BRIDGE Program

Building Research, Innovation, Discovery, and Growing Engagement (BRIDGE 2.0)


Supported by the Provost Innovation Fund





As a regional comprehensive institution, Sam Houston State University strives to meet the educational, research, and leadership needs of the community it serves. The needs of this region are as dynamic as the growth it is experiencing. The region north of Houston ranks sixth among the top 100 U.S cities for economic and population growth, and highest in five-year housing growth. This population growth accompanies recent expansion in industries such as biotechnology, life and health sciences, life sciences manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing. SHSU is uniquely positioned to provide the research and innovation needed for this expansion, as well as assist with the general economic development of the region.

The intent of the BRIDGE 2.0 program is to provide seed-funding to establish a sustainable Center of Excellence that has potential to gain national recognition and elevate the visibility and reputation of the SHSU research enterprise, and establish the university as a major contributor to new knowledge and technology for Texas.


Past Program Awardees


  • 2022 Awards

    Effectiveness of a Community-Based Intervention of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Management in a Rural and Underserved Community

    • PI: Ryan Marek (Primary Care & Clinical Medicine)
    • Team: Michael Griffin (Molecular & Cellular Biology), Owen Kelly (Molecular & Cellular Biology), Oluwaseun Olaiya (Primary Care & Clinical Medicine), 
      Chelsea Ratcliff (Psychology & Philosophy)

    Establishment of the Biomedical Research, Innovation, Training, and Employment (BRITE) consortium at Sam Houston State University

    • PIs: Mardelle Atkins (Biological Sciences), Donovan Haines (Chemistry), Sharmin Hasan (Biological Sciences)
    • Team: Diego Alvarez (Physiology & Pharmacology), Meagan Hinze (Chemistry), Khalid M. Khan (Public Health), Aaron Lynne (Biological Sciences), Jailenne Quiñones (Clinical Anatomy), David Thompson (Chemistry), Stephen White (Psychology & Philosophy)

    Machine-Learning Algorithm to Optimize the Carbon Sequestration and Noise Attenuation of Roadside Vegetation in Texas

    • PI: Momen Mousa (Engineering Technology)
    • Team: John Pascarella (Biological Sciences)

    Urban Agribusiness Ventures to Connect and Engage

    • PI: Shyam Sivankutty Nair (Agricultural Sciences)
    • Team: Alma Contreras-Vanegas (Teaching & Learning), Mark Hainline (Agricultural Sciences), Kaitlin Hopkins (Agricultural Sciences), Roozbeh Irani-Kermani (Agricultural Sciences), ABM Rezbaul Islam (Computer Science)


Need Help?



At all phases of proposal development researchers can leverage the resources and teams in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Check out our Find Funding resource webpage or reach out to Dr. Chad Hargrave for assistance!



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