WT Connections Sponsored Research Services
College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering Department of Agricultural Sciences
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: ANS 213F, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2552 Email: lalmas@wtamu.edu Dr. Almas' Bio Dr. Almas' CV Lal K. Almas, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Agricultural Business
and Economics
Project Interests
Dr. Almas' interests include water management and planning, water conservation practices for irrigated agriculture, socio-economic impact of resource use and policies, global food security and international agricultural development, optimal use of resources and sustainability, food marketing and agribusiness management, food for fuel and its implications on food prices, international ag development through education and technology, agricultural production management and profit maximization. Active Awards
2010
Transfer of Sorghum and Millet Production, Processing, and Marketing Technologies in Mali - Training Component
Sponsor: USAID/Purdue - Award:$59,032
Economic and Policy Implications of Underground Water Use in the Southern Ogallala Region
Sponsor: USDA - Award:$58,400
2009
Ogallala
Sponsor: USDA - Award $70,500 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: ANS 114L, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2555 Email: bblaser@wtamu.edu Dr. Blaser's Bio Dr. Blaser's CV Brock C. Blaser, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Plant Science
Project Interests
Dr. Blaser’s research interests are in field crop production, physiology, and ecology with an emphasis in dryland cropping systems. His current research includes the measurement of the physiological responses of wheat, triticale and sorghum when grown for grain and forage under dryland conditions. This research also includes an assessment of plant nutrient uptake from manure and fertilizer applications under limited irrigation and dryland conditions. Active Awards
2011
Forage Production and Livestock Performance with Winter Wheat and Triticale
Sponsor: WTAMU – Award $4,000
Interactions of Irrigation Levels with Nutrient Source and Rate to Optimize Forage Sorghum Production and Quality
Sponsor: Texas Grain Sorghum Producer’s Board–Award $10,000
2010
Evaluating Forage Sorghum Yield and Quality and Perennial Grass Establishment in Forage Systems Transitioning to Dryland
Sponsor: USDA – Award $48,760 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: KRC 169, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2559 Email: msbrown@wtamu.edu Dr. Brown's Bio Dr. Brown's CV Michael S. Brown, Ph.D., P.A.S.
Professor of Ruminant Nutrition
Project Interests
Dr. Brown's research efforts are focused on applied nutrition and management of confined growing and finishing cattle. Areas of interest include the impact of grain processing procedures on growth performance and metabolism, nutrient requirements and utilization for growth, utilization of grain milling coproducts and efficacy of feed additives and metabolic modifiers. Active Awards
2010
Effects of Chromium-propionate on Health and Performance of Stressed Steer Calves During Receiving
and Finishing
Sponsor: Kemin Industries, Inc.– Award: $56,200
Enhancing Feedyard Beef Cattle Production Through Efficient and Sustainable Utilization of Ethanol By-
Products
Sponsor: State of Texas/Texas AgriLife – Award $103,075
2009
Dietary Factors Affecting the Feeding Value of Sorghum and Corn-based Distiller’s Grains Fed to Cattle
Sponsor: USDA – Award $61,200
Using Crude Glycerin in High-Forage Diets - A Way to Improve the Profitability of Biodiesel Production
Sponsor: USDOT/Texas AgriLife – Award $70,000
Effects of Morinda Citrifolia Extract on Health and Performance of Stressed Steer Calves
Sponsor: Morinda Agriculture – Award $17,360
2008
Enhancing Feedyard Beef Cattle Production Through Efficient and Sustainable Utilization of Ethanol By-Products
Sponsor: State of Texas – Award $259,167
Dr. Brown is a prolific researcher with several ongoing projects. Details concerning some of these projects are not posted here due to confidentiality agreements with
the sponsors.
| | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: PDRF 108, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-5290 Email: ecaraway@wtamu.edu Mr. Caraway's Bio Mr. Caraway's CV Eddie Caraway, M.S.
