin Journal | May 2, 2024
Four faculty members from The University of Texas at Austin have been selected to join the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a prestigious institution dedicated to independent policy research and knowledge sharing. The new members, spanning diverse disciplines, will be honored at an induction ceremony in September.Expressing her pride in the faculty members' achievements, Sharon L. Wood, executive vice president and provost at UT Austin, highlighted the significance of their induction, stating, “The excellence of our faculty is one of the key reasons that The...
Stretchable E-Skin Could Give Robots Human-Level Touch Sensitivity
By Austin Journal | May 2, 2024
A first-ever stretchy electronic skin developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin could revolutionize robotics by providing robots with human-like softness and touch sensitivity. The breakthrough technology aims to enhance the precision and control of force in robotic applications.The new stretchable e-skin, as described by Nanshu Lu, a professor at the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, overcomes a significant limitation of existing e-skin technology. Lu highlighted, "No matter how much our...
'Day of Service' at LBJ Early College High School Transformed by Community Collaboration
By Austin Journal | May 2, 2024
Dozens of volunteers gathered on 'The Day of Service' at LBJ Early College High School to enhance the campus environment for students through various projects. They painted, constructed, and beautified the school grounds, fostering a stronger sense of pride within the student body.The collaborative effort between Keep Austin Beautiful, LBJ, and Texas Roadhouse showcased the power of organizations coming together for a common cause. Rodney Ahart, Chief Executive of Keep Austin Beautiful, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "Really is about three...
UpClose Participants Get Immersive Tour of Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | May 1, 2024
UpClose participants recently embarked on an immersive tour of the Austin Independent School District (AISD), gaining insight into the district's commitment to serving its diverse student population. The tour showcased facilities that prioritize modern instruction, cultural inclusivity, and student safety.During the tour, Karla Guevara expressed surprise at the specialized training of AISD police officers in mental health de-escalation for children. She remarked, "I never knew Austin ISD police is specially trained in mental health de-escalation that focuses on children."...