Sul Ross State University International was proud to participate in the 2026 Academia–Industry–Military (AIM) Health R&D Summit hosted by VelocityTX at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Ferhat Ozturk, associate professor of Biology at SRSU International and Director of the HONEY Pathway, attended the summit alongside HONEY Pathway interns Michelle Orihuela Milligan, Zoe Bautista and Shahabullah Mandozai, as well as leadership from MDM Wound Ventures and the MediBal Honey Analysis Lab. The event brought together leaders from academia, industry, and the military to discuss innovation in health research, defense readiness and scientific collaboration.

During the summit, Dr. Ozturk connected with representatives from Hives for Heroes, including Steve Jimenez and Nila Arana, to explore opportunities linking veteran beekeeping programs, honey research and future medical applications.

The summit featured keynote presentations and discussions from leaders across the life sciences and defense sectors, underscoring San Antonio’s expanding role as a national hub for health innovation and military research and development.

SRSU International’s participation reflects the university’s continued commitment to creating opportunities for student involvement in research, interdisciplinary collaboration and community-centered innovation.

Through partnerships and initiatives such as the HONEY Pathway, SRSU International continues supporting research and educational experiences that connect science, service, and community impact.

For more information, email ferhat.ozturk@sulross.edu.