2022 Year in ReView- Research & Innovation- Prairie View A&M University

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AT THE VIEW

MESSAGE

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

As Vice President for the Division of Research and Innovation at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), it is my great pleasure to share the 2021–2022 (FY22) Year in ReView. This report showcases the key initiatives and accomplishments related to research and innovation. I am grateful for people like you — our community’s talented and dedicated members. You continually strive to push boundaries, create knowledge and elevate our mission to improve lives in service for the greater good. As you will read in the following pages, PVAMU faculty, staff, students and alums have demonstrated remarkable resolve to persevere through the pandemic.

In 2019, I envisioned elevating the research and innovation enterprises to a level that would result in PVAMU’s Carnegie Classification being elevated to an R2-High Research Activity Institution in five years by 2024. I am incredibly pleased to share the announcement of PVAMU’s elevation to R2-High Research Activity Institution status by Carnegie Classification in 2022. It is a significant moment in the history and elevation of PVAMU.

Executing the vision and attaining this goal required dedicated leadership, strategies, numerous nurturing initiatives, collaborations and partnerships, and increased emphasis on research and scholarly activities. The Division of Research & Innovation served as PVAMU’s nucleus for aligning, structuring and guiding faculty, research scientists, staff, and students into a cohesive, strategic path of elevating the university’s research enterprise. With the collaboration of Academic Affairs, Graduate Studies, Academic Colleges and Departments, Research Institutes and Centers, and faculty researchers from all three PVAMU campuses, R&I committed itself to get research and innovation “On the RISE.”

Prairie View A&M University’s research and innovation enterprise is becoming an emerging research institution. By nurturing vibrant research and innovation ecosystems at PVAMU and building collaborations and partnerships with external partners, we will elevate, transform and impact our global communities.

The showcased achievements, driven by our bold researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, are a testament to PVAMU’s commitment to excellence and relevance in teaching, research and service that addresses issues and challenges affecting the diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population of Texas and the larger society, including the global arena. PVAMU embraces this vision as researchers across campus work together to advance knowledge, solve challenging societal problems, create new products and services that enhance the quality of life, and support students and postdoctoral fellows in research and training.

Academic research requires the support of many, including the federal government and industry partners. As a credit to our altruistic staff, innovative faculty, and strong external collaborations, PVAMU has conducted a significant volume of research. As the Vice President for Research & Innovation, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with faculty, staff, and students — across all three campuses — driven to impact society for the greater good. The PVAMU Division of Research & Innovation will continue to collaborate with our partners — on campus and beyond — to catalyze, support, and safeguard university research, with the ultimate goal of impacting the world.

I am confident we will continue to come together to do great things. I look forward to using our firm foundation as a foothold for the future. Thank you again for joining us in these efforts.

MAGESH T. RAJAN, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A. VICE PRESIDENT OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION

PVAMU.edu/research

THE VICE PRESIDENT'S NEW INITIATIVES

PLANNING FOCUSES ON STRENGTHENING UNIVERSITY’S ENTERPRISE IN ALL AREAS OF RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, & INNOVATION

From the beginning of his term as vice president of Prairie View A&M University’s Division of Research and Innovation in 2019, Dr. Magesh T. Rajan has instituted several initiatives that benefit our faculty, students, and campus research community. The vice president’s initiatives tackle challenges and opportunities requiring institutional prioritization and broad participation across the university.

The initiatives aim to strengthen Prairie View A&M University’s enterprise as a Texas land-grant university toward knowledge inquiry, scholarly research, discoveries, and technology innovation to impact and elevate our state’s communities. They also ensure that we stand as a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging, by preparing the next generation of scholars for lives well-lived.

A VISION MADE REAL

PVAMU EARNS CARNEGIE R2 HIGH RESEARCH ACTIVITY INSTITUTION STATUS

Every three years, more than 3,900 colleges and universities are assessed by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education using the top framework for recognizing and describing institutions in the U.S. In February 2022, Carnegie Classification elevated Prairie View A&M University to the status of high research activity (R2) doctoral-granting institution.

“This designation is made possible because of the hard work of outstanding faculty and dedicated researchers,” PVAMU President Ruth Simmons said. “Their focus on advanced education and valuable research paved the way for PVAMU to achieve this distinction. Yet our work is still not done. We must remain focused on building the best environment for excellence in learning, teaching, scholarship and research.”

Achieving the high research activity designation by Carnegie Classification is a significant part of the vision and five-year strategic

planning designed and championed by Vice President Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA, since taking his position in the Division of Research & Innovation in 2019. Elevating PVAMU’s research and innovation enterprise has been Vice President Rajan’s vision and goal. The honor represents excellence in teaching, research and innovation in institutions of higher education nationwide. The second-highest ranking for universities with a commitment to research, this designation is now held by 133 universities nationwide.

“It is remarkable for PVAMU to go from an M1: Master’s Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs to an R2 within three years as compared to the five-year plan for achieving the R2 status,” said Vice President Rajan. “It feels astonishing to reach this historic milestone for PVAMU while leading during a long global pandemic and the disruptions it has caused to our lives and day-to-day operations. It affirms our standing as a high-quality institution of higher learning and embodies our commitment to excellence in research and innovations across eight colleges and schools, as well as the broader student experiences,” Vice President Rajan added.

“The Carnegie Classification acknowledges Prairie View A&M University as an asset. PVAMU is one of only 11 HBCUs to be granted R2 status nationwide and one of only four Texas A&M University System members in this category. R&I will continue to build upon the R2 momentum and continue its commitment to becoming an emerging research institution,” said Vice President Rajan.

ACHIEVING THE VISION

After restructuring the Division of Research & Innovation and relocating all the services into one building, Vice President Rajan launched the next phase of his R2 elevation plan.

High-research activity institution status encompasses an increased level of doctoral degree offerings, a higher standard of research expenditures and initiatives that cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across campus. After three years of data collection, seminars, workshops on grant funding and opportunities, and a steady increase in grant awards, PVAMU witnessed growth and impact annually not only in research dollars but also a targeted growth in the number of students earning their doctoral degrees and increasing their doctoral program offerings. Vice President Rajan has launched several initiatives for faculty, students and staff to elevate the university’s scholarly research, discoveries and innovations.

“PVAMU proposals and the amounts requested have doubled since 2018 from 150 proposals at $100 million to more than 300 proposals at $230 million, with a steady increase in funded awards from 58 to 85 awards per year. The total annual sponsored awards increased by several folds since 2018 from 14 million to more than $110 million. The total annual sponsored expenditures surpassed $100 million in the last three years.”

“PVAMU awarded 22 doctoral degrees in 2020. The university awarded 63 doctoral degrees in the past five years and amassed $105 million in research expenditures for the period,” said James Palmer, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Since much research is still needed to meet the challenges and opportunity gaps of Texas learners, the R2 classification will elevate Prairie View A&M University’s status in recruiting additional scholars who desire to promote learning for all students. It also presents an opportunity for Prairie View to attract even more talented staff and graduate students,” said Tyrone Tanner, Dean of Graduate Studies.

