TEXAS – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) received a $1.2 million grant from NASA to enhance Earth and planetary science education and research.
The grant, awarded by the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), will be used to develop a pilot model that will further develop the research capabilities of UTRGV students.
The project, called “RAISE” (Remote-sensing and Analytics for Integrating Science Education with NASA SMD to Strengthen Student Research Capacity at MSI), has two main objectives, the first, to enhance earth and environmental science classes, including geomorphology, hydrology and soil science, by adding training modules in data analysis and evaluation of remote sensing products, such as satellite imagery collected by NASA.
In addition, the program seeks to offer students the opportunity to participate in 10-week paid internships at NASA-affiliated centers or laboratories.
The project is led by Dr. Tian Y. Dong, assistant professor of Geomorphology in the School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences (SEEMS) at UTRGV.
“This award is an amazing opportunity for UTRGV. It will help us prepare a new generation of students for careers in STEM, fostering diversity and innovation not only at NASA, but also in STEM disciplines across the country,” Dong said.
The RAISE project will begin in the fall of 2024 and run for three years, the university detailed.
