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

to support the research enterprise across the System.”

May 2025

Issue 39

IN THIS ISSUE

Was this forwarded to you?

Subscribe

WT Designated RCU

New TAMUS Facilities

New Carnegie Classification System

TAMUT Engineering Expanding

Research Development Resources

Around the System

Events

Funding Opportunities

Research Development Communities of Practice

Sponsor News

Chief Research Officers

West Texas A&M University (WT) has been designated a “Research College and University” (RCU) by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

This designation recognizes WT's annual research expenditures of approximately $10 million and its focus on regionally impactful research. This classification acknowledges institutions that engage in significant research activities, regardless of the number of doctoral degrees offered, highlighting WT's commitment to addressing the unique challenges of the Texas Panhandle and West Texas.

WT's research initiatives are deeply rooted in its long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, which emphasizes the university's role in serving rural communities through applied research in agriculture, education, healthcare, and economic development. President Walter V. Wendler noted that WT's research efforts are tailored to the specific needs of its region, providing insights and solutions that apply to similar rural areas globally. Dr. Angela Spaulding, vice president for research and compliance and dean of the Graduate School, emphasized that this designation affirms the meaningful and transformative research conducted by WT's faculty, students, and staff.

The Texas A&M University System

NEXT GEN RESEARCH FACILITIES

The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) is significantly expanding its research capabilities across energy, aviation, and defense sectors, solidifying its role as a national innovation leader. At the RELLIS Campus in Bryan, TAMUS is advancing nuclear energy research by exploring the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and partnering with Terrestrial Energy to site an Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) plant. This collaboration aims to enhance clean energy generation and positions Texas as a hub for advanced nuclear technologies.

In Fort Worth, TAMUS is launching the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT), a federally supported initiative led by Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi's Autonomy Research Institute. The CAAT will focus on developing and integrating emerging aviation technologies, including drones, air taxis, and hypersonic aircraft into the national airspace. This center, led by the Institute's Executive Director Michael Sanders, is expected to drive innovation, create high-paying jobs, and stimulate significant economic growth in the region.

Additionally, TAMUS has unveiled the Ballistic, Aero-optics, and Materials (BAM) Range at the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex. This state-of-the-art facility enables comprehensive testing of high-energy laser propagation, hypersonic aerodynamics, and material responses under extreme conditions. The BAM Range enhances TAMUS's defense research infrastructure, supporting the development of next-generation military technologies.

EXPLORING CARNEGIE’S NEW 3-FRAMEWORK SYSTEM

The 2025 update to the Carnegie Classification introduces a transformative three-part framework that separates research activity designations from broader institutional and student-focused categories. This change aims to offer a more accurate and inclusive picture of research engagement across U.S. higher education. The new system categorizes institutions into Research 1 (R1), Research 2 (R2), and a newly added Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) tier. R1 institutions must meet high benchmarks of at least $50 million in annual research expenditures and confer 70 research doctorates per year. R2 institutions require a minimum of $5 million in research spending and 20 doctoral degrees awarded, while the RCU tier recognizes institutions investing more than $2.5 million in research annually, regardless of doctoral output, broadening recognition to campuses historically overlooked under the previous model.

For a deeper dive into how these changes came about, what they mean for institutions like those within the Texas A&M University System, and what might come next, you can read the full article from TAMUS Data Science.

Texas A&M Texarkana

EXPANDING ENGINEERING PROGRAMS

Texas A&M University–Texarkana is expanding its engineering offerings with the introduction of two new undergraduate programs: a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, both set to launch in Fall 2025.

The civil engineering program emphasizes a strong foundation in engineering principles, analytical skills, and practical experience, covering core topics such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, water resources, and transportation systems.

Students will engage in hands-on learning through labs, surveys, and a two-part capstone design sequence, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as foundation engineering, hydrology and bridge design.