These are the factors that accelerated PVAMU to accomplish its R2 goal in record time. The unified efforts are significantly thrusting us toward reaching the ranking sooner than planned. This ascension to greatness is a standard hallmark in the legacy and history of Prairie View A&M, the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the State of Texas. Today, more than 9,000 are enrolled, and PVAMU offers degrees in more than 50 programs.

Vice President Rajan highlights that, “The division of research and innovation continues to invest in PVAMU faculty and student research through numerous development initiatives, securing strategic partnerships with federal agencies, governmental bodies and corporate entities that delivers great returns for the entire university.”

FORGING MULTIPLE ALLIANCES CENTERED AROUND ADVANCED RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Prairie View A&M University Research and Innovation Vice President Magesh Rajan’s strategic vision for growing the university’s research enterprise focuses on diversifying beyond federal and state funding opportunities. Building major collaborative research partnerships with diverse and strategic partners is an excellent distinction for any institution of higher education.

“We’re very pleased that our efforts have shown significant contributions to the university’s research and innovation portfolio and strategic partnerships,” said Vice President Rajan. Research & Innovation has been dedicated to raising the university’s profile as a research institution while cultivating significant partnerships. PVAMU’s stature in research has steadily risen in recent years, particularly the elevation to a high research activity (R2) doctoral-granting institution in 2022, to be one of only 11 HBCUs.

“I personally take pride in cultivating these relationships for the mutual benefit of our partners as well as our university,” VP Rajan added. “External collaborations are essential for several aspects. One is to bring innovative ideas and challenges for our faculty to pursue new knowledge creation and innovation,” VP Rajan said. “It’s also important to have our faculty researchers contribute to addressing real-world challenges of industries and society in general.”

We are delighted to establish numerous strategic partnerships to propel the growth of the university’s research and innovation enterprise. Our strategic partnerships aim to partner with diverse organizations and institutions, such as:

THE SHELL - PVAMU RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP FOR A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE

NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS

The year 2022 marked the start of a substantial new collaboration between the energy sector and higher education as Prairie View A&M University and Shell Global Solutions signed a $5 million partnership on a new soil research project.

The PVAMU-Shell Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Research Program is a $5 million research program that is part of Shell’s technology innovation and funded through the company’s Projects & Technology organization. The five-year research agreement focuses on innovation and agriculture. The project will be headquartered in PVAMU’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences.

“To build an energy future that is cleaner, more sustainable, and more just, it will take hard work as well as insights from diverse perspectives – and we see communities like Prairie View as essential to the success of that formula,” shared Gretchen Watkins, president of Shell Oil Company. “The Shell-PVAMU NBS is going to be the world’s or one of the world’s preeminent soil research projects when we get this underway.”

The Shell-PVAMU NBS partnership is aimed at effective carbon dioxide utilization and carbon

capture by employing innovative renewable energy and environmental sustainability methods.

“The opportunity to be able to join forces and to take action that acknowledges the progress we’re making — in terms of giving opportunities to our students, couldn’t be better in my estimation,” said Ruth J. Simmons, president of PVAMU. “Its comprehensive approachinvolving infrastructure, research collaboration, internships, and ongoing staff involvement-is especially welcome. I’m grateful for President Gretchen Watkins’ personal interest in and commitment to this collaboration.” “This agreement marks a significant landmark in our relationship, paving pathways for Prairie View faculty and students to involve in interdisciplinary research and innovation activities with Shell research and development team solving global challenges,” said Magesh Rajan, vice president, Research & Innovation.

“This is the 1st partnership for PVAMU under our elevated Carnegie Classification as Research 2 institution, as a doctoral-degree granting/high-research campus.”

INDUSTRY & ACADEMIC ALLIANCES

INDUSTRY, ACADEMIC ALLIANCES RAISE NATIONAL PROFILE OF PVAMU’S RESEARCH TRAINING ENDEAVORS

IBM: Credit Center Ties Enabling New Training Opportunities for Faculty, Students, Community

The partnership between IBM and the Prairie View A&M University CREDIT Center is aimed at enhancing the research and education capacity that has brought numerous training opportunities to faculty, students and the community at large over the years. IBM donated two state-of-theart power servers to the CREDIT center for processing large datasets using cutting-edge deep learning methods to strengthen the high performance-computing infrastructure at PVAMU. Several students who graduated through this partnership are employed at IBM.

LANL: Collaborative Work Involves Projects Relevant to National Security, Aerospace

The partnership between Los Alamos National Lab (LANL) and PVAMU, through faculty collaborations with investigators at the LANL’s Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, is aimed at repurposing an experimental beamline area at LANSC and accessing high energy neutrons that are relevant for national security applications and the aerospace industry. The partnership is successful due to joint pursuits with the Department of Energy related to nuclear fusion, more than 15 students visited LANL in 2022.

GOOGLE: Partnership Offers Students Chance to Learn From Software Engineers

The partnership between Google and PVAMU is growing stronger within the university’s Computer Science Department, thanks to the Google Tech Exchange program. In addition, a Google-InResidence program is established for a Google software engineer to teach computer science freshmen about programming language. The partnership is continuing to grow through various mechanisms for faculty development.

FORD MOTOR & GEORGIA TECH: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Autonomous Vehicle Technology

The partnership between Ford Motor, Georgia Tech University and PVAMU resulted in a funded research project on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) considerations when developing an Autonomous Vehicles (AV) business to remove barriers to access to cutting-edge technology by providing veritable consideration of DEI in business structures.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON: Energy Hydrogen Hub Initiative

The partnership between the University of Houston and PVAMU centers around the UH Energy Hydrogen Hub initiative and the pursuit of joint opportunities in energy industry-related policy and regulation, workforce development, innovation, research and development.

SANDIA NATIONAL LAB

SANDIA NATIONAL LABS TAPS RESEARCH TALENT AT PVAMU WITH NEW INITIATIVE

For more than 70 years, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has produced vital science and technology research to resolve some of the most challenging U.S. security issues. As a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), SNL seeks out the best research talent to equip them with world-class tools and facilities and provide them with opportunities to collaborate with experts from a variety of scientific disciplines.

That’s why Prairie View A&M University’s Division of Research and Innovation reached a new milestone when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SNL to increase research collaborations and expose diverse groups of talented students to the lasting impact they can have by working at a national laboratory.

SNL’s Black Leadership Committee (BLC), some of whom are graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), realized SNL had a unique opportunity to

build a pipeline for recruitment by connecting with select schools. So, they created the Securing Top Academic Research & Talent for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (S.T.A.R.T. HBCU) initiative. PVAMU, which has an ongoing relationship with SNL, was chosen to participate in the initiative.

“This partnership has provided our faculty with more opportunities for research collaborations with the Sandia research community,” said Vice President for R&I Magesh Rajan. “We have already identified opportunities for possible collaborations with the other universities in the program to conduct research projects that will address some of the grand global challenges. It is more important than ever, in our current climate, to align the efforts of the most brilliant experts to develop research projects and build a pipeline of students prepared and skilled to pursue research as a career path.”

NEW RESEARCH FRONTIER WITH PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

In spring 2022, Prairie View A&M University announced its participation in a new research and innovation venture with Princeton University: the Princeton Alliance for Collaborative Research and Innovation (PACRI).

