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.

🎧 Subscribe, listen, and share to help spotlight the innovators shaping the future of Fort Worth.

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/