The computer engineering program blends electrical engineering fundamentals with computer science applications, enabling students to master embedded systems, digital logic, hardware-software integration, and computer architecture. The curriculum includes advanced topics including robotics, machine learning, computer vision, and the Internet of Things (IoT), reinforced through interactive labs and project-based learning. A two-semester senior design capstone allows students to collaborate on industry-inspired projects in areas such as embedded computing, VLSI design, and networking. These programs reflect the university's commitment to aligning academic offerings with regional workforce needs and providing students with practical skills for high-demand engineering careers.

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

We have the 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 has 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 are continually adding new resources for specific research opportunities.

RDO Resources

TAMUS Research Development presentation on the Department of Energy featuring research sponsor information:

DOE Slide Deck

Undergraduate Opportunities: A collection of federal research opportunities that provide funding for undergraduates.

Undergrad Opportunities

VISION

Enhance The Texas A&M University System research enterprise with reliable and impactful research development support

MISSION

Develop and implement proactive and responsive strategies for scalable research and proposal development

Around the System: Headline News

Texas A&M University-Kingsville designated as Opportunity University by Carnegie Classifications

Carnegie Classifications Recognize Tarleton State’s Access, Focus On Professions

East Texas A&M Classified as a “Higher Access” Institution by Carnegie Foundation

Texas A&M opens Animal Reproductive Biotechnology Center

Groundbreaking ceremony for the $25.3 million TEEX Public Training Complex

Around the System: Funding Successes

Dr. Anne Lippert, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Prairie View A&M University, has been awarded over $90,000 by the National Institutes of Health to advance her research on how individuals interpret and act upon knowledge in contexts influenced by stereotypes and bias. Her work employs technologies like virtual reality and intelligent tutoring systems to develop interventions aimed at improving educational and mental health outcomes across diverse communities.

Dr. David Douphrate, Professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, is leading a CDC-funded study to assess avian influenza exposure among dairy farm workers in Texas. The project aims to identify infection rates and workplace risk factors through on-site testing and surveys, enhancing efforts to prevent further transmission of H5N1.

Dr. Peter Ampim, Associate Professor in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at Prairie View A&M University, has received over $66,000 in funding from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The grant supports his work in developing climate-smart cotton farming practices to address climate change in the U.S. Cotton Belt.

Dr. Jenny Qiu, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, is leading a project to recover rare earth elements (REEs) from electronic waste, such as smartphones and circuit boards. This innovative method, developed in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and industry partners, utilizes mesoporous carbon foams for efficient and environmentally friendly extraction, aiming to reduce the U.S. reliance on imported REEs and support the growth of clean energy technologies.

Dr. Vipul Garg, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, is leading a study that uses AI-enabled EEG headsets to monitor the cognitive load of forklift operators in high-pressure warehouse environments. Partnering with DHL, the research aims to reduce worker stress, prevent injuries, and improve retention by developing predictive models that inform safer and more sustainable labor practices.

Dr. Bryan Bayles and Dr. Walter Den, faculty members at Texas A&M University–San Antonio, are leading a study to examine whether environmental pollutants—specifically PFAS ("forever chemicals") and micro/nanoplastics—contribute to obesity and chronic illnesses in South San Antonio. Funded by the Baptist Health Foundation, the research includes student health surveys, chemical testing, and environmental sampling to explore how systemic factors like food insecurity and pollution may be driving local health disparities.

Dr. Ivett Leyva, Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, is collaborating with Canopy Aerospace to develop a 3D-printed material that "sweats" coolant gas, providing a novel thermal protection system for spacecraft. Supported by a $1.7 million Air Force grant, this transpiration cooling technology aims to replace traditional heat shields, enabling fully reusable spacecraft capable of withstanding the intense heat of atmospheric reentry.

Dr. Sarah Hamer and Dr. Ashley Saunders, Professors at Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, are leading a collaborative research initiative with the University of Georgia to study Chagas disease using a One Health approach. Supported by nearly $4 million in funding, the project focuses on understanding disease transmission, improving diagnostics, and evaluating treatment effectiveness in both dogs and humans, particularly in Texas where infection rates are high.

