Past Grant Recipients

As of January 2023, there were 871,000 UAS Unmanned Aerial Systems or drones registered with FAA and 307,000 certified pilots. The profession is increasing in society with over 100,000 UAS Pilots needed in the next three years in the $63.5 billion marketplace by 2025. The UAS program at Stephen F. Austin State University is well-placed to provide UAS Pilot training, hands-on experience for students and professionals for the workplace. Completed projects include: DroneDay2023 with 80 participants and nine speakers and presenters; ADA parking space location with ArcGIS Online; tree stump removal with SFASU Grounds; location of SFASU emergency valve shut-off locations; and demonstration of FEMA documentation on campus tree losses and impact of tornadoes; Ongoing projects with the University Police Department and Emergency Management, and providing information on FEMA documentation on campus losses to storms. Six UAS Pilots completed FAA training and received their license. tree hazard rating with UAS are ongoing with the SFASU Physical Plant. Four referred publications were published with three more submitted. Hydrex Drone Division provided technical support and UAS for precision and accurate locations leading to 3 cm accuracy with UAS and 1 cm accuracy with Ground Control Points. Pest impacts were measured with UAS saving time and money for Nantucket pine tip moth (ORGS grant) and crape myrtle bark scale impact. Training includes DJI Phantom 4 Pro; DJI Phantom RTK Multispectral; DJI Dual Enterprise Thermal; and the new Quantum vertical takeoff UAS. The use of orthomosaics produced from UAS for planning and mapping will be adding to ongoing UAS and GIS days already planned for the east Texas area at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Biofilm-forming pathogenic microbes are notorious in creating chronic infections, loss of host immune responses, and death in humans due to their resistance against antimicrobial agents/pathogen killers. They cause major problems in contaminating the environment, medical devices, and food industries. Biofilms are bio-cell aggregates held together by extracellularly secreted proteins, carbohydrates, and/or DNA. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) stringently regulates municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) for removal of pollutants to levels below recommended World Health organization (WHO), or local environmental quality guidelines. Pollutants that degrade water quality are diverse and include potential pathogens including enteropathogenic E. coli, Streptococci, Salmonella, and somatic and F-RNA coliphage viruses. These microbes are resistant to chlorination, high salt and temperature - used in wastewater treatment. In addition, they are highly prone to form biofilms, thus making water unsafe to drink. Maintaining hygienic conditions for safe drinking is indispensable to sustain life. Hence, efficient techniques are required to prevent biofilm formation/destruction, and their characterization. Here, we propose a novel method of using long-chain DNA aptamer as scaffold to produce silver nanoclusters (Ag-NC) that can prevent biofilm in treated wastewater. Therefore, this study will be very beneficial in public health related industries including biotech and environmental agencies.

We propose thesis research on methods to help entrepreneurs start-up and scale-up their regenerative farm operations in East Texas. We propose to compile a list of existing contacts in Texas with expertise on small-scale sustainable/regenerative agriculture and food systems, including practitioners, academics, and organization leaders. This will be complemented by literature review of key sources on the topic. Open-ended interviews and surveys will address questions concerning pathways and barriers to start-up/scale-up in regenerative agriculture and food supply. We expect this work may segue into a broader proposal to the Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation and partners, to implement recommendations to expand the capacity for regenerative agriculture in East Texas.

We propose the installation of an annual and perennial plant trialing facility on the CARRI property on Stallings Drive. Each year 10 to 15 companies in the U.S. release new varieties of popular annual and perennial plants and these varieties require trialing, preferably by reputable independent sources. Many of these companies will seek to trial plant material that hasn't yet been granted patent status, therefore these sites must be fenced and secure. The back of the CARRI property (see attached map) is an ideal location for such a site due to the rich but well-drained soils and distance from the highway (59 S). This location is also located underneath a tower that makes it well suited for annual and perennial trialing as these materials will be low-growing and they will be removed after each growing season. This is also a highly efficient use of University resources as little else can be done with the land underneath the tower. The trials will feature 200-300 varieties of annuals and perennials grown throughout the spring and summer culminating in a field day for east Texas Green Industry professionals and hobbyists alike to witness the performance of these new materials in our region.