Research Associate
Project Interests
Mr. Caraway works with animal agriculture on odor and gaseous emissions from feeding operations and food processing facilities. He provides air sampling equipment and support for development of odor management programs. Active Awards
2012
Affiliate Agreement for Feed and Forage Testing Services at WTAMU
Sponsor: Dairy One 2010
Study of BIOWISH as a Litter Amendment and Feed Ingredient to Reduce Fecal Odor in Market Broilers
Sponsor: BIOWISH Technologies/TAMU
Environmental Effects of In-House Windrow Composting of Poultry Litter
Sponsor: EPA/Texas AgriLife – Award $12,190 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: ANS 213B, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2563 Email: dhawkins@wtamu.edu Dr. Hawkins' Bio Dr. Hawkins' CV Dean Hawkins, Ph.D.
Department Head
Professor of Agricultural Sciences
Project Interests
Dr. Hawkins’ research interests are directed towards optimizing the reproductive rates of domestic farm
animals, primarily the beef female. Studies are targeted at improving the pregnancy rate of the grazing beef female and determining low cost supplementation strategies that enhance reproductive traits. Other areas of interest include: hypothalamic-pituitary effects on ovarian function and molecular mechanisms limiting reproductive rates in the beef female, heifer development, and progesterone secretion and copora lutea function. As costs associated with livestock production increase, it is imperative to identify mechanisms that can optimize reproductive rates of the grazing beef female. Active Awards
2010
Intrasystem Cooperation Contract
Sponsor: Texas AgriLife – Award $3,000
2009
An Environmental Reality Check - Securing Critical Scientific Baseline Data on Dairy Economic, Air Emission, Carbon Footprint, and Water Use Impacts in New Mexico and the Southwest through the Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium
Sponsor: USDA/NMSU – Award $16,152
Air Quality: Reducing Emissions from Cattle Feedlots and Dairies (Texas and Kansas)
Sponsor: USDA/Texas AgriLife – Award $125,579
2008
Air Quality: Reducing Emissions from Cattle Feedlots and Dairies (Texas and Kansas)
Sponsor: USDA/Texas AgriLife – Award $161,736
2007
HRP for Control of Odorous VOCs (NRI)
Sponsor: USDA/CSREES – Award $367,383
2004
Odor Emissions and Chemical Analysis of Odorous Compounds from Animal Buildings
Sponsor: USDA/UMN – Award $85,965 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: ANS 114H, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2560 Email: tlawrence@wtamu.edu Dr. Lawrence's Bio Dr. Lawrence's CV Ty E. Lawrence, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Animal Science
Project Interests
Dr. Lawrence's research platform provides real-world assistance and ideas to beef producers interested in improving the yield and quality of their product. Active Awards
Dr. Lawrence is a prolific researcher with several ongoing projects. Details concerning these projects are not posted here due to confidentiality agreements with the sponsors. | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: ANS 204, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2554 Email: bpendleton@wtamu.edu Dr. Pendleton's Bio Dr. Pendleton's CV Bonnie B. Pendleton, Ph.D.
Professor of Integrated Pest Management - Entomology
Project Interests
Dr. Pendleton collaborates with scientists, farmers, industry personnel and others to develop and transfer to end-users ways to manage insect pests of field crops including maize, wheat, millet, and especially sorghum, without relying on insecticide. Research projects in the United States and with scientists in nine African countries focus on understanding the bioecology of and evaluating sorghum and pearl millet genotypes for more durable resistance to insect pests, especially aphids, sorghum midge, panicle bugs, caterpillars, mites, and millet head miner in the field and maize weevil in stored grain. Active Awards
2011
Sequential Sampling and IPM Decision AIDS For Headworm in Grain Sorghum
Sponsor: USDA – Award $2,700
2009
Unrestricted: Field Crop Entomology Research
Sponsor: Chemtura – Award $3,500
2007
Ecologically-Based Management of Sorghum and Pearl Millet Insect Pests in Africa and the United States
Sponsor: USAID – Award $294,250
2006
ACRAMITE 4SC Spider Mite Control on Field Corn
Sponsor: Chemtura/Bayer CropScience/Valent – Award $17,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: ANS 213K, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2553 Email: mrhoades@wtamu.edu Dr. Rhoades' Bio Dr. Rhoades' CV Marty Rhoades, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Project Interests
Dr. Rhoades' current project interests include tillage effects on gaseous emissions from applied manure and compost to forage crops. He is also interested in characterization of greenhouse gases from emitting sources at feedyards such as pen surfaces and retention ponds. He continues to work in development of abatement measures and best management practices for reduction of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, greenhouse gases and odorous emissions from feedyards. He is also interested in developing accepted procedures for environmentally and commercially acceptable mortality composting methods of euthanized horses in high water table areas. Active Awards
2010
Development and Implementation of an Environmental Training Program for Manure and Compost Haulers/Applicators in the Texas High Plains
