UTEP Researchers Pull Over $2 Million In NSF Grants
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) federal grants totaling $2,113,992, Congressman Silvestre Reyes , D-El Paso, announced Thursday.
One project, entitled “An Integrative Science Success, Teaching and Retention Program for STEM Education,” to be administered under the direction of Benjamin Flores, will receive $1,964,912. UTEP has long been considered a national leader in increasing the quality and quantity of under-represented minorities who earn science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degrees and go on to pursue graduate degrees in these fields.
“This grant is part of the front line in our national effort to become a more innovative and competitive country,” said Reyes. “UTEP is primed to help El Paso lead the nation in growing our STEM workforce.”
Since receiving its first Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) grant from the NSF, STEM student retention and the number of STEM degrees awarded to minorities at UTEP each year has increased. MIE activities have improved the first-year experience, enhanced instruction across the STEM curricula, promoted research and graduate school, and encouraged good study habits.
Recognizing the success of UTEP and the importance of drawing more under-represented minorities and women into the STEM fields, Reyes recently founded the Diversity and Innovation Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. The group aims to influence policy to increase the participation of groups under-represented in STEM.
“The increased education and participation of groups currently under-represented in STEM is essential to supplying the American economy with the expertise the country needs to innovate and remain competitive,” said Reyes.
NSF will provide an additional $149,080 to UTEP for a project entitled “Building a New Minority Geoscience Awareness Program in an Area Impacted by the Relocation of Residents after Hurricane Katrina.” The study will take place under the direction of Laura Serpa.
