“Bringing research development support for The Texas A&M University System members

to support the research enterprise across the System.”

Issue 42

August 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

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TAMU-CT UCARE

TEES TARC

Around the System

Research Development Resources

Events

Funding Opportunities

Communities of Practice

Sponsor News

Chief Research Officers

When Research Rolls Its Sleeves Up: UCARE Has Resources and Answers

At Texas A&M University–Central Texas, research is being leveraged as a direct tool for community engagement and regional problem-solving. Through the University Center for Applied Research and Engagement (UCARE), faculty and students collaborate with local governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations to address pressing challenges, including transportation planning, housing equity, educational disparities, and mental health. UCARE’s mission is to provide timely, evidence-based insights that support decision-making and drive meaningful improvements across Central Texas.

Recent projects have included a study to improve bus stop safety in Killeen, analyses of salary equity across educational roles, and assessments of mental health services in public schools. Many of these initiatives are driven by student research under the guidance of faculty mentors, providing experiential learning and community benefits. The center’s flexible funding model, relying on grant support, institutional resources, and cost-sharing, ensures partners' accessibility while maintaining academic rigor and methodological integrity.

TAMUCT positions UCARE as a model for the role of the public regional university in applied scholarship. By aligning institutional research capacity with the needs of its surrounding communities, the university fosters reciprocal partnerships that advance academic inquiry and public good. In doing so, TAMUCT exemplifies the potential for regional campuses to serve as engines of locally grounded, high-impact research.

Read the full story

TEXAS A&M ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION

Collaboration is Key to Advancing Research in Texas

The recent TEES Annual Research Conference (TARC) highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing research across Texas. Held in Houston, the conference brought together interdisciplinary research teams from multiple Texas A&M University System institutions to present innovative ideas across priorities such as energy, healthcare, materials, infrastructure, and national security. TARC’s unique format emphasizes rapid team formation, expert feedback, and direct paths to external funding, reinforcing the state's position as a leader in applied research and innovation.

The conference’s top honor, a $10,000 Grand Prize, was awarded to the TL-CHIPs (Texas Logistics for CHIPS) team. Their project proposes a digital platform to strengthen and coordinate the U.S. microelectronics supply chain, aligning directly with national CHIPS Act goals. The judges recognized the project’s timeliness, relevance, and scalability.

Additional seed funding awards were distributed to other high-potential teams: two $7,500, four $5,000, and four $2,500 awards. These grants supported many proposals focused on smart infrastructure, biomedical innovations, and sustainable manufacturing processes. The conference also encouraged junior-senior faculty collaborations, emphasizing projects with clear 9- to 18-month development roadmaps.

TARC 2025 highlighted the growing strength and strategic coordination of research across the Texas A&M University System. By fostering a culture of innovation and actionable partnerships, the event continues to serve as a launchpad for transformative ideas with statewide and national impact.

Read the full story

Around the System: Headline News

Texas A&M University Named One Of The World’s Most Innovative Companies By Fast Company

Texas A&M System To Lead $59.8M Autonomous Helicopter Wildfire Response Initiative

Scowcroft Institute Study Examines COVID-19 Brain Effects And Origins

Texas A&M Researchers Deploy Radioactive Isotopes to Deter Poaching of African Rhinos

Texas A&M University-Texarkana, University of Arkansas Rich Mountain form partnership

Life Works of Dr. John Charles, Former Chief Scientist of NASA’s Human Research Program, Donated To Texas A&M

Around the System: Funding Successes

Texas A&M University–Kingsville has received just over $3 million from the U.S. Department of Education to fund its Student Support Services (SSS) and SSS‑STEM programs. These grants will enhance academic support—including tutoring, advising, and financial literacy initiatives—to promote retention and degree completion among eligible undergraduate students.

Dr. Rainer Fries, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University, received $1,999,572 from the NSF as part of a multi-disciplinary collaboration of physicists, computer scientists, and statisticians developing a software framework to bridge theory and experiment of the Strong Nuclear Force.