This program pairs a Princeton researcher with an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) researcher to co-lead a research or innovation project. “This Princeton University alliance is another phenomenal partnership for the outstanding researchers and innovators at Prairie View A&M,” said Vice President of R&I Magesh Rajan. “As a Carnegie R2 institution, PACRI opens another door of opportunity

for our researchers to bring their unique and diverse perspectives into a collaborative effort that will impact an Ivy League institution and its students, while also amplifying the ingenuity and scholarly aptitude of PVAMU researchers and innovators.”

Princeton partnered with the United Negro College Fund to select five HBCUs for this inaugural venture that will pair Princeton researchers as co-leads with colleagues at PVAMU, Spelman College, Howard University, Jackson State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shores.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH SMALL BUSINESSES

Prairie View A&M University Research and Innovation Vice President Magesh Rajan said R&I’s partnerships benefit the Greater Houston area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. “We also partner with small businesses, providing a mutual benefit for start-up companies working with us as our faculty and students work with them, and the innovation and economic development organizations for a broader impact of the university.”

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Millennium Engineering and Integration (MEI) Company: Wallops Flight Facility’s NASA Balloon Operations Contract.

Accenture and Microsoft have joined forces with Prairie View A&M University to provide PVAMU students tools and opportunities to build careers in the world of innovation and technology.

Accenture has had a relationship with Prairie View A&M for more than 30 years, but two years ago, the tech company decided it was time to step up its involvement, said Atieno Obala, a managing director in Accenture’s Houston office. Known as Level Up, the partnership program focuses on recruiting and mentoring students seeking roles in tech. Obala also serves as the program lead.

Students are given training and project experience, and they complete a capstone project. They are also given mentors and alumni partners to guide them through their experience. But what leadership at Accenture and Microsoft touts as the largest benefit is meeting students where they are: Houston. We are very pleased with this unique industry-university partnership and the successes of the student cohorts, said Vice President Rajan.

Microsoft also partnered with Accenture to provide training around some of their technologies and mentorship, as well as an additional office space in Houston where students can work.

Diversity Fund Houston (DFH): To develop infrastructure and enhance PVAMU Entrepreneurial and Venture Community.  BioMADE Institute: Won the Department of Defense contract and a member of Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem. 

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Farmacopia Farms, LLC: Active genetic research projects on fruits and vegetables at PV Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC).

Bayou City Hemp Company, LLC: Funded research for CARC researchers on industrial hemp processing.

 Tetra Hemp Company, LLC: Funded research for CARC researchers on industrial hemp processing. 

RioCoco Farms, LLC: Funded research to improve the plants' genetic makeup for maximum growth potential and expanding variety. 

Eden PMB Farms LLC: Collaboration on industrial hemp, hemp biomass, and oil.

In addition, PVAMU is in various stages of research and innovation collaborations and partnerships with several corporate, industry and academic institutions, including:

Alcyone, LLC

Agrarian Technologies, LLC

Adiamoto, Inc.

Schiele Energy Enterprises

KJ Scientific, LLC

Parsons Government Services, Inc.

Eden Green Technology

FMC Technologies

Texas Instruments, Inc.

Polaris, Inc.

Huntsman Corp

Deloitte

Watts Water

Chevron

ChampionX

LMI

Hempstead ISD

Texas Medical Center

Greater Houston Partnership

Houston Methodist Hospital

Oracle

NASA

Houston Exponential

The ION

Greentown Labs

Waller County Economic Development Partnership

Medtronic

Coca-Cola, Inc.

University of Pittsburgh, PA

Virginia Tech, VA

North Carolina A&T University

Florida A&M University

LEVELING UP ON TECH EXPERIENCE: PVAMU PARTNERS WITH ACCENTURE, MICROSOFT ON STUDENT MENTORING, RECRUITMENT

STRATEGIC PLANNING

SOLIDIFY THE HIGH RESEARCH ACTIVITY R2 STATUS AND AIM FOR TEXAS EMERGING RESEARCH INSTITUTION STATUS

Prairie View A&M University has built a proud legacy of “Producing Productive People.”

Many years of teaching and training teachers, nurses, agriculture experts, and engineers have solidified the university’s stature as an educational institution. Today, the university is expanding its research enterprise and producing graduate and undergraduate scholars. The ascension to the next level in higher education ranking is the Division of Research & Innovation (R&I)’s core goal to increase PVAMU’s status as an emerging research institution.

In 2019, PVAMU welcomed Magesh Rajan as vice president of research and innovation. From day one, Rajan’s launched his mission to elevate the research and innovation enterprise at PVAMU. Preparing and positioning this historic land-grant university as an R2 high research activity institution has been the focus of Rajan’s five-year (2019-2024) strategic plan for the university’s research and innovation.

The prolonged disruptions caused by the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic, among other challenges, posed significant hardships. However, Rajan and his R&I team demonstrated grit and perseverance to the vision and mission in streamlining R&I operations, staff development, creating new offices and programs, an array of research initiatives, building strategic partnerships, cultivating a culture of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across campus, sustaining and expanding faculty, staff, and studentcentered programs for a significant expansion of the research enterprise.

“It is astonishing for PVAMU to go from an M1: Master’s Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs to an R2 within three years as compared to the

five-year vision initially set despite the global pandemic disruptions,” said Rajan.

PVAMU is now positioned as one of the top 11 HBCUs ranked as the R2 high research activity institution. It is critical for the university leadership and the campus community to ensure that this distinctive position is sustained and continues the growth momentum. It requires an assessment of resources, challenges, and opportunities and utilizes it to develop a solid strategic plan for the university's research, innovation, and economic development.

VP Rajan has envisioned the next strategic goal for PVAMU’s research and innovation is to aim toward Texas Emerging Research Institution status. The Division of R&I actively participates in the university's strategic planning to ensure vision setting and alignment towards equitable resources for addressing challenges and pursuing growth opportunities. R&I will lead a focused, detailed, and inclusive strategic planning for the division with inputs from university stakeholders.

CORE VALUES

Cultivating a positive and productive working culture is at the heart of R&I’s leadership style for continued progress toward achieving the broader vision and goals. As such, Vice President Rajan instituted six core values in 2019 that are stressed and put into practice by the team. The Core Values of the R&I team are:

INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

PVAMU ADVANCES PURSUIT OF INNOVATION DISTINCTION

Prairie View A&M University’s membership with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) is another component of our trajectory as a prospective emerging research institution. APLU is a research, policy and advocacy organization that is strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in North America. The association’s membership is 244 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliate organizations. APLU assists affiliates with improving student success and delivering the innovative workforce of tomorrow; promoting research and discovery to improve society; fostering economic growth; and tackling global challenges.

APLU offers a highly selective Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities program, which helps an institution strengthen its strategy and practices in economic and community development. The IEP distinction is a recognition of exemplary commitment to regional economic engagement. Only 77 universities have earned the IEP distinction.

