University of North Texas
Carnegie R1 Tier One Research University

Research starts here.

The UNT STEM Research Society connects students with labs, faculty, and opportunities across the College of Science and College of Engineering.

R1
Carnegie Tier One, highest research activity
Est. 2024
Founded at UNT, Denton, Texas
2 Colleges
College of Science + College of Engineering
10+ Depts
One hub for every STEM department at UNT

"Curiosity is the only entry requirement."

Guest lectures, research mixers, hands-on events, and direct faculty connections, open to every UNT student from undergrad to TAMS.

Colleges We Serve

Part of the UNT research community.

UNT College of Science

College of Science

Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Data Analytics and Statistics. 4,000+ students and research centers across the natural and physical sciences.

cos.unt.edu →
UNT College of Engineering

College of Engineering

Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Located at Discovery Park.

engineering.unt.edu →
Latest from the Society

What we have been up to.

Art and Science Night
Guest lecture
ISEF
View All Events
Our Mission

A student-run bridge to research at a Tier One university.

The UNT STEM Research Society was founded in 2024 to make undergraduate research accessible. At an R1 institution with dozens of active labs, knowing where to start is the hardest part. This organization removes that barrier.

We serve students across the College of Science and College of Engineering through guest lectures from active researchers, hands-on events, mentorship, and a living directory of every department and opportunity on campus.

Membership is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and TAMS students. No experience required.

First meetings
Officers welcome meeting
What We Do

Four things, done consistently.

01

Research Access

Faculty connections and open lab positions across departments.

02

Guest Lectures

Working scientists present their research and take questions.

03

Mentorship

Officers guide newcomers through lab applications and first steps.

04

Community

Mixers, painting nights, and events open to every major.

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Calvin Henard

Dr. Calvin Henard
College of Science, University of North Texas
Dr. Calvin Henard, Ph.D.

Dr. Henard's lab engineers methanotrophic bacteria for biomanufacturing and environmental applications. As faculty advisor, he bridges student curiosity and active research at UNT.

Alzahraa Saeed
Founder and President Emerita
Alzahraa Saeed

Founded the Society in 2024 while completing her B.S. in Public Health (Biology, Chemistry, Psychology minors). Conducted neuroscience research in Dr. Jannon Fuchs' lab and completed an Honors Thesis on primary cilia and mTOR signaling in oligodendrocyte maturation. Built this organization to expand access to research, mentorship, and professional development for every student in STEM and healthcare.

2024 to 2026

Events and Highlights

Guest Speakers
Researchers in the Room

Faculty across UNT's colleges share their active research. Members ask questions, make connections, and explore research pathways.

Dr. Neal Smatresk flyer
April 23, 2026 · 5:00 PM · Language Building 222
Dr. Neal Smatresk
Former President, University of North Texas

Former UNT President and creator of a course designed to turn student research into startups. Joined for a guest speaker session followed by a networking opportunity with STEM students.

Dr. NaYeon Yang flyer
April 16, 2026 · 5:00 PM · Union 394
Dr. NaYeon Yang
Department of Psychology, UNT

Leads a research lab focused on counseling psychology. Shared insights into her academic journey and advice for students interested in getting involved in research.

Dr. Elizabeth Skellam flyer
Feb 26, 2025 · 5:00 PM · Union 394
Dr. Elizabeth Skellam
Department of Chemistry, UNT

Leads the Skellam Research Group studying how microorganisms produce complex natural molecules. Explored biosynthetic pathways for bioactive compounds in medicine, agriculture, and sustainability.

Dr. Calvin Henard flyer
Nov 12, 2024 · 5:00 PM · Union 394
Dr. Calvin Henard
College of Science, UNT · Faculty Advisor

Inside the Research Classroom. Discussed his Spring research class on methanotrophic bacteria and shared tips for getting involved in undergraduate research at UNT.

Dr. Henard lecture
Dr. Skellam lecture
Last semester recap collage
Art + Science Night
Petri Dish Painting

Members painted microscopic-inspired designs on paper plates. Science as art, and art as science.

Petri dish painting room
Students painting
Member showing plate
Display of painted plates
Two members with plates
Social Events
Board Games, Painting, and Research Posters

Oct 8 social event at Union 394. Members played board games, painted, and discussed research posters. A chance to relax, get creative, and connect.

Social event recap collage
Members at event
Research Presentations
Members Sharing Their Work

Members present their research to peers, from neuroscience to materials engineering. All levels welcome, from first posters to published findings.

Member presenting cilia research
Research fair presentations
Competitions and Conferences
Members at the National Stage

Society members have competed at Regeneron ISEF, UNT Scholars Day, the MIRS Conference, and represented UNT at international research events.

