Texas State University will host the 4th Annual STEM Conference, “From Lab to Landscape: Building a Bigger, Better Texas,” on Friday, March 27, in the LBJ Student Center.
The annual event brings together leaders from education, research, biotechnology and industry to explore how science, technology, engineering and mathematics are driving innovation and strengthening workforce development across Texas.
Now in its fourth year, the conference continues to expand its reach as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful dialogue between academia and industry. The 2026 theme highlights how TXST’s interdisciplinary research and partnerships are advancing solutions across a wide range of fields, including clean energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, water management, sustainable agriculture, and health resiliency — among many others shaping Texas’ future.
This year’s program features leaders from across Texas and beyond, including several TXST alumni who are advancing innovation in education, biotechnology and workforce development. The conference highlights emerging technologies, research translation and strategic partnerships that prepare students for high-demand careers while addressing real-world challenges across the state.
The morning keynote address will be delivered by Kyle Seipp, senior director of postsecondary and workforce readiness at E3 Alliance. Seipp, a TXST alumnus with a B.S. in mathematics, brings extensive experience at the intersection of K-12 and higher education policy, supporting initiatives that connect students across Texas to postsecondary pathways and long-term career success.
“I am beyond proud to return to Texas State for the STEM Conference this year. When I think about the time I invested in my own learning at Texas State, I cannot do so without thinking about those in my own circle who were there on their own journeys. If we are the products of our own environments, I have been beyond blessed to be part of that Texas State ecosystem,” Seipp said. “The theme of ‘From Lab to Landscape: Building a Bigger, Better Texas’ absolutely excites me. Bringing together great minds from academia, policy and industry to ideate and lean into the future innovation of Texas—that is my soul’s happy place.”
The conference will also feature a fireside chat with leaders from across the life sciences and innovation sectors, including TXST alumni Matthew Ferreira, Ph.D., and Sara Wisser. Ferreira earned his B.S. in biology from TXST and works at the intersection of neurotechnology, scientific strategy and innovation ecosystems, helping translate complex biomedical research into real-world impact.
“My STEM education at Texas State was not confined to the classroom. It was a combination of knowledge, inspiration, character development and critical thinking experiences that came through a well-rounded educational setting,” said Ferreira. “My love for science, my love for people and my love to learn was cultivated by this recipe of opportunities afforded to me at Texas State.”