For Vice President Magesh Rajan, the pursuit of the IEP distinction aligns with the university's R2 classification status and the growing research and innovation enterprise. The innovations and discoveries by PVAMU faculty have a significant impact on industries and the business region, community development and individual lives. A team of R&I staff (Faison, Melvin, and Streety) is leading this IEP designation process along with Vice President Rajan. The task involves a very rigorous assessment of campus stakeholders, regional engagement and an extensive economic prosperity plan to APLU.

This IEP designation will further develop and expand PVAMU’s talent and workforce development; its innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic development. As a result of achieving this goal, Prairie View A&M will maximize the impact of its research and innovation on the greater Houston area and Southeast Texas economy and its diverse communities through our public service, outreach, extension and community engagement. The process involves tremendous amounts of data collection, surveying and evaluation.

PVAMU is currently in a start-up cohort with 38 other universities. But the path to obtaining the designation is tedious. The reward for the hard work required to earn the IEP title, Rajan said, is tremendous visibility to the university and impact on faculty and students.

RAPID GRANT

A RAPID RESPONSE GRANT PROGRAM FOR

TIMELY

DISCOVERIES AND INNOVATIONS

PVAMU Vice President of Research & Innovation Dr. Magesh Rajan has launched a funding initiative called the Rapid-Response Grant Program (RAPID) to support researchers and innovators seeking to address pressing issues with a short turnaround time of summer months.

The RAPID program supports research studies to help understand and address complex national needs and challenges. RAPID grants are generally for a limited time. This grant program encourages PVAMU faculty, research staff and doctoral students from all disciplines to broaden their research or jump-start new research in relevant areas to current national needs. It helps mobilize scholarly researchers and, particularly, deepen understanding and develop ways to respond to the recent national challenges. The RAPID Program funded research projects based on university priorities and societal needs.

During the first two years of the RAPID program, the Division for Research & Innovation funded more than 40 research and innovation projects to faculty researchers with $3,000-$5,000 funding support. Because many federal funding agencies require preliminary data to show the feasibility of the proposed research, the RAPID grant serves as an essential means to collect needed data to successfully pursue larger external funding.

IN FISCAL YEAR 2022, R&I AWARDED 22 GRANTS:

1. Rania Labib, Assistant Professor-Architecture — Quantifying the Negative Impact of Reflective Building Facades using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

2. Vahid Faghihi, Assistant Professor-Construction Science — Prairie View Advanced Construction Technology (PV-ACT)

3. Sameh Abdelwahed, Assistant Professor-Chemistry and Physics — Electroactive Materials for Energy Conversion and Catalysis

4. Gina Chiarella, Assistant Professor-Chemistry and Physics — Synthesis of environmentally safe Transition metal complexes with redox catalytic activity and luminescence properties as a green alternative for industrial and pharmacological catalysts

5. Yingchun Li, Assistant Professor-Chemistry and Physics — Development of Novel Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanomaterials as Photocatalysts for Solar Driven Hydrogen Production: from Mechanism-based Design to Practical Application

6. Gururaj Neelgund, Assistant Professor-Chemistry and Physics — Novel NIR active nanomaterials for cancer therapy

7. Tyler Moore, Assistant Professor-History — Cloud-based Digital Archives Analysis Platform for a More Transformative Future

8. M. Misaghian, Associate Professor-Mathematics — Theta Correspondences over a 2-adic Field

9. Anne Lippert, Assistant Professor-Psychology: Text2Net — User-Friendly Software for the Analysis of Open-Ended Response Questions

10. Temilola Salami, Assistant Professor-Psychology — Assessing Culturally Relevant IPV Risk and Protective Variables and Developing an Adaptive Toolkit to Reduce IPV-Related Mental Health Consequences Among Black College Students at HBCUs, PWIs, and HSIs.

11. Iyanda Ayodeji, Assistant Professor-Social Sciences — Pilot project to examine the impact of discrimination and neighborhood disorder on academic outcomes among Black college students

12. Larry Hill, Assistant Professor-Social Work — Exploring Pathways to Integrate Novel Medical and Behavioral Health Technologies into Health and Human Service Agencies

13. Beverly Miller, Assistant Professor-Curriculum and Instruction — TEXSTEM: Producing PV STEM Teachers for the 21st Century K-12 Student 14. Stella Smith, Assistant Professsor-Educational Leadership & Counseling — Pragmatic Idealism: The Educational Leadership Legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune 15. Kazeem Olanrewaju, Assistant Professor-Chemical Engineering — Numerical Experimentation of Physiological and Pathophysiological Effect of Species Transport and Transformation in the Cardiovascular- Gastrointestinal Systems 16. Nabila Shamim, Assistant Professor-Chemical Engineering — Designing and Testing 3D Printed Scaffolds for Bio-medical Applications

Ahmed Ahmed, Assistant Professor-Computer Science — A Formal Model and Programming Platform for Supporting Distributed Sensor-Based Services

Xishuang Dong, Assistant Professor-Electrical & Computer Engineering — Trustworthy AI Based Screening for Combating Global Pandemics

Jiang Lai, Assistant Professor-Mechanical Engineering — Laser Sintering Based Additive Manufacturing of Sustainable PLA/Natural Filler Biocomposites

Shahin Shafiee, Assistant Professor-Mechanical Engineering — Investigation of Anomalous Transport Phenomena and Phonon Scattering of Conductive Materials in Magnetic Fields

Emmanuel Dada, Assistant Professor-Chemical Engineering — Chemical Recycling of Plastic Wastes Using Hydrogenolysis Method

Myra Michelle DeBose, Assistant Professor-Nursing — Evaluating social media and medication adherence for PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis): Using photovoice to prevent HIV in adults.

PRISE: PANTHER RISE

Peter Ampim, PVAMU College of Agriculture & Human Sciences, and Sakiko Okumoto, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Smart agriculture: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through plant root secretion

Javad Barouei, PVAMU College of Agriculture & Human Sciences, and Anil Somenahally, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Mitigation of food safety risks from agriculture fields through soil microbiome management

Suxia Cui, PVAMU College of Engineering, and Dilma Da Silva, Texas A&M College of Engineering. Serverless computing risks analysis and mitigation

Beverly Sande, PVAMU College of Education, and Gwendolyn Webb, Texas A&M College of Education and Human Development. Assessing teachers’ and leaders’ perceptions and applications of culturally responsive teaching and culturally sustaining pedagogy

Shahin Shafiee, PVAMU College of Engineering, and Debjyoti Banerjee, Texas A&M College of Engineering. Leveraging machine learning for fundamental investigation of anomalous transport phenomena of nano-fluids under the effect of external fields for energy storage applications

PVAMU

AND TAMU PURSUE

JOINT PROJECTS THROUGH RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP GRANT INITIATIVE

The Vice Presidents of Research at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) and Texas A&M University (TAMU) initiated the Panther Research and Innovation for Scholarly Excellence (PRISE) grant program in October 2020 to boost faculty research collaboration between the two institutions and increase the submission of multidisciplinary, collaborative federal proposals to address complex problems.

The first cohort of the 2021 PRISE grant program funded $300,000 to support 30 faculty members teamed up from both institutions. The new initiative was competitive, and the faculty interest in the program grew significantly in 2022.