Dr. Oleg Ozerov, Emile and Marta Schweikert Professor in Chemistry at Texas A&M University, was awarded $600,000 from NSF to research the development of complexes of late transition metals that contain boron-metal bonds, and the exploitation of the boron-metal synergy in selective transformations of nitrogen-containing organic molecules.

Dr. Jessica Labonté, Associate Professor of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University, Galveston, received $544,191 from the NSF to research the relationships between viruses and sulfate-reducing bacteria and how these interactions contribute to carbon cycling. This project is jointly funded by the Biological Oceanography and Chemical Oceanography Programs.

Dr. Zheng O'Neill, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, received $500,000 from the NSF to establish and operate an Interdisciplinary Network of Networks for the Well-being in the Built Environment—advancing research where human health, building design, and performance intersect.

Dr. Dulal Kar, Professor of Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, received $479,064 from the NSF to offer a ten-week summer research experience in UAS technology to ten undergraduate students selected through a nationwide recruitment process each year.

Drs. Jyhwen Wang, Zhijian Pei, and Li-Jung Tai from the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station were awarded $449,490 from the NSF to engage STEM students in semiconductor manufacturing research, providing students with experiential learning opportunities and long-term success of the U.S. semiconductor industry.

Dr. Rania Labib, Associate Professor of Architecture at Prairie View A&M University, was awarded $398,745 by the NSF to enhance student preparedness by integrating AI and data science principles into undergraduate coursework across architecture, engineering, construction science, and digital media.

Dr. Sabit Ekin, Associate Professor at the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, received $285,000 from the NSF to address the critical challenge of optimizing the use of radio frequency spectrum, a limited and finite resource essential for modern communications.

Dr. Candice Lumibao, Assistant Professor of Biology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, received $234,897 from the NSF to develop a framework that combines the stress gradient hypothesis and the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution to predict the evolution of specialized host-endosymbiont relationships.

Dr. Jingbo Liu, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, was awarded $222,459 by the NSF to investigate the representation theory of lattices from both theoretical and practical perspectives, bridging classical number theory with contemporary cryptographic challenges.

Dr. Juganta Roy, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at West Texas A&M University, has secured a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant to advance clean energy research. He is developing AI-driven computational tools to design photochromic dye sensitizers for more efficient solar cells. His aim is to enable innovations like smart windows that adapt to light levels while nurturing undergraduate student mentorship.

Dr. Jinoh Kim, Associate Professor of Computer Science at East Texas A&M University, received $198,583 from the NSF to develop a deep analytics framework that offers core functionality for location integrity and awareness based on trajectory-based analysis using machine intelligence, enhancing the reliability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Dr. Subi Gandhi, Associate Professor in Medical Laboratory Sciences and Public Health at Tarleton State University, received a $100,000 Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support the creation of the Rural Mental Health Network (RMHN) across Brown, Comanche, and Erath counties. The RMHN brings together key partners to build a sustainable, community-driven framework to enhance mental health infrastructure, coordinate service delivery, and conduct stakeholder engagement and needs assessments.

Dr. Jingbo Louise Liu, Professor of Chemistry at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, was awarded $50,000 by the NSF to research the development of a system that can produce very pure hydrogen for portable energy devices, while also turning metal ores into useful metals.

Around the System: Research Highlights

Dr. Roel Lopez, Director of the Natural Resources Institute, and Dr. Phillip Kaufman, Department Head of Entomology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, have developed the interactive "World Screwworm Experience" exhibit to raise awareness of screwworm eradication efforts. Their exhibit highlights lessons from Florida’s 2016 outbreak and showcases essential surveillance, containment, and cooperation strategies needed to prevent the pest’s resurgence in Texas.

Dr. Danny Coffey’s Movement Ecology Lab at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi is advancing shark research in the Gulf of Mexico by studying feeding behaviors and movement patterns. The lab’s work helps clarify the ecological roles of sharks, improve conservation strategies, and address public misconceptions about shark-human interactions.

