Research Newsletter

Engaging Research

Spring 2022

AVPR Message

In cultures worldwide, spring is a time for renewal and growth. As we find ourselves in the new spring 2022 semester, I wanted to give you some exciting news about the growth of the research enterprise at Texas State. In the fall issue of Engaging Research, I mentioned that research activities began to recover in March 2021 and continued through the summer months. The result was $72.5M in total research and development expenditures, a new institutional record. In fact, Texas State’s national ranking of total R&D expenditures places us in the top 20% out of 916 universities reporting to the National Science Foundation. That standing clearly reflects our Emerging Research status and Carnegie Classification. However, our goals are to achieve National Research University Fund eligibility and R-1 status, and we have a plan and momentum to get there.

In fiscal year 2022, we are poised to set an even higher level of research and development expenditures, possibly topping $100M! Many factors are driving us forward, including improving health conditions; return on investments in infrastructure and in our diverse faculty, students, and staff; and new research initiatives aligned with our academic programs. Recent legislative actions have identified funding opportunities, such as the Infrastructure Bill and the CHIPS Act. In addition, we are developing unique partnerships through our Round Rock Campus with ACC, TAMU, private entities, and the City of Round Rock.

Texas State research is making a difference, from student mental and physical well-being to workforce development and improved career opportunities. The diverse faculty and projects highlighted in this issue are excellent examples of impactful research conducted at Texas State in all academic disciplines, from STEM to the Arts and Humanities. One theme running through all the highlighted research is the impact of research and sponsored programs on student lives. Projects featured in this issue will enhance education in material sciences, help train the Texas workforce, analyze STEM graduation at HSIs, improve trauma care and services at Texas State University, and explore personality assessments.

I hope you enjoy reading about the current and future leaders of their respective research fields. We’re definitely TXST NEXT!