SHSU Researchers Receive More Than $4 Million

Nov. 13, 2013
SHSU Media Contact: Andrew Devey

Sam Houston State University faculty researchers collected more than $4 million in grant awards through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs during the summer months.

The money awarded will be applied to fund the needs of the research studies such as equipment, wages, and travel expenses.

“ORSP is very proud of those individuals that have been awarded grants and contracts,” ORSP executive director Delia Gallinaro said. “Their work will enhance SHSU’s scholarly reputation as well as provide opportunities for our students to be involved in solving very important social and scientific problems.”

Seventeen individual awards were received from a number state and national government departments. The awards received are expected to impact various fields including biology, chemistry and history, and have potential to influence people throughout Texas and the world.

Cecelia Marquart was awarded more than $1.5 million to continue her data analysis program for the Texas Department of Transportation. One area of her research focuses on creating and implementing an employer drug and traffic safety education system to help make Texas roadways safer.

For the second year in a row the Department of Agricultural and Industrial Sciences received the Capacity Building Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture. Tim Pannkuk leads the research efforts with concentration on establishing an online curriculum for students to obtain a Master of Agriculture degree in Alternative Agriculture Systems. The degree is anticipated to prepare learners to work in the growing field of agriculture sciences and food systems.

The National Science Foundation awarded Frank Liu $250,000, and he hopes to involve more undergraduate researchers with his work in digital forensics. Liu is working to create new coursework for computer science students that will give them hands-on experience in a new multimedia lab. There, students will explore using an undetectable steganographic in media streams over smartphones.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs promotes all aspects of research and creative endeavors at Sam Houston State University. Its aim is to discover external funding to promote educational and research opportunities for the university’s students and faculty.

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