Dr. Kate Creevy, Professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, led a study through the Dog Aging Project exploring the links between dog breed, environment, and food motivation in canine obesity. The research highlights how owner perception, feeding habits, and breed tendencies, especially among sporting dogs, contribute to rising obesity rates in U.S. dogs.

Dr. Manish Shetty, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, has developed a new catalytic method to more efficiently turn carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable fuels and chemicals. His research, published in Chem Catalysis, demonstrates how specific metals (e.g., zinc over chromium or indium) influence reaction pathways, paving the way for a circular carbon economy and decentralized production strategies.

Dr. Billy Quarles, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at East Texas A&M University, contributed to a newly accepted study revealing a potential planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A based on observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. His orbital analysis, using astrometry and numerical simulations, suggests the object may be a Jupiter-sized planet potentially located in the habitable zone that if confirmed, would mark a significant milestone in exoplanet research.

Dr. Sushil Paudyal, Assistant Professor of Dairy Science at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, is creating AI tools to spot early signs of disease in dairy cows. His team is developing a “DairyBot” virtual assistant, a generative AI tool that turns farm data into real-time health and efficiency tips.

Dr. Steve Prewitt and Dr. Michael Oldham led East Texas A&M University students on a study abroad and research trip to Spain and Portugal, partnering with top athletic organizations to explore sport science and performance analytics. The group visited professional facilities, engaged in collaborative research, and built international relationships to advance athlete development.

Dr. Ashok K. Shetty, University Distinguished Professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine, and his team have developed an experimental intranasal therapy using neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles designed to reduce brain inflammation and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. This innovative treatment earned recognition as a Fast Company World Changing Ideas honoree in the Academic Excellence category for its potential to transform care and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Junhyoung “Paul” Kim, a health technology researcher with Texas A&M University School of Public Health, led a pilot study showing nature-themed virtual reality improved emotional well-being for older adults with dementia. Sessions reduced anxiety and sadness while boosting pleasure and alertness.

Dr. Peter Haruna and Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, professors of Public Administration at Texas A&M International University, presented a 20-year structural and administrative analysis of Webb County to the Commissioners’ Court. The comprehensive research report offers recommendations to improve governance, communication, and long-term planning for the county’s growth.

Texas A&M University–Texarkana has formed a partnership with Maxell, Ltd., to advance research in batteries, optics, displays, and emerging tech. The agreement includes financial support for further educational opportunities on campus and collaborative research, and renames the electrical engineering degree the “Maxell, Ltd. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering”—the first named degree in the Texas A&M System.

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

Council of Government Relations (COGR) current issues briefing, including the latest developments & legal updates, Defend the Spend, NIH Updates, and Gold Standard Science.

This slide deck also features discussion of the FAIR Model & Future of Indirect Cost Reimbursement.

COGR Forum III

We have a Candid (https://candid.org/) License now! Candid is a nonprofit that provides the most comprehensive data and insights about the social sector. Every year, millions of nonprofits spend trillions of dollars around the world. Candid finds out where that money comes from, where it goes, and why it matters. Contact us if you need support in this area.

The Texas A&M University System Research Development website features federal agency resources to support System researchers with checklists, outlines, templates, graphic and design concepts, and other information for NSF, NIH, USDA, DOE, DOD, and NASA. We continually add new resources to support specific research opportunities.

RDO
Website

EVENTS

Small Modular Reactor Nuclear Energy Workshop

This event will convene leaders from academia, industry, and national laboratories to discuss advancements in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
and their deployment strategies.

Date: September 11-12, 2025

Location: CIR Conference Room, RELLIS Campus

Flyer

Rural Resilience Summit

The Summit aims to position TAMUS as a national model for rural resilience by fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, aligning academic and outreach efforts, and creating sustainable solutions for rural wellness.