Sponsor: EPA/TSSWCB/TCFA – Award $5,603
Air Quality: Reducing Air emissions from Cattle Feedyards (Texas and Kansas)
Sponsor: USDA/Texas AgriLife – Award $130,133 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Agricultural Sciences
Office: ANS 210, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2299 Email: bstewart@wtamu.edu Dr. Stewart's Bio Dr. Stewart's CV Bob A. Stewart, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Agriculture
Director of Dryland Agriculture Institute
Project Interests
Although the development of agriculture in the late 1800s in the Texas High Plains was entirely dependent on dryland systems, irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer in the 1950s became the focus. However, the aquifer is being depleted and irrigation is not sustainable over the long term. Dr. Stewart's interests are to develop strategies and technologies that will aid in the transition of irrigated land back to dryland systems. This transition will be a continuum from fully irrigated systems to limited irrigation systems to dryland systems. Active Awards
2010
Quantity and Quality of Brown Midrib Sorghum Forage Compared to Commonly Grown Hybrids
Sponsor: USDA – Award $30,000
Agriculture Production in the Texas High Plains from 1900 to 2010 and Projections for 2060
Sponsor: USDA – Award $30,000
Ogallala Clump Technology
Sponsor: USDA - Award $25,000
2009
Manipulating Plant Geometries to Increase Water Use Efficiency
Sponsor: USDA – Award $34,000
West Texas International Program (WTIP) in Systems Agriculture and Environmental Science
Sponsor: USDA – Award $106,400
2006
Deficit Irrigation Management to Conserve Ogallala Aquifer Water
Sponsor: USDA – Award $30,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering Department of Engineering and Computer Science  | Department of Engineering and Computer Science
Office: ET 109B, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2552 Email: bchang@wtamu.edu Dr. Chang's Bio Dr. Chang's CV Byungik Chang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering
Director of the Alternative Energy Institute
Project Interests
Dr. Chang’s research interests include modeling and simulation in the areas of structural engineering, structural health monitoring, full-scale measurement and aerodynamic analysis. His current academic research activities focus on aerodynamic model for predicting aerodynamic loads on a slender support
structure, evaluation of superheavy load criteria for bridges, development of wind turbine testing and various renewable energy fields. Active Awards
2010
Testing of Small Wind Turbines at Regional Test Centers
Sponsor: DOE/Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC – Award $216,310
Solar and Wind Electricity
Sponsor: DOE-SECO – Award $497,350
Quality Power and/or Heat Production for On-Farm Operations
Sponsor: USDA – Award $157,000
2009
Evaluation of Superheavy Load Criteria for Bridges
Sponsor: TXDOT – Award $70,794 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Engineering and Computer Science Office: PDRF 112, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-8781 Email: rdeotte@wtamu.edu Dr. DeOtte's Bio Dr. DeOtte's CV Robert E. DeOtte, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., P.G.
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Project Interests
Dr. DeOtte is an experimental fluid dynamicist with expertise in aerosol mechanics. He uses principles of fluid dynamics to guide development, evaluation and application of aerosol and gas samplers. He has experience with laser anemometry. Other interests include aerodynamic particle sizing and selective particle/droplet generation for both monodisperse and polydisperse aerosols in evaluation of sampling systems, evaluation of biological aerosol sampling systems, and agricultural biosecurity focused upon the livestock industry. He is a reviewer of national livestock emergency response plans, a member of the national steering committee for secure milk supply, and chair of the Panhandle Agrosecurity Working Group. He is a hydrologist interested in multidisciplinary research. Active Awards
2012
Animal Disease Outbreak Emergency Response Logistical Infrastructure - Texas Region
Sponsor: USDA - Award $522,522
2011
Regional Guidelines for Identification of Potential Burial Sites of Livestock Carcasses
Sponsor: Panhandle Regional Planning Commission-Workforce Development – Award $20,000
Mass Balance, Groundwater Modeling, and Geographic Information Systems to Improve Estimates of Available Reserves in the Ogallala Aquifer
Sponsor: USDA - Award $66,284
Improving Wastewater Utilization and Water Use Efficiency in High Plains Dairies
Sponsor: USDA - Award $2,500
2010
Overcoming Impediments to Use of Water from Feedyard Runoff Retention Structure for Dust Mitigation Activities
Sponsor: USDA – Award $72,800
2009
Water Use and Conservation for Meat Processing Operations
Sponsor: USDA – Award $60,000
Acquisition of a Global Sizing Velocimeter, Aerodynamic Particle Sizer, and Tethersonde Array to Advance Aerosol Technology Engineering and Science on the High Plains
Sponsor: NSF – Award $469,671
2006
Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability Using Biomass from Animal Production Systems
Sponsor: DOE – Award $47,047 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Engineering and Computer Science Office: PDRF 154, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2296 Email: kstarcher@wtamu.edu Mr. Starcher's Bio Mr. Starcher's CV Kenneth L. Starcher, M.S.