Around the System: Publications

Dr. Delarious O. Stewart, Dr. LaVelle Hendricks and Dr. Dimitra Smith of East Texas A&M University, co-authored a peer-reviewed study examining the mental health impacts of environmental pollution in rural Southern communities. The research, utilizing EPA data and GIS mapping, revealed that Black and low-income residents are disproportionately situated near industrial polluters, correlating with elevated rates of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

Dr. Marcia Ory, Regents and Distinguished Professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, led a study evaluating the effectiveness of virtual diabetes self-management interventions. The research demonstrated that the three tested approaches—structured virtual education with counseling, a smartphone application, and a combination of both—all significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c levels among adults with Type 2 diabetes over a six-month period.

Dr. Bonnie Beaver, professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, led a study revealing that over 99% of U.S. dogs exhibit at least one moderate to severe behavioral issue. Utilizing data from the Dog Aging Project, which includes over 50,000 dogs, the research identified separation and attachment behaviors (85.9%), aggression (55.6%), and fear or anxiety (49.9%) as the most prevalent concerns.

Dr. Suin Yi, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, co-led a research team that developed “Super-Turing AI,” an energy-efficient artificial intelligence system inspired by the human brain. By integrating learning and memory processes—unlike traditional AI architectures that separate them—this system reduces the need for extensive data movement, significantly lowering energy consumption. The team’s findings were published in Science Advances.

Dr. Humberto Perotto, Associate Professor and Joan Negley Kelleher Endowed Professor in Ranch Management at Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, contributed to a global study analyzing over 8.9 million images across 445 mammal species in 38 countries. The research, published in Science Advances, revealed that many mammals do not adhere strictly to traditional activity patterns (diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular, or cathemeral), with only 39% of established diel phenotypes accurately describing observed behaviors.

Dr. Giri Athrey, Associate Professor in the Department of Poultry Science at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, co-authored a study predicting that U.S. broiler egg hatchability rates could fall to 60% by 2050. The research, based on USDA data, highlights long-term declines in fertility and chick viability, raising concerns for the poultry industry.

Dr. Paul V. Gratz, Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, co-developed Skia, a novel processor technique designed to enhance instruction prediction and throughput in data center workloads. By addressing bottlenecks in instruction processing, Skia aims to improve computing performance and reduce power consumption in large-scale systems.

Dr. Michael Tice, Research Scientist in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University, co-authored a study analyzing volcanic rocks in Mars’ Jezero Crater using data from NASA’s Perseverance rover. The findings reveal diverse iron-rich formations, offering new insights into the planet’s geological history and its potential to have supported ancient microbial life.

Dr. Asligul Berktay, Assistant Professor of History at Texas A&M International University, conducted archival and community-based research in Cartagena and Barranquilla, Colombia, focusing on the lives of enslaved and freed Africans in Latin America. Her work involved examining historical records and engaging with local scholars and communities to shed light on the legacy of slavery and race relations in the region.

Dr. Anand Puppala, Professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, led a forensic investigation into the failure of a Houston highway embankment slope. The study identified moisture-sensitive clay soils and extreme rainfall as key contributors to slope instability, recommending stabilization techniques like cement treatment and improved drainage to prevent future collapses.

Dr. Kelley Thieman, Associate Professor of Soft Tissue Surgery at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, co-led a study evaluating the use of telehealth to diagnose brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in flat-faced dog breeds. The research found that while remote assessments using the Respiratory Function Grading scheme showed promise, further refinement is needed to ensure reliability and expand access to non-invasive diagnostics for at-risk breeds.

Dr. Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, has published the third edition of his book, Sustainable Design Through Process Integration, compiling over four decades of research on manufacturing processes. The book emphasizes systematic tools and techniques to enhance facility efficiency, aiming to improve profitability, conserve resources, and reduce environmental impact in the process industries.