Date: October 9-10, 2025

Location: Animal Reproductive Biotechnology Center, RELLIS Campus

Website

2025 Texas Semiconductor Summit

Explore the future of semiconductor technology in Texas and beyond.

Date: October 29-30, 2025

Location: Hilton College Station and Conference Center

Website

2026 Academic Security and Counter Exploitation Program

ASCE fosters a sense of community among university research security professionals, uniting them in a collaborative defense against emerging threats.

Date: February 24-25, 2026

Location: Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center

Website

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Texas A&M Board of Regents has approved an external research facility that will exclusively house experiments from Texas A&M Researchers

The Texas A&M/Aegis Aerospace Multi-Use Space Platform Integrating Research & Innovative Technology (TAMU-SPIRIT) is a first-of-its-kind Texas A&M-branded low-Earth orbit research platform to be flown aboard the International Space Station (ISS). It is a unique resource that can accommodate a wide range of experiments and samples for Texas A&M System faculty, researchers, and students.

The facility, a partnership between Texas A&M University and Aegis Aerospace, will provide transportation and experimentation space on the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 3 on the ISS for in-space research, testing, advanced materials manufacturing, robotics testing, space surveillance, and tracking technologies, among other applications. Texas A&M researchers will have exclusive priority rights to send science, engineering, and technology experiments to be installed on the TAMU-SPIRIT Flight Facility.

Call for proposals will be posted to aggiespacelab.tamu.edu on August 22nd

Funding Opportunities

Funding Archives

Research Development

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE (CoP)

The Texas A&M University System researchers and staff are invited to join our monthly gathering of the Research Development Communities of Practice (CoP) group, meeting via Zoom on the final Friday of each month at noon CST. We aim to facilitate learning from and about RD offices within TAMUS, offering valuable resources to enhance your endeavors. For further information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to connecting with you.

Join our next virtual meeting by registering for the CoP

TOPICS

How to Connect with School Districts and Resources
presented by Amy Jurica, Outreach Manager at TAMU SEHD REO
NSF Broader Impacts
presented by Hamid Mansouri Rad, RDO at TAMU-CC

DATE

August 29th

TIME

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

SPONSOR NEWS

TAMU Government Relations Office - Federal Government Transition (2025)

While new policy changes may make quick headlines, the university is carefully reviewing all policies, regulations, and executive orders, in addition to pending legislation, for any potential impacts to the university. The Government Relations Office works in partnership with The Texas A&M University System Office of Governmental Relations and Office of General Counsel to understand the impacts of these decisions on the university and your work. They also work collaboratively with the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), Council of Government Relations (COGR), American Council on Education (ACE) and other organizations to understand federal policy changes and advocate on behalf of our institution and higher education.

NIH is providing guidance to researchers on the appropriate usage of artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain the fairness and originality of NIH’s research application process. NIH is also instituting a new policy limiting the number of applications that NIH will consider per Principal Investigator per calendar year.

Department of Energy

Those researchers who will be submitting Department of Energy (DOE) proposals on or after May 1, 2025 are required to complete research security training PRIOR to proposal submission. This applies to all Covered Individuals, including any principal investigator (PI); project director (PD); co-principal investigator (Co-PI); co-project director (Co-PD); project manager; and any individual regardless of title that is functionally performing as a PI, PD, Co-PI, Co-PD, or project manager, as well as anyone designated by DOE.

To meet this requirement, course 2114875: Research Security Training (Combined) is now available in TrainTraq and will meet this requirement; however, if you have previously taken all four NSF training modules (TrainTraq courses 2114744 NSF Introduction to Research Security; 2114745 NSF The Importance of Disclosure; 2114746 NSF Manage & Mitigate Risk; and 2114747 NSF The Value of International Collaboration) this will also meet DOE’s training requirement.

Please note that Covered Individuals must certify via their Current and Pending Support disclosure that they have completed research security training. SRS must also certify that all Covered Individuals who are listed on the application have completed the training prior to submission.