Cancer is recognized as the second leading cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives each year. Studies suggested that the number of deaths from this fatal disease is expected to rise by 70 percent compared to now over the next 20 years. Thus, developing cancer therapies has become one of the world's top health priorities. However, despite some success of the current methods, the cancer therapies are limited mainly by (1) tumor-hypoxia, a state of low oxygen (O2) in tumor tissues, (2) serious side-effects on adjacent normal tissues, and (3) the sites that are often inaccessible or unsafe for treatment by traditional surgical and medical methods include major blood vessels such as the carotid arteries, critical areas of the brain, and portions of the eye. In the proposed research, a photosensitizer-cobalt(III) prodrug will be developed that has the potential to be used as an alternative method to treat and kill hypoxic tumor cells with reduced side-effects.

The proposed research is aimed at designing and synthesizing a visible light photosensitizer prodrug, tin(IV) porphyrin-cobalt (III) complex. The SnPCo(III)-prodrug will be water soluble and loaded with a sufficient concentration of chemotherapeutic drugs needed for the treatment. Collaboration with expert in cancer therapy will be established for tumor cell experiments to assure the success of the project. Funding this project will enable Dr. Zamadar to establish a thriving undergraduate research program that engages undergraduate students in the Deep East Texas region for developing a cost-effective chemotherapeutic drug for people in developed as well as non-developed countries. Funding this project will also enable Dr. Zamadar to collect quality preliminary data to seek for external grants which could potentially contribute towards the local economy.

Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic, high-molecular weight compounds that have been micronized into plastic particles smaller than 5 mm (1μm to 5 mm). MPs have low biodegradation rate, remain in the environment and adversely affect the human body, the final consumer in the food chain 1. Wastewater sludge (also known as biosolids) are produced from wastewater treatment plants. Biosolids contain organic matter, plant macro-/micronutrients, and trace and heavy metals. Biosolids contain emerging pollutants including microplastics as pollutants of major concern. Biosolids have high affinity for microplastics. Microplastics can cause serious health issues including endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, decreased reproductive health, and cancer. They are toxic and potentially harmful to humans and ecosystems. The presence of microplastics in biosolids and wastewater environments have raised serious concerns globally 2, 3. In this study, wastewater samples and biosolids collected from Lufkin and Nacogdoches Wastewater Treatment Plants (LWWTP, NWWTP) will be analyzed for their microplastics concentrations via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anions F-, SO42-, Cl-, Br-, NO2-, NO3-, PO43- will be determined via ion chromatography. The microplastics polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, methylcellulose, polyurethane, polyethylene, ethyl cellulose, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will be quantified. Characterization data will be analyzed via FTIR and SEM. Information from the study will be analyzed to test the public health risks associated with microplastic concentration exposures in sludges and wastewater in East Texas. Data collected will be subjected to Pearson correlation analysis by Excel to determine association. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) will test risks, and differences in concentration between different MPs. This study is useful for the design and management of wastewater sludges produced from WWTPs.

Deep East Texas, encompassing 12 counties and facing critical teacher shortages and economic disparities, is in need of transformative educational interventions. Our proposal aligns with CARRl's goal of fostering dynamic, interactive partnerships between institutions of higher education and local stakeholders and addresses the challenges of teacher education in our area.

Scholarships will be provided to pre-service teacher candidates who are from or currently reside in the Deep East Texas 12-county region. These scholarship recipients will be current and new students in the Department of Education Studies fully on line Master of Arts in Teaching program. In return for this financial support, scholarship recipients will commit to teaching in public schools within the 12-county area for a minimum of one year after completing their certification program. Their service in these schools will not only address teacher shortages but also enhance student achievement and educational outcomes, ultimately stimulating economic growth in the region. This approach harmonizes with CARRl's mission to drive positive economic resiliency by improving the preparedness of the regional workforce.

The Industry-Collaborative Capstone Initiative is a pioneering educational program designed to integrate real-world industry projects into the capstone course for undergraduate computer science majors. This program seeks funding to create a structured, collaborative framework that connects academic learning with industrial application, thereby enhancing students' educational experiences and career readiness while simultaneously contributing to local industry innovation.