Throughout 2022, PVAMU Vice President of Research & Innovation, Dr. Magesh Rajan, his team, and Interim TAMU Vice President of Research, Dr. Jack Baldauf, increased faculty research collaborations between the two institutions. PVAMU and Texas A&M awarded $400,000 in grants to support 10 PVAMUTexas A&M teams of faculty investigators conducting research projects under the 2022 Panther Research and Innovation for Scholarly Excellence (PRISE) grant program.

“The PRISE initiative is an example of how interinstitutional scholarly research projects build relationships to discover ongoing professional and research opportunities,” said VP Rajan.

“There is an emergent acknowledgment of the essential value of inter-institutional collaboration, which is made increasingly more attainable by the evolution of current technologies.”

The 2022 PRISE program application procedure was modified to double the grant amount for each awardee. The program received an overwhelming number of 37 proposals, many of which were outstanding. Following an extensive review process, ten proposals were selected each for funding of $40,000 per year. It is expected that the investigator teams will make substantial progress and submit strong proposals to external funding agencies in the next year to continue their work.

“Collaborations like these are the drivers of outstanding research,” said TAMU’s Dr. Baldauf. “The PRISE program is designed to encourage our combined faculties to explore opportunities to address some of society’s greatest challenges. We look forward to the results of these partnerships.”

Vahid Faghihi, PVAMU School of Architecture, and Ivan Damnjanovic, Texas A&M College of Engineering. Investigating the effectiveness of prediction markets in teaching project risks

Thiagarajan Ramakrishnan, PVAMU College of Business, and Lei Zou, Texas A&M College of Geosciences. Leveraging geospatial big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve disaster resilience in vulnerable communities

Kristan Russell, PVAMU College of Juvenile Justice, and Xinyue Ye, Texas A&M College of Architecture. Integrating crime pattern theory and spatial analytic techniques to examine youth crime

Temilola Salami, PVAMU College of Arts & Sciences, and Noni Gaylord-Harden, Texas A&M College of Liberal Arts. Developing an adaptive toolkit for the prevention of IPV and IPV-Related mental health sequelae among Black college students

Beverly A. Spears, PVAMU College of Arts & Sciences, and Muna Bhattarai, Texas A&M College of Nursing. Examining posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, resilience and posttraumatic growth in college students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

THE 2022 PANTHER-RISE GRANT AWARDS

FACULTY RECOGNITIONS

HONORING THE WORK OF TOP RESEARCHERS, INNOVATORS AND PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

Each year, Prairie View A&M University, and the Division of Research & Innovation recognizes faculty and staff with awards for significant contributions in research and innovation to the university’s landgrant mission. The accomplishments and contributions of those selected are highly meritorious and worthy of recognition.

2020-2022 FACULTY / STAFF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION AWARDS

Excellence in Sponsored Research Award

2020: Lijun Qian

2021: Raghava Kommalapati

2022: Ali Fares

Excellence in Scholarly Research Award

2020: Fred Bonner II

2021: Ananda Amarasekara

2022: Orion Ciftja

Outstanding Early Researcher Award

2020: Na Liu 2021: Ahmed Ahmend

2022: Nabila Shamim

Excellence in Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Award

2020: Aruna Weerasooriya

2022: Shuza Binzaid

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR APPRECIATION

The Division of Research & Innovation (R&I) and its Office of Sponsored Programs hosted the inaugural Principal Investigator (PI) Appreciation reception to signify the diligent and dedicated efforts of research and scholarship of the principal investigators at Prairie View A&M University. In addition, the researchers who submitted grant proposals during FY20- FY22 were invited to attend the appreciation reception.

RISE STUDENT RESEARCH

THE FACULTY RISE PROGRAM BOLSTERS CRITICAL THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS OF GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

expand their research through external grants and contracts while mentoring undergraduates. Through spring 2023, the Faculty RISEUndergraduate Research grant program will provide awards of $6,000 each that can be used to support undergraduate students working on research or innovation projects.

“Undergraduate students in the RISE program have the opportunity to do the kind of work that improves critical thinking skills,” said PVAMU Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr. Magesh T. Rajan. “Employers generally look for candidates with strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.”

Similarly, the Faculty RISE-Graduate Research Grant Program supports faculty-mentored graduate students’ research and innovation activities. From now through Spring 2023, the RISE-Graduate Research Grant Program will provide each successful grant applicant $18,000 per academic year ($2,000 per month) to support a doctoral student or $14,400 per academic year ($1,600 per month) to support a master’s student involved in research or innovation projects. Though this grant program is open to faculty and staff researchers at all levels from all disciplines, tenure-track assistant professors are given preference.

“For graduate students, the Faculty RISE program aids in devoting time and energy to carry out significant research,” Dr. Rajan noted.

“It also leads to faculty mentors to submit competitive, large grant proposals with strong preliminary data to external funding sources.”

Graduate and undergraduate students participating in Prairie View A&M University’s Faculty RISE (R&I for Scholarly Excellence) research grant programs are building crucial professional skills and raising expectations as future researchers.

The Faculty RISE-Undergraduate Research grant program sustains the research and innovation activities of faculty-mentored undergraduate students and enables faculty researchers to

The Faculty RISE program typically awards grants to support more than 100 graduate and undergraduate students every year.

PANTHERS INVENT

CULTIVATING STUDENT INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The spirit of innovation is alive and thriving among Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) students.

Vice President Rajan became an entrepreneur while in graduate school and has established multiple successful tech companies during his career.

Since innovation and entrepreneurship are his passion, the vice president aimed to bring the rich experiences that entrepreneurship offers to PVAMU students.

The ICEED team held its inaugural Panthers Invent in 2021 successfully teaming up with Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Sandia National Laboratories. This innovation competition was a three-day challenge, based on a proven format used at universities nationwide, where interested students were given real-life design needs statements and then competed for the best product/solution, including potential commercialization of that solution via a startup company. Sandia sponsored the contest.

The Division of Research & Innovation hosted the Fall 2022 Panthers Invent student competition on September 16-18, 2022, bringing students together from all disciplines and classifications. The program enrollment considerably grew from last year to twentyfive graduate and undergraduate students who formed five teams to compete for the best solution to real-world need statements. This competition isn’t just about competing; it is also an opportunity to make new connections with peers and gain valuable experience to be used in various industries.

Throughout the competition weekend, students enjoyed being challenged and putting their creativity to the test. With the competition being held in the School of Architecture Fabrication Design Center, these student teams had the ability to use state of the art equipment and tools to design models of their solutions. The teams successfully built prototypes to use in their final presentations. The live demonstrations during the final presentations were exciting to see!

This Panthers Invent was sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Some of SNL’s most skilled engineers developed the need statements presented to the students and worked with the student teams to solve the given problems. At the conclusion of the competition, SNL awarded the top three teams with cash prizes.

STUDENT RECOGNITIONS

R&I CORDING CEREMONY HONORS SOLID WORK ETHIC OF GRADUATING STUDENT RESEARCHERS

Over the last year, Prairie View A&M University’s Division of Research & Innovation held two cording ceremonies to honor candidates for graduation who also have been student researchers during their time at Prairie View A&M University.