Associate Director of the Alternative Energy Institute
Project Interests
Mr. Starcher's focus has been the production potential of renewable energy in our region. He has spent 35 years trying to find the right techniques and products that perform well and last long in the Great Plains area. That research has led to an extensive database of wind and solar information, and expertise in installation, operation, data collection and reporting of small renewable systems. Wind has been the primary focus of the research, but he is also interested in solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, bioenergy and geothermal. His prime focus continues to be presenting online courses and conducting field testing. Active Awards
2009
Instruction Contract
Sponsor: State of North Carolina-NCSU – Award $40,000
Mr. Starcher is a very active researcher with several ongoing projects. Details concerning these projects are not posted here due to confidentiality agreements with the sponsors. | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences  | Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Office: ANS 341, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2569 Email: cbouma@wtamu.edu Dr. Bouma's Bio Dr. Bouma's CV Carolyn L. Bouma, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Project Interests
Dr. Bouma conducts research in microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Project areas include carbohydrate metabolism in bacteria, bacterial gene regulation, and microbiological analysis of environmental samples. Active Awards
2011
Joint Admission Medical Program
Sponsor: JAMP – Award $13,450 ($178,450 since ’02) | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Office: ANS 321A, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2581 Email: jrogers@wtamu.edu Dr. Rogers' Bio Dr. Rogers' CV William "Jim" Rogers, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Academic and Research Environmental Health and Safety
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
Project Interests
Dr. Rogers' interests include environmental assessment decision support modeling, environmental risk modeling, toxicology, ecological risk assessment, environmental remediation, waste management and handling with an emphasis on agricultural and industrial related natural resource and environmental quality issues. He also is involved in hands-on teaching, providing WTAMU environmental science students with a strong scientific foundation as well as an understanding of current accepted and emerging environmental measurement and modeling methods, regulations and opportunities. Active Awards
2011
Hazmat Training and Refresher - Master Agreement
Sponsor: JBS USA LLC – Award Open ($15,000 expected)
Revise, Update, and Maintain the Ecological Protective Concentration Level Database
Sponsor: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality – Award $115,000
Incident Command and Hazmat Class
Sponsor: Cargill – Award Open ($15,000 expected)
2010
Argentina Industrial Sustainability Project
Sponsor: World Bank – Award $7,500
2009
Hazardous materials response planning, preparation and training
Sponsor: JBS Swift – Award Open ($12,000 expected)
Environmental Response and Safety Support
Sponsor: Cargill Meat Solutions – Award Open ($10,000 expected) | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Office: ANS 348, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2573 Email: dsissom@wtamu.edu Dr. Sissom's Bio Dr. Sissom's CV W. David Sissom, Ph.D.
