ICE-TI: project to initiate the doctorate in electrical engineering

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded Navajo Technical University $2 million on June 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to design and deliver the first doctorate in engineering at a tribal college, with concentrations in electrical and industrial engineering. The project runs through May 31, 2031, at NTU's Crownpoint, New Mexico location.

NTU will develop a terminal PhD program in engineering and recruit faculty qualified to lead doctoral candidates in research focused on energy security and independence. The doctoral program addresses the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program goal of expanding STEM instructional and research capacity at institutions serving Indigenous students. By providing a locally accessible terminal degree, the initiative aims to attract engineering graduates to pursue higher education, prepare students for postdoctoral and faculty positions, and expand career pathways in STEM fields while fostering research studies in areas locally significant to tribal communities. No sub-awards are planned for this funding.

Abstract

A goal of the tribal colleges and universities program (TCUP) is to increase the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructional and research capacities of specific institutions of higher education that serve the nation's indigenous students. Expanding the STEM curricular offerings at these institutions expands their students' opportunities to pursue challenging, rewarding careers in STEM fields, provides for research studies in areas that may be locally significant and encourages a community and generational appreciation for science and mathematics education. The sustainability of capacity gains is significantly enhanced by retaining the talent of credentialed STEM faculty. This project aligns directly with that goal. Navajo technical university (NTU) is transforming its STEM programs and the landscape of TCU post-graduate opportunities by developing and offering a PHD degree in engineering with concentrations in electrical and industrial engineering. This is the first PHD program in engineering at a TCU. The activities of this project are to design and offer a terminal degree in engineering, accompanied by the engagement of faculty who are qualified to lead PHD candidates in research that can foster energy security and independence. In addition to preparing engineers for the technical workforce, this project provides students a pathway to complete graduate education, and may open more career options in STEM. Provision of a locally accessible terminal degree will attract more engineering graduates to pursue higher degrees. At the same time, students will become prepared for postdoctoral and faculty positions in engineering programs of study. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.