Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences engineering and medicine administration priorities and direction from congress

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley received a $299,912 Project Grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) program (CFDA 43.008), with an award date of August 1, 2025, and a completion date of July 31, 2027. This award supports the execution of a balanced science program aligned with NASA's exploration initiatives and strategic priorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce development. The funding will enable the institution to contribute to NASA's research efforts focused on lunar and Mars exploration while advancing discovery in emerging cross-disciplinary scientific fields.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a 90% Hispanic student enrollment, UTRGV will leverage this funding to develop and deliver authentic learning experiences that attract students to STEM disciplines and connect them to NASA's mission. The award supports activities that strengthen STEM education capacity, broaden pathways for underrepresented populations, and contribute to building the nation's future aerospace and technical workforce. Work will be performed at the university's Edinburg, Texas campus, where the institution maintains extensive research programs spanning space exploration, advanced manufacturing, and materials science.

Participate as a key partner and enabler in the agency S exploration initiative focusing on scientific research of on and from the moon lunar orbit mars and beyond. Advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying and exploiting cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines develop a directorate-wide target-user focused approach to applied programs including earth science applications space weather planetary defense and space situational awareness