Dr. Kranthi Mandadi, Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, has led a groundbreaking study utilizing spinach-derived antimicrobial peptides, known as defensins, to combat citrus greening and potato zebra chip diseases. These naturally occurring peptides, delivered through a benign virus, significantly improved plant health and yields, offering a promising, safe, and sustainable solution for managing these devastating agricultural diseases.

Dr. Congrui Grace Jin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, is pioneering a novel approach to self-healing concrete by developing a synthetic lichen system that enables concrete to autonomously repair its own cracks. This bio-inspired method utilizes cyanobacteria and fungi to produce crack-filling minerals using only air, light, and water, eliminating the need for external nutrients and potentially revolutionizing infrastructure maintenance.

Dr. Jeong Ho “Jay” Kim, Professor at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, led a study examining how virtual reality (VR) interface design impacts users' physical and mental performance. The research found that larger and more distant VR targets increase neck and shoulder strain, as well as cognitive load, even during simple tasks, underscoring the need for ergonomic considerations in VR system design.

Dr. Svetlana Sukhishvili, Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, has developed a groundbreaking self-healing polymer that exhibits a unique ability to absorb high-speed impacts and rapidly repair itself. This dynamic material, known as a Diels-Adler Polymer (DAP), stretches and liquefies upon projectile impact, allowing the projectile to pass through while leaving behind a hole significantly smaller than the projectile itself.

Around the System: Research

Dr. Nate Y. Sharp, Dean of Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, announced the launch of Creative Destruction Lab-Texas (CDL-Texas), a partnership with the global nonprofit Creative Destruction Lab. This initiative introduces a specialized Energy Stream aimed at fostering scientific discovery and innovation in the energy sector by connecting early-stage startups with industry mentors and leveraging Texas A&M's expertise in energy, engineering, and research.

Dr. Pushkar Lele, Professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, is leading research into how bacteria sense and respond to mechanical cues in their environment. Supported by a National Institutes of Health grant, his team investigates the role of mechanosensors—specialized proteins that enable bacteria to detect surfaces and initiate biofilm formation.

Faculty at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) collaborated with students from Hector J. García Early College High School (GECHS) to develop a transdermal drug delivery system for targeted cancer therapy. Under the mentorship of Dr. Mohammad Davachi and with contributions from Dr. Alfred Addo-Mensah, the team designed a hydrogel film incorporating chitosan, polyethyleneimine, and MXene to enhance drug delivery while minimizing side effects.

Dr. Stephen Webb, Research Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, leads a five-year study to inform science-based management of javelinas, or collared peccaries. The project includes GPS tracking and various survey methods across 250,000 acres in South Texas to better understand their population dynamics and habitat use.

Dr. Alexis Thompson, Resident Director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in Canyon, played a pivotal role in identifying the first-ever case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle in March 2024. This groundbreaking discovery, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, marked a significant cross-species transmission event, as cows were previously not considered susceptible to this virus strain.

Dr. Adam Kozaczka, Assistant Professor of English at Texas A&M International University, has been awarded a prestigious Lewis Walpole Library Travel Grant by Yale University Libraries. This grant supports a two-week research residency at Yale's Lewis Walpole Library, where Dr. Kozaczka will explore 18th-century antiquarian John Pinkerton's early theories on racial and ethnic differences in the British Isles.

Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of the Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, is spearheading the development of an AI-driven multiplayer gaming platform designed to simulate emergency pipeline scenarios for enhanced safety training. This innovative tool aims to provide pipeline operators and first responders with realistic, interactive environments to practice responses to rare but critical incidents, thereby improving preparedness and mitigating potential hazards.

Around the System: Awards and Accomplishments

Dr. Candace Chuyou-Campbell, Clinical Director for the Department of Counseling at East Texas A&M University, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Texas Association for Play Therapy—a professional organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the field of play therapy across Texas.

Dr. Ali Mostafavi, Professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, received the 2025 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers. His work uses AI and data science to improve infrastructure resilience during extreme events like hurricanes and wildfires.