Interim Department Head
Regents Professor of Biology
Project Interests
Dr. Sissom's main research interests are in species diversity, taxonomy, and natural history of scorpions, with secondary interests in the assessment of local biodiversity of spiders, robber flies, beetles, centipedes and other arthropods. His research often entails collecting, identifying, and describing new species, as well as updating the scientific knowledge of those previously described. Active Awards
2008
An Inventory of the Scorpions (Arachnida) of Wupatki National Monument
Sponsor: Western National Parks Association – Award $5,873 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Office: ANS 343, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2283 Email: rward@wtamu.edu Dr. Ward's Bio Dr. Ward's CV Rocky Ward, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Project Interests
Dr. Ward's research interests are in the field of population genetics. He uses molecular techniques such as PCR amplification of DNA and DNA sequencing to characterize population structure and gene flow among populations. Most of his work is with vertebrates. Currently, Dr. Ward has projects on hybridization of deer in the Texas Panhandle, temperature adaptation of southern flounder on the Texas Coast, and species identification of sirens in South Texas. His lab depends on both graduate and undergraduate students to purify DNA, set PCR reactions, and gather data. Their work is presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Active Awards
2010
Examine the Genetic Characteristics of Deer Occupying Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Sponsor: FWS – Award $7,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering Department of Math, Chemistry and Physics  | Department of Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics
Office: KRC 148, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2282 Email: gcarlisle@wtamu.edu Dr. Carlisle's Bio Dr. Carlisle's CV Gene Carlisle, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Project Interests
Dr. Carlisle's research is on optical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube and dyedoped liquid crystal. Liquid crystal is widely used in displays. Carbon nanotubes are rod-shaped molecules with unique electrical properties, and certain dye molecules will make materials optically responsive to light. His studies are aimed toward an understanding of the chemistry of these doped liquid crystals. Specifically, his work has provided a better knowledge of the way images can be written in and retrieved from the liquid crystals using laser beams but without the use of electrical sources. Active Awards
2009
Experimental Studies of Photoinduced Permanent Gratings in Carbon Nanotube and Dye-Doped Liquid Crystal
Sponsor: The Welch Foundation – Award $75,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics
Office: CC 417C, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2536 Email: plockwood@wtamu.edu Dr. Lockwood's Bio Dr. Lockwood's CV Pamela Lockwood, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
Project Interests
Dr. Lockwood has a passion for educating the next generation of leaders in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Her funded research focuses on increasing the quality, quantity, and diversity of all STEM majors at WT. This research specifically targets community college STEM transfers, and first year STEM majors. She is researching ways to ease the social and academic challenges community college STEM majors face when transferring to a four-year institution. Learning communities in mathematics, science and engineering are having significant results increasing the retention and quality of WT first-year STEM majors. Active Awards
2008
Connecting Community College Transfers for STEM Success
Sponsor: NSF – Award $572,670
2006
STEP: INCRSE
Sponsor: NSF – Award $980,204 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics
Office: KRC 154, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2539 Email: stao@wtamu.edu Dr. Tao's Bio Dr. Tao's CV Shiquan Tao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Ross W. Wilson Chair in Chemistry
Project Interests
Dr. Tao's research program is presently focused on the development of fiber optic sensors and exploring the applications of my innovative sensor technologies in environmental monitoring, food safety and disease diagnosis as well as in monitoring industrial processes. The research program involves nanomaterial preparation, integrating nanomaterials and biomolecules into optical fibers, using fiber optic spectroscopy to probe the reactions of target compounds with sensing reagents inside optical fiber sensors. Fiber optic sensors have been developed for monitoring air pollutants, food pathogens, gamma-ray, temperature, and water contaminants. Dr. Tao's research program has been funded by WTAMU and federal agencies, including USDA, DOE and EPA. Active Awards
2009
Development of Optical Fiber Sensors and a Sensor Array for Continuous Monitoring of Ammonia Spatial Distribution in Animal Feedlots
Sponsor: USDA – Award $113,724 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
College of Business Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance  | Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance
Office: CC 222G, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2520 Email: drosa@wtamu.edu Dr. Rosa's Bio Dr. Rosa's CV Duane Rosa, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Regional Director of the Texas Transportation Institute Regional Division
Project Interests
Dr. Rosa's research interests include analysis of sustainable and economically viable transportation systems; environmental impacts on transportation; transportation planning and right-of-way allocation; and economic analysis of alternative energy applications. Active Awards
2007
TxDOT Research Technical Assistance Panels
Sponsor: TXDOT – Award $20,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
Department of Education  | Department of Education
Office: OM 413, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2613 Email: slallen@wtamu.edu Ms. Allen's Bio Ms. Allen's CV Susan L. Allen, M.Ed.
