The Hispanic Serving Research Institutions Research and STEM Education (HSI-RSE) Project marks a pivotal milestone in advancing doctoral education in technical fields. This innovative initiative, led by the Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Research Universities (HSRU), unites 22 institutions in a collaborative effort to address critical workforce needs and enhance U.S. competitiveness in STEM. Backed by a substantial $9.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and co-led by The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the University of Central Florida (UCF), the HSI-RSE Project represents a significant leap forward in the Alliance's mission. As the HSRU's first project of this magnitude since its formation in 2022, it aims to accelerate innovation, nurture diverse talent, and shape the future of advanced discovery and applied research across the nation.
About the Program
The HSI-RSE project introduces an innovative, multi-institutional framework designed to advance the academic and professional success of underrepresented students in DOD-relevant STEM fields. This five-year initiative leverages the collective expertise of both the Department of Defense and Hispanic-Serving Research Universities, combining their resources, research capabilities, and mentorship programs to create a robust pipeline of diverse STEM talent equipped to address national security challenges.
5 Key Program Components
To achieve its goals, the project includes the following components:
- Fellowship and STEM application advising: Enhances student competitiveness through cohort-based mentoring and support.
- Graduate fellowship program: Offers paid fellowships in defense research with expert mentorship and networking.
- Faculty leadership and engagement program: Fosters collaboration between HSRU faculty and DOD officials.
- DOD research opportunities: Provides competitive research projects for graduate students and faculty.
- Inclusive science practices and interventions: Implements inclusive strategies to support underrepresented groups.
These components work in synergy to provide comprehensive support throughout the PhD pathway, offering financial assistance, training, professional development, mentorship, and access to advanced instrumentation and laboratories. The goal is to enhance skills, knowledge, research experience, and the participants' growth as emerging scientists. A key feature of the HSI-RSE Project is its emphasis on collaboration and networking. Annual gatherings will bring together students, faculty, mentors, researchers, and DOD personnel to foster inclusive scientific research environments, facilitate strategic planning, and reinforce the program's objectives.
Project Timeline
The HSI-RSE Project will continue this cycle of programming and summer convening annually through 2030, supporting multiple cohorts of fellows and continuously strengthening the collaboration between Hispanic-Serving Research Universities and the Department of Defense.