Dr. Ioannis “Yianni” Tsapakis, Assistant Program Manager and Research Scientist at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, led the Highway Traffic Monitoring Committee (ACP70) to its second consecutive Blue Ribbon Award from the Transportation Research Board. His leadership has advanced national traffic data standards and research coordination through the development of widely used technical guidance documents.

Dr. Anol Mukhopadhyay, Senior Research Scientist and Manager of the Rigid Pavements Program at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, has been elected a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), one of the organization's highest honors. Renowned for his expertise in concrete durability and materials science, Dr. Mukhopadhyay has developed innovative test methods adopted as industry standards and leads research initiatives at TTI's Concrete Innovation Laboratory on the Texas A&M-RELLIS Campus.

Dr. Tryon Wickersham, Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, has been named a 2025 Piper Professor by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, recognizing his excellence in teaching and mentorship. A Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence, Wickersham has significantly influenced students through courses like Principles of Animal Nutrition and initiatives such as the Panhandle Trip class, which offers in-depth exposure to the beef production value chain.

Dr. Sunme Lee, Marketing Professor at Texas A&M University–Central Texas, was awarded first place in the 2025 Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators Teaching Innovation Competition for her AI-integrated curriculum, "From Classroom to Boardroom." Her program immerses students in real-world marketing projects using AI tools, bridging academic theory with practical application to enhance job readiness.

Dr. Cynthia Sosa, Instructional Associate Professor at Texas A&M International University, has been appointed president of the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Board of Directors. With a background in instructional technology and higher education, she plans to lead the development of a five-year strategic plan to guide TCEA’s governance and global impact.

Dr. Peter F. Haruna, Professor of Public Administration at Texas A&M International University, received the Jean-Claude García-Zamor Best Paper Award at the American Society for Public Administration Conference. His co-authored study on community-centered governance in Ghana offers insights into strengthening state-citizen relationships through participatory research.

Tarleton State University's Research and Economic Development Building has been honored with the 2025 Distinguished Building Award. This recognition highlights the building's exceptional design and its role in advancing the university's research initiatives.

EVENTS

TEES Annual Research Conference (TARC)

10 Years of TARC | Decade of Discovery

Date: May 20-21, 2025

Location: Zachry Engineering Education Complex

Website

Texas Emergency Management Conference

Date: May 27-30, 2025

Location: Fort Worth Convention Center

Website

PVAMU Space Frontiers: A Colloquium on Innovation Beyond Earth

Date: June 18, 2025

Location: Willie A. Tempton Memorial Student Center

Prairie View A&M University

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Catalyzing Convergent Research in Multi-Scale Immunity Pilot Grant Program

Dear Faculty and Research Colleagues, we are excited to announce the launch of the
Catalyzing Convergent Research in Multi-Scale Immunity Pilot Grant Program—
an internal funding opportunity to stimulate interdisciplinary research
across The Texas A&M University System.

This program supports projects that:

Bridge disciplinary boundaries by integrating diverse fields and expertise
Generate preliminary data and proof-of-concept results
Strengthen future competitive grant proposals
Align with the WHOLE-Immune vision of understanding immunity across biological scales—from molecules to entire systems

Funding Scope: This pilot program welcomes proposals demonstrating convergent research
with high potential for scientific and societal impact on health and immunity.

Deadline: June 10, 2025

Proposal RFA

We strongly encourage collaboration among departments, colleges, and institutions
within The Texas A&M University System.

For questions, please reach out to: researchdevelopment@tamus.edu

Funding Opportunities

Funding Archives

Research Development

COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE (CoP)

The Texas A&M University System faculty 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. 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

TOPIC

NASA

DATE

May 30

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.

T AMU VPR - Federal Administration Transition

Stay informed on federal actions affecting federally funded research. In response to recent Executive Orders, federal agencies are issuing directives such as stop work orders and pausing communications, which may impact research projects. To help the research community navigate these changes, the Division of Research has launched a dedicated webpage with the latest updates and resources. Stay up to date and access key information to manage federally sponsored projects during this transition.

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.