Instructor of Education
Director of PACE
Project Interests
The purpose of the Transition to Teaching grant is two-fold: it provides for the expansion and enhancement of alternative teacher certification programs; and it encourages the recruitment and retention of highly qualified midcareer professionals, recent college graduates, and paraprofessionals as teachers in high-need subject areas in high-need schools. Enhancement of our program has included development of online resources including courses, mentor training, and test preparation. We have also been able to recruit and retain quality candidates in high-need fields of bilingual elementary, foreign language, mathematics, and science. Active Awards
2006
Transition to Teaching
Sponsor: ED – Award $352,678 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Education
Office: OM 205C, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-3620 Email: snix@wtamu.edu Dr. Nix's Bio Dr. Nix's CV Susan J. Nix, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Education
Project Interests
Dr. Nix's research areas of interest include instructional leadership, poverty issues that impact learning, research-based teaching strategies, the social studies and teaching in higher education. Current projects encompass the leadership philosophy of graduate students, educational leadership program assessment, a study of the collaboration between a school district and university including Lesson Study as a teaching practice, and the interim superintendency. Of particular interest is the ability to conduct research, writing and the presentation of such in collaboration with graduate students and colleagues. Projects change to reflect the dynamics of a true educational perspective – one that informs practice Active Awards
2010
School Leadership Program
Sponsor: ED/TAMU – Award $243,686 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
College of Education and Social Sciences Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work  | Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
Office: OM 431, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2592 Email: mcuevas@wtamu.edu Dr. Cuevas' Bio Dr. Cuevas' CV Maureen "Mo" Cuevas, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Social Work
Project Interests
Dr. Cuevas is interested in projects that look at homelessness and the factors related to homelessness in Amarillo and our region. She also studies different aspects of the First-Year Experience on our campus, looking at ways to connect students to WT, to one another and to faculty members more effectively. Finally, she researches social work education, exploring the types of learning that students use to become skillful and competent social workers who are culturally competent and comfortable working with clients of all types. Active Awards
2010
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program
Sponsor: HUD/City of Amarillo – Award $165,981
2009
TRIAD
Sponsor: The Dallas Foundation – Award $130,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
Office: OM 427, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2594 Email: mloya@wtamu.edu Dr. Loya's Bio Dr. Loya's CV Melody Aye Loya, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Project Interests
Dr. Loya's project interests include professional identity, racial and cultural identity/awareness, white racial attitudes, and service learning. She is interested in grants that will help fund the learning and services provided through our department’s social service agency, West Texas Family and Community Services. The agency, located in Amarillo, serves as a learning laboratory for students. As part of their learning activities, social work students provide case management to the homeless or at-risk populations, learning to do intakes, documentation, and interviewing. Opportunities for service learning could be developed for students from other disciplines. Active Awards
2011
West Texas Family and Community Services (WTFCS)
Sponsor: Stella M Kemble Trust – Award $4,500
2010
West Texas Family and Community Services (WTFCS)
Sponsor: Stella M Kemble Trust – Award $5,830 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
Department of Nursing  | Department of Nursing
Office: OM 308C, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2641 Email: ldavis@wtamu.edu Dr. Davis' Bio Dr. Davis' CV Lisa A. Davis, Ph.D., R.N.
Associate Professor of Nursing
Project Interests
Dr. Davis' research interests include holistic nursing care with emphasis on the needs and expectations of patients and stress management. Other research interests within nursing education include engagement of students and faculty development projects. Active Awards
2011
Nursing Innovation Grant Program: At-risk Student Tracking and Intervention Project
Sponsor: THECB – Award $90,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Department of Nursing
Office: OM 313A, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2631 Email: hreyes@wtamu.edu Dr. Reyes' Bio Dr. Reyes' CV Helen Reyes, Ed.D., R.N.