PVAMU Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Magesh T. Rajan wanted a special way to acknowledge those who are graduating for their commitment to being engaged in the research process and a driving force to elevating the awareness of scholarly research underway at all three campuses to a global audience.

“I am proud to be able to recognize these deserving scholars for their contribution to the Faculty-Research & Innovation for Scholarly Excellence (Faculty-RISE) Program,” shared Rajan. “One of the reasons I created the RISE research funding is to serve as a gateway for students to learn the research process alongside dedicated faculty members. By being actively engaged with their mentor, they opened their minds to the power and possibility of research. For 2021-2022, R&I is funding more than 100 undergraduate and graduate scholars to serve as student research assistants.”

R&I held its inaugural cording ceremony in the fall of 2021, recognizing graduate and undergraduate student researchers, and continued to a much-expanded cording ceremony in Spring of 2022. The 2022 Spring Cording Ceremony had a special significance in that the event was R&I’s first cording as an R2 institution, and the program also included undergraduate and graduate students involved in innovation initiatives.

“Graduate research requires passion, perseverance, integrity, a strong work ethic, and more importantly, in the present day, gathering authentic information on any topic or issue, among others,” said Ramaswamy Krishnamoorthi, Ph.D., Executive Director of Research Administration. “Our graduates can apply those attributes and skills to any career when entering the real world. That will lead to faculty research grants to train and support more and more students, thus repeating the cycle for building a more robust research university.”

The Spring 2022 Cording Ceremony took on an elevated meaning for dozens of undergraduate and graduate students as nearly 30 candidates for graduation were recognized.

Research Development Officer Grace T. Abolaji, Ph.D., coordinated RISE Undergraduate Research. She commended the honorees for being dedicated to excellence. “You have worked so hard engaging in different innovative research projects with your mentors and participating in various related activities like symposiums, conferences, workshops and seminars,” Abolaji said.

Alexis Sparks, a student researcher, reflected on how much practical experience she has acquired while doing research. “When I first started, I didn’t really know exactly what I’d be doing besides, maybe reading articles,” Sparks said. “But throughout time, I was able to go to different conferences and present on everything I’ve researched and actually put everything I’ve learned into effect.”

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY

R&I nurtures undergraduate research across all disciplines. Nearly 100 undergraduate students from various departments and PVAMU colleges participated and showcased research poster presentations throughout the day to hundreds of faculty, students and guests who attended.

INTERNATIONAL – SYMPOSIUM OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXCELLENCE (I-SURE)

For the second-annual International–Symposium of Undergraduate Research Excellence (I-SURE) the virtual presentations featured international institutions including students from Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara, Uganda, and Kwara State University in Malete, Nigeria, with each presenting their faculty-mentored international collaborative and interdisciplinary research. I-SURE attracted nearly 30 faculty and students from around the world.

2022 RESEARCH & INNOVATION WEEK

SHOWCASING RESEARCH CAPABILITIES AND CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS OF RESEARCHERS

Prairie View A&M University’s (PVAMU) Division of Research & Innovation (R&I) successfully hosted the momentous “2022 Research & Innovation Week” from April 4-8 with nearly 30 events attended by almost 700 people. The all-day, weeklong programming focused on undergraduate student research, international student research interactions, graduate student research, faculty research and inter-institutional collaborations, student and faculty innovation and entrepreneurship, industry and national lab partnerships, and economic development initiatives as well as recognition of successes.

“Research & Innovation Week is a pivotal event for PVAMU’s research and innovation enterprise, especially following our recent elevation to a High Research Activity R2 Carnegie Classification® institution, and the disruptions during the last two years caused by the global pandemic,” said R&I Vice President Magesh Rajan. “It is gratifying to witness hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students and faculty and research scientists shine as they present their research projects or innovation undertakings, and their impact on their learning and achievement. It’s a phenomenal time to be part of Prairie View A&M University and the significant growth and development of our research and innovation undertaking.”

Additionally, Rajan noted that despite the obstacles presented by the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, PVAMU significantly increased its research portfolio. “Our external partnerships with industries and national labs continued to grow,” said Rajan. “This R&I Week showcased the extraordinary initiatives, progress and outcomes of the PVAMU Research and Innovation enterprise and their national and global impact.”

GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH DAY

More than 90 student presenters — both doctoral and master’s levels — shared the impact of their research and scholarly findings for Graduate Student Research Day.

INNOVATION DAY

Entrepreneurship, innovation and building a business served as a signature focus for Innovation Day. The Innovation-CommercializationEntrepreneurship-Economic Development (ICEED) center designed a full day of panels, presentations and networking among the 100 participants.

PVAMU alumni entrepreneurs and nearly a dozen business owners not only shared their journey to self-employment and empowerment but also offered workshops on the legalities of structuring and financing a business.

The experts included tech companies

DeckLaunch, Xplosion, The Ion, Fresh Tech Solutionz, a University of Houston entrepreneur, the Small Business Association, and Houstonbased Roberson Law Firm.

DeckLaunch and Fresh Tech Solutionz hosted a lively “Panthers Pitch Student Competition” where some 30 students promoted their business to attract the attention of possible investors and take the top prize for best business pitch.

Charles Gibbs, president of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium, delivered the keynote address called “Securing the Future Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” Propel Center HBCU Consortium is financially supported by founding partners Apple and Southern Company.

INDUSTRY DAY

PVAMU premiered Industry Day this year, which drew dozens of industry executives looking forward to networking with faculty and students. BP’s Vice President of Digital Foundations Programmes Keisha Garcia delivered the keynote address and stressed the importance of collaboration and sponsored research.

BP sponsored the “Industry Networking Luncheon,” where students, faculty and researcher staff engage with industry representatives, funding agencies, regional governments and other university visitors, and interact with others at their AI demonstration booths.

“We had more than 100 industry partners, students, and community representatives,” said ICEED Business Development Specialist Najla Streety, Industry Day coordinator. “PVAMU Industry Day proved to be very impactful for the university and community innovation ecosystem as we build strong connections to develop innovative solutions.”

Industry Day also included PVAMU Partnership Highlights. Representatives from Bank of America, Accenture-Level Up Program, Sandia National Laboratories, IBM and Luxury Goods all discussed their successful, ongoing relationships with Prairie View A&M.

FACULTY RESEARCH DAY

Nearly 150 people assembled for the Faculty Research Conference. The Faculty Research Day also hosted the Texas Land Grants Day, with the theme “Engaging Better Together.” Many TAMU faculty members actively participated in the poster session which featured several animated discussions.

AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS AND CONCLUSION

R&I Week 2022 concluded with an Awards & Recognition Ceremony for faculty researchers and student presenters. Hundreds of visitors attended each day of the event.

STAFF EMPOWERMENT

R&I TEAM APPRECIATION AND REVITALIZATION

WITH NEW STAFF COMES NEW ENERGY AND GREAT POSSIBILITIES

The Division of R&I recruited six new employees within this year. With the number and diversity of new staff, we have the look of a new team. They are already contributing significantly to the service quality and showing their leadership acumen. Our existing staff is adapting to all the fresh approaches being contributed to the office culture and environment. With new staff also comes a new and exciting exchange of ideas.