ISEF Engineering Technology category group
Member at ISEF with research poster and medal
Community Impact
Bone Marrow Swab Drive

The Society partnered with Gift of Life Marrow Registry to host a bone marrow donor registration drive on campus. Members helped recruit new donors with the mission: Swab. Match. Cure.

Swab Drive recap collage
Meeting recap
Petri painting recap
Last semester recap
General Meetings and Outreach
Tabling, General Meetings, and Workshops

From the very first general meeting (Sept 10, 2024) to research opportunities workshops and tabling on campus, these are the moments that built the community.

First tabling event
First meetings
Science Mixer with Honors College
Officers welcome event
UNT Research Day
University Research Day

Annual one-day research celebration hosted by the Division of Research and Innovation. Poster showcases, panel sessions, and a resource fair open to all UNT students every October.

Student presenting with Scrappy mascot
UNT AI Summer Research Program group
UNT Research Conferences
Where UNT students present their work.

The Society helps members prepare for and attend these recurring UNT research events.

Every October

University Research Day

Poster showcase, panels, and resource fair open to all UNT students and faculty. Hosted by the Division of Research and Innovation at the University Union.

research.unt.edu →
Every April

UNT Scholars Day

Undergraduate research celebration hosted by the Honors College. Oral and poster presentations with cash prizes. Open to all UNT undergrads, no Honors membership required.

honors.unt.edu →
Every February

MIRS Conference

Multidisciplinary Information Research Symposium at Discovery Park. Short peer-reviewed papers and posters. Low-barrier entry into academic publishing for undergrads and grad students.

ci.unt.edu/mirs →
Every Fall

BGSA Research Symposium

UNT Biology Graduate Student Association Annual Research Symposium. Two-day event with oral and poster presentations, workshops, and keynote speaker. Advanced undergrads explicitly invited.

cos.unt.edu →
2026 to 2027 Leadership

Meet the Executives

Click any card to read the full profile.

Vivian LiuPresident
Vivian Liu
Mechanical Engineering and Energy Sciences

Regeneron ISEF Grand Award winner, Simons Fellow, AJAS Fellow, and Undergraduate Research Fellow. Co-Comps Director of TAMS Research.

Full Profile
Jafiet TarekeVice President
Jafiet "JT" Tareke
Pre-Dental Honors Student, College of Science

Lake Highlands High School alumnus, pre-dental honors student in the College of Science. Active in UNT's Pre-Dental Society. As VP, he leads general meetings, coordinates guest lectures, and bridges the Society with the pre-health community.

Full Profile
Ananya JamdagneyaSecretary
Ananya Jamdagneya
TAMS, General Math and Science Track

Allen High School graduate. President of HOPE, TAMS's largest service org. Keeps Society communications and records on track.

Full Profile
Eric Ramirez-AcostaTreasurer
Eric Ramirez-Acosta
Treasurer

Manages the Society's budget, tracks expenditures, and ensures every event is financially backed. A passionate soccer fan and World Cup attendee. Loves music and the gym.

Full Profile
Hameedat DosunmuEvents Coordinator
Hameedat Dosunmu
Business Marketing, Biology Minor, Pre-Med

Plans and executes the event calendar. Aspiring physician, junior at UNT.

Full Profile
Camila SeguraHead Media Chair
Camila Segura
Head Media Chair

Behind every graphic, Instagram post, event flyer, and the overall aesthetic of @untresearchsociety. Brings a designer's eye to science communication, making research feel approachable and exciting.

Full Profile
Alzahraa Saeed
Founder and President Emerita

Alzahraa Saeed

Founded the Society in 2024. B.S. Public Health, minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, UNT 2026. Research in the Neuronal Primary Cilia Lab (Dr. Jannon Fuchs). Honors Thesis: primary cilia and mTOR signaling in oligodendrocyte maturation.

UNT Research Directory

Your starting point for research at UNT.

Every department, lab, and funding resource across the College of Science and College of Engineering.

Getting Started

How to find a research position at UNT.

Email a Faculty Member

Browse department faculty directories and send a brief, specific message about your background and interest in their work.

Browse COS Faculty →

Student Research Programs

UNT's Division of Research and Innovation runs formal programs placing undergraduates in funded research positions each semester.

Student Programs →

Join the Society

Members get faculty introductions, guidance on writing lab emails, and updates on openings as they come up.

Join Now →
UNT research lab
UNT Science and Technology Research Building
UNT campus

Ready to get into research?

Come to a meeting, say hi at a tabling event, or reach out directly. No experience needed.

📋

UNT Engage

Our official student org page. Sign up, see upcoming events, and join the mailing list.

UNT Engage
📸

Instagram

Event photos, announcements, and highlights. Follow @untresearchsociety.

@untresearchsociety
✉️

Contact

Questions about membership, events, or lab connections? Reach out directly.

VivianLiu@my.unt.edu
Members at meetings
Art event
Tabling event