Assistant Professor
Project Interests
Dr. Reyes is interested in student success and at-risk predictors, student engagement and patient safety. Active Awards
2010
Advanced Education Nursing Traineeships
Sponsor: DHHS/HRSA – Award $35,769 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
Other Entities  | Other Entities
Office: SUB 112A, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-5351 Email: jarias@wtamu.edu Julie G. Arias
Director of College Access Programs
Project Interests
College access and equity programs targeting low-income, first generation students. Services are delivered via outreach with community partners and benefit P-16 students. Interests include Latino student access, regional engagement in campus diversity programs, and first-generation college student mentoring to high school students. Also of interest are those activities that support the engagement of our incoming students in a successful university experience. Active Awards
2011
Talent Search (TRIO)
Sponsor: ED – Award $226,600 ($1,938,400 since ’03)
2009
Work Study Student Mentorship Program
Sponsor: THECB – Award: $230,000
Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE)
Sponsor: TACHE – Award $40,511
2008
Collegiate G-Force: Work Study Mentorship FY’09
Sponsor: THECB – Award $90,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Other Entities
Office: KRC 170B, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-5294 Email: mcook@wtamu.edu Mike Cook
Director of McNair Scholars Program
Project Interests
The purpose of the McNair Scholars Program is to prepare eligible participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. Students engage in independent summer research under the guidance of a faculty member. Eleven students are selected for research and also to participate in summer and academic year seminars related to graduate school admission. Related activities include academic counseling, securing financial assistance for graduate school, GRE preparation, and the opportunity to present their research at professional conferences. The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society. Active Awards
2007
TRIO - McNair Post-Baccalaureate
Sponsor: ED - Award $925,792 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Other Entities
Office: CC106K, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2872 Email: jdavis@wtamu.edu Jon Davis
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs -
Student Services
Project Interests
The Child Care Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) program is a Department of Education grant that provides childcare subsidies to eligible students with children in Kids Kollege, the University’s campus-based childcare center. Through this program, students may be eligible to waive up to 75 percent of their childcare expenses. Active Awards
2009
Kids Kollege
Sponsor: ED – Award $216,416 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Other Entities
Office: PDRF 165, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-3401 Email: cdixon@wtamu.edu Cathy Dixon
Director of University Research Alliance
Project Interests
University Research Alliance manages and administers university contracts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy. The contracts are: 1) the Innovations in Fuel Cycle Research Awards competition, a national competition that is designed to encourage innovation in nuclear fuel cycle research, and 2) the Russian Academic Program in Nonproliferation and International Security, a program coordinated with Texas A&M University and two Russian institutions that is designed to ensure Russia’s next generation of nuclear specialists is equipped with modern practices and training in nonproliferation and international security issues. Active Awards
2010
Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) Fellowship (Innovations in Fuel Cycle Technology)
Sponsor: DOE
2008
Infrastructure Improvements for Agricultural & Energy Research and Regional Development
Sponsor: DOC/EDA – Award $1,500,000
2005
Russian Academic Program in Nonproliferation and International Security (RENEWAL)
Sponsor: DOE/NNSA – Award $1,024,264
Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative University Fellowship Program - NOW Global Nuclear Energy Partnership
Sponsor: DOE – Award $3,428,250 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Other Entities
Office: OM 120, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2031 Email: ddgarcia@wtamu.edu Dan D. Garcia
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Project Interests
Mr. Garcia's interests include development of innovative programs that support student pathways to college, provide student scholarship resources for postsecondary study, and/or stipends to faculty serving as mentors. In most cases, these projects provide targeted support for low-income, first-generation, disabled and/or minority students. Partnerships with community colleges are of high interest due to the proportion of the above student populations that begin their postsecondary education at two-year institutions. Active Awards
2009
THECB Community Partnerships Program
Sponsor: THECB – Award $234,776
2008
Mobile Go Center
Sponsor: Texas Pioneer Foundation – Award $118,400
Co-sponsor: Panhandle Plains Student Loan Center – Award $15,088 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Other Entities
Office: KRC 138, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-8775 Email: jkelley@wtamu.edu Judy Kelley
Associate Director, West Texas Office of Evaluation and Research (WTER)
Project Interests
Ms. Kelley guides evaluation services for funded projects. WTER provides a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluation through its associates who are faculty holding doctorates in statistics, political science, education, and communication; and staff having K-16 mathematics teaching experience and experience directing K-12 mathematics and science education projects funded by the National Science Foundation. Associates have completed training at Western Michigan University’s Evaluation Center, the Evaluators’ Institute, and/or American Evaluation Association sponsored workshops. Ms. Kelley works with principal investigators during proposal development to create an evaluation plan for their proposed projects. If funding is awarded, she works to implement the proposed project evaluation plans. Active Awards WTER currently provides external evaluation services for 30 funded projects. Funding for these projects is provided by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Education, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Texas Education Agency and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Three of these funded projects are housed at WT. WTER also provides evaluation for projects located at Amarillo College, Angelo State University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, University of Texas- Arlington, and Science Approach, a limited liability corporation in Tucson, Arizona. | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Other Entities
Office: SUB 112D, Canyon, TX 79016 Phone: 806-651-2359 Email: mlopez@wtamu.edu Martin Lopez
Director of CAMP/Upward Bound
Project Interests
The CAMP project provides financial assistance, academic advising and assessment services, tutoring,
supplemental instruction, career preparation, leadership training and cultural enrichment activities. Success in reaching the project outcomes will be shown by participants gaining academic skills, receiving sufficient financial aid and by students gaining motivation and self-confidence to continue enrollment after successfully completing their first year at WT.