Team building has been a critical response to meeting the challenges of blending staff head-on. Throughout the year, R&I placed priority on its “One Team, One Dream” mantra by maintaining the monthly socials. Through the monthly socials, we remained current on university happenings, conducted team-building initiatives, and allowed ourselves to interact in a friendly and supportive environment.

As we look around the Division of Research & Innovation, it is clear to see the tremendous growth and advancement the team has made.

HONORING TALENT AND DEDICATION: A HEARTFELT FAREWELL TO RETIRING STAFF

Three of our valued staff members celebrated moving into retirement this year.

Grace Abolaji served as a Research Development Officer, Undergraduate Research in the Office of Research Advancement. Millissa Hain served as Senior Project Administrator in the Office of Sponsored Programs. Donna Elmore-Cole served as the Senior Contract Negotiator in the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Grace Abolaji Millissa Hain Donna Elmore-Cole

Their extended years of service demonstrate their commitment to the continued success of the R&I Division and PVAMU. It is gratifying to witness experienced professionals committed to the vision of R&I conclude their long service to the university. Their long commitment and service to the faculty, staff and students have certainly helped to elevate PVAMU.

Anthony Barnes

Rita Franklin

Timothy Price, Jr.

Courtney Dickey

Tony Maloy

Shamala Scott

CAMARADERIE AND COHESION: A STRONG TEAM IS TOP PRIORITY

R&I Vice President Magesh Rajan initiated monthly activities, deemed Monthly Socials, that provided professional development for all staff. The activities included professional personality surveys to determine how the team could create a more collaborative working environment. He also offered each staff member $1,000 in support of external training to support their current role. The Monthly Socials served to build the set of skills needed for successful teams: increased retention, confidence and credibility, well-trained leadership, re-energized staff and improved efficiency.

VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS DELIVER TANGIBLE AND PROMISING RESULTS

The Research & Innovation Training Institute (RITI) for faculty, staff and students provided a weekly focus on a broad range of topics under the research and innovation umbrella. The goal is to bring expert speakers to provide skills, tools, essential training and knowledge to the campus research community for enhanced research and innovation activities.

This year, 36 training sessions have been offered, with more than 900 participants attending the RITI sessions in 2022.

The RITI training sessions are recorded and made available for on-demand viewing on the PVAMU Research YouTube channel. The sessions have proven highly engaging and successful, with numerous participants accessing every week. With nearly endless options for research and innovation topics to be addressed, there’s no end in sight for this exciting new initiative.

OF FIC E OF

MAR KETING AND COMM UNICATIONS

EXCELLENCE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MISSION

The Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) in the Division of Research & Innovation is committed to significantly increasing the visibility of PVAMU’s research and innovation enterprise by providing exceptional marketing and communication services. The OMC is committed to practicing a strategic mindset for creative and successful marketing through disciplined, state-of-the-art best marketing principles and practices, assessing initiatives and creating robust marketing campaigns, infusing bold and measurable creativity as well as enforcing branding, creating impactful content, and rigorous digital and social media engagement, encompassing the big-picture and the attention to details for sustainable growth in measurable visibility and impact of the research and innovation enterprise. The OMC is committed in its alignment with the Division of Research & Innovation’s strategic vision to elevate the PVAMU research enterprise as an emerging research institution.

As we started the 2022 academic year, R&I faced the challenge of making the world aware of the remarkable research occurring at PVAMU. The Division experienced challenges of marketing and increasing the visibility of the current articles about our researchers’ achievements; our social media platforms lagged on publicizing events.

Vice President Rajan reimagined the use of staff in the Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) to manage R&I’s needs more proficiently. He provided supplementary staffing support to assist the major projects in research branding and marketing. It helped the team to focus on enhancing the research communications. This strategy enabled the team to complete multiple print and digital projects in an efficient and timely manner.

In the past year, R&I social media engagement increased significantly, current articles on researchers and funding are visible on both the PVAMU landing page and on the R&I sites, as well as the On the RISE monthly newsletter. Several print products have been completed, including the 2021 Year in Review magazine and Spring 2022 ReView Magazine.

The OMC website is a hub of information for all things related to research and innovation. The site features the latest research news and easier access to social media. We have included videos about researchers and on-demand access to the Research & Innovation Training Institute (RITI) and the Research Data Blitz (RDB) as well. The updated site includes a current calendar of events, publications, and an invitation to connect with R&I about new research, innovation, various scholarly issues, and student success activities.

MISSION

The Office of Research Advancement (ORA) is committed to advancing the research enterprise by significantly increasing the pursuit of large-scale, sponsored research opportunities by faculty and staff researchers. In alignment with the Division of Research & Innovation’s strategic vision for an emerging research university, the ORA is dedicated to providing strategic as well as broader grant-seeking services, nurturing faculty research engagement and advancement activities by facilitating partnerships with federal agencies and institutions at regional and global levels.

OSP has made tremendous strides in the Fiscal Year 2022. The team presented training in several settings, including the Virtual Research & Innovation Training Institute (RITI) program, about reintroducing the Office of Sponsored Programs vision and services. Principal Investigators can now associate a grants management function with a specific program administrator. In addition, the proposal administrators are assigned to specific colleges to provide proposal submission assistance. The data shows significant improvement and an increase in proposal submission and awards management.

PVAMU’s Office of Title III Programs (OTP) ensures compliance with federal, system, and university regulations and serves as a liaison between PVAMU and the U.S. Department of Education. In the 2022 fiscal year, Title III supported multiple disciplines in support of university initiatives:

TITLE III OFFICE OF

MISSION

The Office of Title III Programs (OTP) is committed to supporting PVAMU’s mission to strengthen its overall infrastructure by serving as the central administrative office for effectively managing the Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI), and Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) grant-funded programs.

OTP is dedicated to ensuring effective planning, implementation, management, budgetary and administrative oversight, and evaluation and reporting of high-impact activities approved by the university administration. The OTP is committed to ensuring compliance with federal, system, and university regulations as a liaison between PVAMU and the U.S. Department of Education.

