Following a successful pilot in the Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin is expanding its Discovery to Impact Ambassadors program for the Spring 2026 semester.
The program aims to foster the University’s culture of innovation and entrepreneurship embedded within its colleges, schools and units. Faculty leaders act as peer-to-peer resources, helping UT researchers understand the journey from academic discovery to real-world application. They serve as another connection point to Discovery to Impact, which helps move UT research discoveries to the commercial sector through startup formation, industry collaborations, and by licensing UT technologies to businesses to bring them to market in the form of products and services that change lives.
Welcoming the Spring 2026 Cohort
This semester, the program expands into the College of Natural Sciences, the School of Information, and Dell Medical School. The following faculty members will serve as ambassadors, connecting their colleagues with the resources and expertise of Discovery to Impact:
Jessica Ciarla, Associate Professor of Instruction, College of Natural Sciences
Dr. Ciarla developed biodegradable sequins from plant-based materials and commercialized the patented technology through her startup, Particles of Color. She brings hands-on experience merging scientific research with fashion design to create tangible, sustainable solutions for the apparel and textile industry.
Jonathan Chen, Professor, College of Natural Sciences
Dr. Chen is a textile engineering expert and entrepreneur who has launched multiple startups, including EcoBarrier Technologies. His experience includes patenting sustainable antibacterial innovations, participation in the National Science Foundation I-Corps entrepreneurial training program, and partnerships with the federal government to accelerate innovation in high-tech, U.S.-based manufacturing involving fibers and textiles.
Ying Ding, Bill & Lewis Suit Professor, iSchool
Dr. Ding is an internationally recognized data scientist and serial founder of AI ventures including Sigmatic AI, providing “digital twin” technology solutions for surgery center operations. She has collaborated widely with researchers in healthcare and drug discovery and is focused on building human-centered AI approaches to deliver better health.
Benjamin Umlauf, Assistant Professor, Dell Medical School
Dr. Umlauf is a neurosurgery researcher advancing novel drug delivery methods for brain diseases and the founder of Moonlight Therapeutics. He brings clinical translation expertise, moving innovations from lab research toward patient impact.
“The addition of these distinguished faculty ambassadors furthers our efforts to make faculty and graduate student entrepreneurship a defining part of the UT experience,” said Mark Arnold, associate vice president for Discovery to Impact and managing director of Longhorn Ventures. “By bringing together expertise across material sciences, AI and information technology, and health care, we are helping faculty across the University understand the various commercial pathways that help UT’s most promising research move from the lab to the market to deliver real-world impact.”
The program is set for further growth in Fall 2026, with a long-term goal of engaging faculty ambassadors across every school and college at the University.
For more information or to connect with a faculty liaison, please contact Weston Waldo at innovation@utexas.edu
