Today@Sam Article
SHSU Joins Gulf Scholars Program to Tackle Gulf Region Challenges
Nov. 18, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti
The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has selected Sam Houston State University (SHSU) as one of six new institutions in the 2024 cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million initiative designed to equip undergraduates to address critical environmental, health, energy and infrastructure issues in the Gulf of Mexico region.
As a Gulf Scholars participant, SHSU will receive $599,997 to develop a unique educational program with courses, workshops and a major research project in collaboration with Lone Star College (LSC) and other regional organizations.
"The Gulf of Mexico region faces substantial socioeconomic and environmental challenges, and this grant will empower students to create solutions in partnership with local communities," said Ross Guida, associate professor and project director. "It will also give students hands-on experience and equip them with the essential skills needed to tackle the complex issues impacting the region."
Starting in Spring 2026, enrollment will open for students in the Gulf Scholars Program (GSP), welcoming four cohorts from 2026 to 2029. GSP students will be selected through a competitive application process and be eligible for stipends for their participation. Additionally, faculty who incorporate Gulf-related modules into their core courses will receive stipends, promoting broader exposure to regional issues across SHSU and LSC campuses. Beginning in the next academic year, Guida and his team plan to host an annual Gulf Summit to showcase research by faculty and students on related regional issues.
The Gulf Scholars Program now includes 24 institutions across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, expanding a network of higher education partners working towards a more sustainable and resilient Gulf Coast.
Co-Directors: Jason Enia & Lee Miller
Steering Committee:
Janella Baxter
Ava Fujimoto-Strait
Taylor Morrison
April O'Brien
Reg Pecen
Trish Ramsay
Bryn Benford (LSC)
Jamie Stoops (LSC)
Research supported by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Gulf Research Program or the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
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