Integration of Technology to Enhance STEM Teaching and Learning for the Acquisition of 21st Century Skills (Arts & Sciences)

Enhancement of Analytical Chemistry Facilities to Improve Curriculum and Student Participation (Arts & Sciences)

FOSTERING UNDERGRADUATE TALENT BY UNLOCKING RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION (FUTURE) ACT FUNDED PROJECTS STRENGTHENING INFRASTRUCTURE

The Development of the Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree Program (Arts & Sciences)

Life Science Interdisciplinary Learning Center (LSILC) (Arts & Sciences)

HISTORICALLY BLACK GRADUATE INSTITUTIONS (HBGI) FUNDED PROJECTS

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCU) FUNDED PROJECTS

Prairie View A&M University Academic and Leadership Training Laboratory (Academic Affairs, Business Affairs)

Enhancement of Student Counseling Services In Order to Receive IACS Accreditation and Improve the Risk Assessment Program (Student Affairs)

Prairie View Global View/Prairie View Goes Global Experience (Student Affairs)

Enhancement of Mass Communication Undergraduate Curriculum and Film and Television Production Infrastructure (Arts & Sciences)

Building Assembly, Environmental and Artificial Intelligence Research through STEM-based Research and Education (BAE-AIR) (Architecture)

PVAMU Faculty Advancement Program for Research & Innovation (Research & Innovation)

Establishing a Center for Instructional Innovation and Technology Services (Academic Affairs)

Enhancing Information Technology’s Infrastructure (Business Affairs)

Establishing the PVAMU Science, Mathematics, Reading, Technology, and Social Studies (SMaRTS) Lab (Education)

Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem at PVAMU by the Innovation Commercialization Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (ICEED) Center (Research & Innovation)

Renovating the E.B. Evans Animal Science Building (Arts & Sciences)

The Office of Student Research (OSR), formerly known as the Office of Undergraduate Research, is committed to advancing the research enterprise by providing exceptional service in supporting and promoting high-quality mentored student research, scholarship, and creative inquiry at PVAMU. OSR coordinates with the undergraduate research council and implements activities that stimulate and support undergraduate research across all disciplines at PVAMU. OSR is dedicated to being in alignment with the Division of Research & Innovation’s strategic vision to elevate the PVAMU research enterprise to become an emerging research university. OSR promotes facultymentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiries. The Division of Research & Innovation awards research grants to faculty/staff researchers through the Faculty RISE Program to support undergraduate student researchers.

(ICEED), in alignment with the Division of Research & Innovation’s strategic vision to elevate PVAMU research and innovation enterprise to eventually become an emerging research institution, promotes innovation and entrepreneurial activities across the PVAMU community. ICEED is committed to building and supporting the student and faculty innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, while building lasting relationships between industry and academia to improve society and revitalize the economy.

OFFICE OF

INNOVATIONCOMMERCIALIZATION

MISSION

The ICEED’s Commercialization area is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurialism across the campus by leveraging innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities and creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem. We are committed to providing support for intellectual property development, technology transfers, and commercialization that further fuels PVAMU’s research and innovation enterprise.

FY 22 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

3

SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

Preparation of invention disclosures; free consultation with an IP attorney; and an industry day with panel discussions on university-industry partnerships and poster presentations of PVAMU research projects.

4

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS

Four (4) Master Research Agreements/MOU’s for disciplines with research commitments to PVAMU of over $750,000 and all 4 expected to lead to commercial products with our industry partners.

10

COLLABORATION DISCUSSIONS

NDA’s with ten (10) industry partners to collaborate on agricultural and engineering research projects for 2023 worth over $2M in research dollars to PVAMU.

&

The ICEED’s Entrepreneurship area is committed to assisting Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) students, faculty, and staff in developing their innovative ideas for commercialization. In alignment with the Division’s strategic vision for an emerging research university and elevating PVAMU’s innovation enterprise, OIE is dedicated to providing academic and professional training, assistance, and resources to enable entrepreneurs.

The ICEED’s Entrepreneurship area’s primary objective is to identify entrepreneurial activities among PVAMU’s students, faculty and staff, and assist them by facilitating internal and external partnerships, along with strategic business plans to promote their business ideas. We foster entrepreneurial talent, ideas, and opportunities through various faculty and student-centered programs, funding support, competitions, and access to start-up resources. Our interests extend beyond the three PVAMU campuses located in Prairie View, Waller County, Northwest Houston, and Harris County, into the Greater Houston Area and the State of Texas.

Regional Economic Development Partners

ICEED’s Innovation-Economic Development partners with economic drivers, facilitators, leaders in the city, region, and state that further benefit the stakeholders’ economic growth and impact.

Prairie View A&M University Small Business Development Center

Prairie View A&M University CAHS – Cooperative Extension Program

Prairie View A&M University CAHS – CEP (Community and Economic Development)

City of Prairie View Economic Development Corporation

Prairie View Chamber of Commerce

The City of Prairie View – Mayor’s Office

City of Waller Economic Development Corporation

Waller County Economic Development Partnership – WCEDP

Waller Area Chamber of Commerce

Greater Houston Partnership – GHP

Houston-Galveston Area Council - Livable Centers Study Grant

THE ICCE

OF

INNOVATIONECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

MISSION

The ICEED’s Innovation - Economic Development area is committed to fostering innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurialism across campus and in the Southeast Texas region. Our vision extends beyond the PVAMU three campuses located in Prairie View, Waller County, Northwest Houston, and Harris County into the Greater Houston Area and the State of Texas. Inventors and entrepreneurs of color are the predominant drivers of our support for wealth and job creation.

INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURS

The concept of Innovation and Commercialization Center for Entrepreneurs (ICCE) is currently being explored. The ICCE initiative will cultivate the entrepreneurial landscape, support the Texas A&M University Systems’ Chancellor’s Research Initiative and provide essential tools required by entrepreneurs and innovators to commercialize their technologies. The ICCE project includes laboratory space designed for build-outs that feature energy-efficient stems, accelerator space with shared resources to maximize and leverage R&D capacities, threestory building, office condominiums conference rooms, retail space, and D-Space for tenants. PVAMU’s goal is to be the leader in HBCU innovations by promoting its capacity as a revenuegenerating institution employing technology’s commercialization as a key economic driver.

INNOVATION CORRIDOR 1890

Prairie View A&M University ignites its entrepreneurial initiative with a commitment to design and develop an Innovation Corridor on a 50-acre, university-owned property. The project will strengthen the socio-economic well-being of the cities of Prairie View, Waller, and Hempstead, as well as the Northwest Houston Corridor.

The Innovation Corridor include four zones: 

Innovation and Commercialization

Entertainment

Residential Housing Zone for Faculty and Staff 

Commercial Real Estate

The development will provide students with opportunities while offering amenities that support the broader community. The Innovation Corridor campus gateway development will facilitate and encourage connections between faculty, staff, students, and the community.

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IS ON THE RISE

RESEARCH CENTERS & INSTITUTES

Center for Applied Radiation Research (CARR)

Center for Computational Systems Biology (CCSB)

Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (CEES)

Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE)

Center of Excellence for Communication Systems Technology Research (CECSTR)

Center of Excellence in Research and Education for Big Military Data

Intelligence (CREDIT)

Future NASA Center (FAST)

Radiation Institute for Science and Engineering (RaISE)

Secure Center of Excellence (SECURE)

Smart Microgrid Advanced Research and Technology Center (SMART)

Texas Gulf Coast Environmental Data (TEXGED)

Center Thermal Science Research Center

Minority Achievement, Creativity and High Ability Center (MACH-3)

Agro-Innovation &Technology Center

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC)

Integrated Food Security Research Center

International Goat Research Center (IGRC)

Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center (TJCPC)

Center for Applied Statistics Small Business Development Center

Fabrication Center

Community Urban and Rural Enhancement Studies (CURES)

Center Texas Institute for the Preservation of History & Culture (TIPHC)

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AT THE VIEW

Send feedback to: research@pvamu.edu

Prairie View A&M University is an EEO/AA institution

P.O. Box 519; MS 6000 Wilhelmina Delco Bldg., Suite 120 Prairie View, Texas 77446