Federal Grant Award Summary

Sam Houston State University received a $250,000 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), awarded August 1, 2026, with completion targeted for July 31, 2027. The grant funds acquisition and implementation of a Metabolic Analyzer System (MAS) with electrocardiogram (ECG) and plethysmography capabilities to support student training and research in exercise science and biomedical fields. The system provides state-of-the-art technology for assessing resting cardiac parameters, cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary response to exercise, energy expenditure, and anaerobic power output through Wingate testing—assessments commonly utilized in clinical and biomedical research.

The primary deliverables include enhanced hands-on instructional capacity in exercise science, biomedical, and pre-allied health courses, along with expanded research collaboration opportunities across the university and with community partners. By providing students with clinical-grade experience in cardiovascular assessment, exercise stress testing, and metabolic analyses, the project addresses institutional priorities for student-centered education, career readiness, and professional development. The investment is intended to strengthen faculty and student recruitment and retention while preparing students for competitive positioning in clinical exercise science and related biomedical careers by removing barriers to practical, applied training using advanced instrumentation.