In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Dr. Ivett Leyva, Associate Dean for Research at Texas A&M–Fort Worth and professor of aerospace engineering, to explore how Fort Worth is becoming a national leader in aerospace, aviation, and defense innovation.

Dr. Leyva shares her vision for building a new research and innovation ecosystem that connects academia, industry, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the development of next-generation aviation technologies. From digital twins and rapid prototyping to drones, air taxis, hypersonic aircraft, and space engineering, this conversation dives deep into what’s next for safe skies and advanced flight.

Learn why Fort Worth is uniquely positioned as the aviation and defense capital of Texas, how partnerships with industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Bell, American Airlines, Southwest, and SpaceX are shaping curriculum and research, and why Texas A&M’s new urban campus represents a major shift in higher education and workforce development.

If you’re interested in aerospace innovation, aviation technology, defense research, space travel, or Fort Worth’s growing innovation ecosystem, this episode is a must-listen.

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Learn more about the Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus here: https://fort-worth.tamus.edu/

Learn more about the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

As 2025 comes to a close, host Cameron Cushman is joined by producer Kendall Rogers for a special year-end recap episode of Fort Worth Innovates. Together, they reflect on how the podcast began, highlight the most impactful conversations from the past year, and share a sneak peek at what’s ahead for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in Fort Worth in 2026.

From pediatric research at Cook Children’s to convergence technologies, startup success stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the podcast is made, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how Fort Worth’s innovation ecosystem is growing — and why these stories matter.

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

In this episode of Fort Worth Innovates, host Cameron Cushman sits down with Brett Bowden — founder of Printed Threads, co-founder of MadeLab, musician-turned-entrepreneur, community-builder, and one of the most quietly influential innovators in Fort Worth’s creative economy.

Brett shares how a small screen-printing operation he once ran out of his garage evolved into a nationally recognized branding and merchandising company. He also opens up about the launch of MadeLab — a first-of-its-kind innovation laboratory where apparel brands from across the country send fabrics, dyes, inks, and processes to be tested, refined, and stress-tested. This Fort Worth-based lab doesn’t just evaluate materials; it’s helping write the standards for an entire industry.

From the challenges of entrepreneurship and late-night printing sessions to the joy of teaching thousands of people how to screen print, Brett reflects on the power of education, collaboration, and community. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from MadeLab, explains why Fort Worth is the perfect home for creative manufacturing, and highlights the startups and local leaders inspiring him today.

Listen now and join the conversation on social media at @FortWorthInnovates.

Learn more about Brett Bowden at Printed Threads here: https://www.printedthreads.com/

Learn more about the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership here: https://fwtc-innovate.com/

Email Fort Worth Innovates at fwinnovates@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or if you know an innovator in Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Innovates is powered by the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership.

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