Earlier this month, the Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiatives at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) held a symposium showcasing emerging researchers, scholars, and artists.
All undergraduate students interested in presenting at the symposium had to submit an abstract describing their research, scholarly, or creative project.
The event was the latest presentation by UTEP’s Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiatives to help undergraduate researchers, scholars, and artists discuss their research with faculty, peers, and the community.
In the spring of 2024, UTEP announced it had set a new record for annual research activity, achieving $145.7 million in research and development expenditures for the fiscal year 2023.
This figure surpasses the budget for the previous year by more than $15 million. University leaders attributed this growth to several new awards and increased research activities.
Securing grants and conducting impactful assessments can be challenging for researchers.
However, the Research, Evaluation, and Assessment Services Center (REAS Center) within UTEP’s Research and Innovation division provides the expertise necessary to ensure project success.
Established in 2013, the REAS Center marks its 12th anniversary this year, having been created to meet the rising demand for evaluation services in grant proposals from faculty and graduate students.
The REAS Center has evaluated 27 active projects, contributing over $70 million in grant funding and playing a role in securing more than $100 million in total awarded grants.
It helps equip students and faculty with essential research skills and services.
Karina C. Canaba, the director of the Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiatives, emphasized to UTEP that the REAS Center is invaluable in answering research questions that identify successful activities and interventions that promote student success.
By pairing students with REAS staff mentors, the center fosters a collaborative learning environment where students gain valuable research skills, build professional networks, and prepare for advanced studies or careers in their chosen fields.
REAS Center Director Guadalupe Corral highlighted that the center equips students with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to excel in research and beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic and professional success.
Additionally, the REAS Center collaborates with various community organizations, including the City of El Paso, the Housing Authority, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso Community College, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and the County of El Paso.
These partnerships ensure that research and evaluation efforts contribute meaningfully to the community.
The primary services offered by the REAS Center include free assistance in developing evaluation plans for grant proposals.
For a fee, they provide evaluations for funded projects.
By offering robust evaluation services, REAS strengthens UTEP’s research capacity and supports faculty in securing funding that benefits the university and the broader community.
Individualized mentorship, skill-building training, hands-on research experiences, and assistance with data collection—including surveys and interviews with students and faculty—are just a few of the services offered.
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