Upward Bound is designed to provide comprehensive and meaningful information for identification and selection of applicants; assessment of needs, services and guidance to ensure academic growth, target school and parent involvement; pre-college services to ensure enrollment and persistence in postsecondary education. Active Awards
2009
Migrant Education College Assistance Migrant Program
Sponsor: ED – Award $1,781,876
2007
TRIO Upward Bound 2009-2012
Sponsor: USDA – Award $1,249,000 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
 | Other Entities
Office: 701 S. Taylor, Suite 118, Amarillo, TX 79101 Phone: 806-372-5151 Email: ppronger@wtamu.edu P. J. Pronger
Director of WTAMU Small Business Development Center
Project Interests
The Office of Economic Innovation (OEI) is interested in setting up spin-out companies to license research or products created by faculty & staff. Company creation at this stage assumes the license is held by the A&M System after proper disclosures have been made, and that creating a company would hold some advantage over licensing to an OTC-sourced company. Beyond the potential monetary rewards, startups provide myriad benefits which include economic growth, job creation, faculty retention and faster product development. OEI maintains close relationships in the entrepreneurial community and can assist directly with company creation, market assessment, financing and management services. Active Awards
2008
North West Texas Small Business Development Center
Sponsor: SBA – Award $125,400 | | Index | Print | Back to Top |
Index by Name
Lal K. Almas, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Agricultural Business
and Economics Julie G. Arias
Director of College Access Programs Brock C. Blaser, Ph.D.
Assitant Professor of Plant Science Carolyn L. Bouma, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology Michael S. Brown, Ph.D., P.A.S.
Professor of Ruminant Nutrition Eddie Caraway, M.S.
Research Associate Gene Carlisle, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry Byungik Chang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering
Director of the Alternative Energy Institute Mike Cook
Director of McNair Scholars Program Maureen "Mo" Cuevas, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Social Work Jon Davis
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs -
Student Services Lisa A. Davis, Ph.D., R.N.
Associate Professor of Nursing Susan L. Allen, M.Ed.
Instructor of Education
Director of PACE Robert E. DeOtte, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., P.G.
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Cathy Dixon
Director of University Research Alliance Dan D. Garcia
Vice President for Enrollment Management Dean Hawkins, Ph.D.
Department Head
Professor of Agricultural Sciences Judy Kelley
Associate Director, West Texas Office of Evaluation and Research (WTER) Ty E. Lawrence, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Animal Science Pamela Lockwood, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics Martin Lopez
Director of CAMP/Upward Bound Melody Aye Loya, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Social Work Susan J. Nix, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Education Bonnie B. Pendleton, Ph.D.
Professor of Integrated Pest Management - Entomology P. J. Pronger
Director of WTAMU Small Business Development Center Helen Reyes, Ed.D., R.N.
Department Head
Assistant Professor Marty Rhoades, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science William "Jim" Rogers, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Academic and Research Environmental Health and Safety
Associate Professor of Environmental Science Duane Rosa, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Regional Director of the Texas Transportation Institute Regional Division W. David Sissom, Ph.D.
Interim Department Head
Regents Professor of Biology Kenneth L. Starcher, M.S.
Associate Director of the Alternative Energy Institute Bob A. Stewart, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Agriculture
Director of Dryland Agriculture Institute Shiquan Tao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Ross W. Wilson Chair in Chemistry Rocky Ward, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology |
