Contact: Vincent M. Perez (202) 225-4831

UTEP RECEIVES $1.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING FROM MULTIPLE AGENCIES FOR RESEARCH

**Reyes speaks at a special ceremony with NASA Astronaut Dr. Danny Olivas at the National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso

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Washington, Sep 17 - Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) announced today that the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have awarded UTEP $1,673,480 in federal grant funding for various research initiatives.   

"These grants reflect UTEP’s continued success in promoting world-class research opportunities for students, particularly under-represented minorities,” Congressman Reyes said.  "These grants will further UTEP’s ongoing efforts to become a tier-one institution, and I congratulate all the faculty, staff, and students for their outstanding work.”  

The NSF through the Division of Undergraduate Education has awarded a $713,441 grant to increase participation in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.  The grant will support the integration of research and education at UTEP through a cyber-infrastructure and communication-based model to foster innovation that broadens participation in STEM fields through institutional integration.  The program will be under the direction of UTEP President, Diana Natalicio.  The discussions among diverse faculty members and administrators facilitated by the communications-based model are expected to stimulate innovation in preparation of students for undergraduate and graduate education in STEM areas and result in proactive strategies that provide effective avenues for sustainability

The NSF’s Division of Astronomical Sciences has also awarded a $570,039 grant to support a joint initiative between UTEP and the University of Texas at Austin for astronomy research.    

Both UT-Austin and UTEP, will work cooperatively to develop a sustainable astronomy and astrophysics program at UTEP which emphasizes astrophysical research and a culture of education and outreach.

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 to promote the progress of science, national health, prosperity, welfare, and secure national defense.

The USDA through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded the university a $290,000 grant to enhance UTEP’s ability serve under-served students and develop a skilled work force.  The grant was one of 31 awarded to Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI).

NIFA is a branch of the USDA that focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people’s daily lives.  Some of the ways in which NIFA contributes to the cause is by funding research and education programs across the nation.  

The HHS Office of Grants Management awarded a $100,000 grant to support a project entitled, “HIV Prevention Program for Young Women Attending Minority Institutions.”  This program will increase on campus HIV prevention initiatives by improving overall HIV prevention education efforts and expanding access to HIV health-related services.  

The Department of Health & Human Services began in 1980 and serves as the main agency for protecting the health of all American citizens by providing essential human services, especially to those who do not have the means to help themselves.  
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