UTRGV Division of Research

Dr. Liliana Rivera Sandoval was awarded the Cottrell Scholar Award by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, becoming the first UTRGV faculty member to receive the recognition. The award honors early-career researchers in astronomy, chemistry, and physics. UTRGV is only the second university in Texas to receive this distinction in astronomy. Dr. Can Saygin, UTRGV senior vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College, said, “Her work in astronomy and astrophysics is significant and will create more opportunities for our faculty and students." Read more: https://t.co/0C15DDDarj The University of Texas System | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Join us for the second Spring 2025 talk in the Infinite Frontier Speaker Series. Hosted by the?South Texas Space Science Institute?(STSSI), this talk features Dr. Mario Diaz, professor in UTRGV’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of the Center for Gravitational-Wave Astronomy (CGWA). Díaz will discuss building an observatory in the Southern Hemisphere to study Gamma Ray bursts and their impact on astrophysics. ??? March 13, 2025 | 6:30 PM ??? Salon Cassia, Main Building (BMAIN) 2.402, UTRGV Brownsville Campus ?? More details:?https://bit.ly/4kCvSIt The University of Texas System?|?The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Division of Research is now on UTRGV ScholarWorks. Explore the NASA Solar System Ambassador Online Discussions, featuring conversations with UTRGV researchers about space sciences, astrobiology, and astrophysics. Current content highlights discussions with experts like Dr. Volker Quetschke, Dr. Eloi Camprubi, Dr. Tian Y. Dong, and Dr. Seratna Guadarrama Beltran. Stay tuned for more content as we continue to expand our collections. Visit UTRGV Research ScholarWorks today: https://lnkd.in/g_q3ctqU.

Yesterday, the Graduate College hosted a Doctoral Student Mixer at UTRGV Edinburg campus, bringing together doctoral students from diverse disciplines to connect, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. Students also engaged with faculty, Graduate College leadership, and Dr. Can Saygin, Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College, who emphasized the importance of a supportive and collaborative environment. “Doctoral students are essential to building a community-focused research university,” Saygin said. “We are committed to fostering networking opportunities, supporting student success, and creating collaborative pathways across disciplines. These connections will lead to meaningful collaborations.” The University of Texas System | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Division of Research recently hosted COMPASS: From Silos to Synergy, an interdisciplinary research and networking event focused on Artificial Intelligence. This program, led by Abby Guillory, MLIS, CRA, brought together UTRGV researchers to explore AI topics across seven research pathways, fostering collaboration and innovation. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect and engage in groundbreaking research.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, through its University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS), is contributing to a $9.7 million research partnership with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) to advance rail safety and workforce development. Led by Dr. Constantine Tarawneh, UTCRS has been awarded $4 million to implement predictive technologies to prevent train derailments and enhance safety nationwide. Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the project also provides UTRGV students with opportunities to gain industry-relevant skills. “This partnership highlights the potential to shape the future of rail safety by bringing together labor representatives, academia, and private industry to tackle long-standing challenges,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. Dr. Can Saygin, UTRGV Senior Vice President for Research, emphasized the broader impact: “By preventing derailments and fostering workforce development, we’re creating meaningful change for our region and beyond.” Read more: https://bit.ly/40Fhesd The University of Texas System | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The holiday season is a time for gratitude and joy at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Our Division of Research and Graduate College came together today for our annual holiday luncheon, celebrating the hard work and dedication of our staff. From groundbreaking research to festive gatherings, we cherish these moments that strengthen our community. Happy Holidays!?- Can Saygin, PhD, Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College

Yesterday, Dec. 11, 2024, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held its Fall 2024 hooding ceremony for doctoral candidates at the Brownsville Campus in PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón, hosted by the Graduate College. The event celebrated the achievements and dedication of the candidates. “This ceremony marks the transition from student to scholar and reflects the dedication and perseverance you have shown throughout your doctoral journey,” said Dr. Can Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College. “Your research and contributions will have a lasting impact, not only on your fields but also on the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. I congratulate you and your faculty advisors for your hard work and commitment.” The 350 attendees included UTRGV administration, faculty, advisors, candidates, and their families. Congratulations to all doctoral candidates and their families! ??

Today, the UTRGV Center for Community Resilience Research Innovation and Advocacy (CCRRIA) continues its second annual conference, CCRRIA24. This two-day event has seen strong participation, with more than 200 participants focused on addressing urgent challenges in public health and environmental resilience. Abby Guillory, MLIS, CRA, Assistant Vice President for Research Enhancement, is contributing her expertise in today’s panel on Pathways to Successful Transdisciplinary Collaborations. This session examines team-science approaches to enhance research, collaboration, and training efficiency, underscoring the need for community-engaged research in the Rio Grande Valley. The panel aims to lay a foundation for effective university-community collaboration to address regional challenges. Through workshops, panels, and discussions, CCRRIA24 highlights The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s role in connecting academic insights with community resilience efforts.

The University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has joined a $9.7 million partnership led by the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) to advance rail safety innovation. ?As part of this initiative, UTRGV will receive $4 million to focus on preventing train derailments through state-of-the-art technology. The partnership, supported by the FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, emphasizes innovative research, workforce development, and enhancing rail safety standards. “This partnership exemplifies how a labor union like BRS can make a lasting impact in applied research and development, driving real advancements in rail safety across the United States,” said Dr. Can Saygin, UTRGV Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College. “UTRGV is proud to establish an environment that enhances testing capabilities and expands R&D infrastructure, setting the stage for improved safety protocols on a national level.” Research at UTRGV’s UTCRS, led by Dr. Constantine Tarawneh, focuses on mitigating train derailments caused by rolling stock failures. “Rolling stock failures pose serious risks to lives and infrastructure, and we need prescriptive technology to ensure our rail network’s safety and reliability,” Tarawneh said. “At UTCRS, we’re implementing advanced onboard sensors for real-time detection to provide early alerts and prevent derailments. UTCRS has the most extensive bearing test facilities available for contract testing in the United States – we will lead laboratory testing and support partners in design work and data analysis to ensure accuracy and efficacy.” Read more: https://bit.ly/48xUBrZ Story by María González | Photo by Jesús Alférez