UT Austin Update: FLARE-X Wildfire Breakthrough, Space Mission Leadership, Hydration Tech, Softball Champions, and New Admissions Policy

The University of Texas at Austin Podcast

Good morning, Longhorns! It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin. First, let's talk about the weather. Currently, it's cloudy and 77 degrees. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 97 degrees by late afternoon. So, stay hydrated and take precautions if you're spending time outdoors. In campus news, the FLARE-X team, led by Professor Luis Sentis and supported by senior aircraft design students, has advanced to the semifinals of the XPRIZE Wildfire competition. This $5 million contest challenges teams to develop autonomous systems for detecting and suppressing high-risk wildfires. The team's innovative approach has earned them a spot among the top 15 semifinalists. In the realm of space exploration, alumna Katie Mulry is leading an international team in Switzerland as part of the Asclepios project. This student-led space mission aims to simulate conditions in outer space, providing valuable insights for future missions. Katie's leadership exemplifies the university's commitment to advancing space research. On the research front, UT Austin engineers have developed a groundbreaking wearable sensor that continuously monitors hydration levels in real time. This non-invasive device could revolutionize how we track and maintain hydration, benefiting athletes, medical patients, and everyday users alike. In athletics, the Texas Longhorns softball team made history by clinching their first national championship in the program's history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Mike White, the team achieved an impressive 56–12 record, culminating in a victory at the Women's College World Series. Looking ahead, the university is preparing for a significant change in its admissions policy. Starting with the fall 2026 semester, UT Austin will automatically admit Texas high school students who graduate in the top 5% of their class, a shift from the current 6% threshold. This adjustment aims to manage the increasing number of applications while maintaining the university's commitment to academic excellence. That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and as always, Hook 'em Horns!