The central premise of this initiative is the symbiotic relationship between universities and industry. Students benefit by applying theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world challenges, thereby gaining invaluable experience, industry-specific skills, and professional connections. Concurrently, industry partners gain access to fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and potential future employees well-versed in the latest technologies and methodologies.

Implementation involves establishing partnerships with companies to curate a roster of capstone projects that reflect current local industry challenges and technological trends. Participating students, under faculty and industry mentorship, will tackle these projects over a semester, culminating in a presentation of their solutions and a minimum viable product.

Through this program, we aim to elevate the standard of computer science education, meet the evolving needs of the industry, and prepare a new generation of professionals who are immediately effective in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

SFA's Department of Kinesiology & Health Science's Graduate Athletic Training Program, Office of Emergency Management, and University Police Department want to enhance the preparedness and resilience of schools in Deep East Texas against targeted violence incidents by funding a CARRI Grant. This project aims to equip secondary-level public educators, staff, and students with life-saving skills through comprehensive training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Stop the Bleed (STB) techniques.

Educational institutions face an ever-present threat of targeted violence, necessitating a proactive approach to ensure the safety of students and personnel. Recent tragic incidents across the nation underscore the importance of rapid and effective response measures to mitigate the consequences of such events.

This project aims to create a safer and more resilient educational environment by empowering school communities with these critical life-saving skills. The ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies and violent incidents will save lives and instill a sense of confidence and security within our communities.

Securing funding is instrumental in translating the vision of resilient schools into reality. These schools will be equipped to promptly address targeted violence and medical emergencies, making Deep East Texas a beacon of preparedness and resilience.

The use of unmanned aerial systems, also known as UAS or drones, is increasing in society with over 100,000 UAS pilots needed in the $63.5 billion marketplace by 2025. The UAS program at SFA is well-positioned to provide UAS pilot training that features hands-on experience for students and professionals for the workplace. Ongoing projects with the University Police Department and Emergency Management include campus parking planning, campus lighting for safety and management, location of automated external defibrillators and the provision of information on FEMA documentation detailing campus losses due to storms. Tree stump location for removal, emergency valve shut-off locations and tree hazard rating using UAS are ongoing with the Physical Plant Department. The Hydrex Drone Division provided technical support and UAS for precision and accurate locations leading to 3-centimeter accuracy with UAS and 1-centimeter accuracy with ground control points. Pest impacts are measured with UAS, which saves time and money for Nantucket pine tip moth and crape myrtle bark scale issues. A workshop on emergency management and campus maintenance is proposed. The proposal for the CARRI project suggests hosting a UAS workshop with area agencies to promote current uses, training and technology. Training focuses on the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, DJI Phantom RTK Multispectral, DJI Dual Enterprise Thermal and the new Quantum-Systems vertical takeoff drone. The use of orthomosaics produced from UAS for planning and mapping will add to ongoing UAS and geographic information systems days planned for the East Texas area at SFA.

Diversity among and within plants is a cornerstone of horticulture. However, with great diversity comes the need for stakeholders to know how plants are going to perform in a region for sustainable planting decisions. Plant trial gardens provide quantitative data and observations to the horticulture industry so that research-based decisions can be made about plant choices. The Plantery is our student botanic garden on campus, and we wish to build a trial garden for evaluating plant material for East Texas. Permanent, modern infrastructure will be installed to make the trial garden attractive and functional. Students will be involved in the entire process of conception, installation and evaluation of plant material. Funds will also improve functional outdoor space for growing plants for the trial garden by helping us retrofit our student nursery pad that has seen no major improvements since its construction in the 1980s. Our first target plant group will be native ornamental grasses that can be used in urban plantings and green infrastructure to diversify the plant offerings of East Texas nursery growers, landscapers, landscape architects, garden designers and city planners. Knowledge will be shared through plant talks, plant articles and Plantery events.

The Cole Art Center is an important source of culture and community in East Texas and a valuable economic engine for downtown Nacogdoches. It is also at the heart of transformational experiences for School of Art students, who learn practical skills while working there. Existing resources at the Cole Art Center could be leveraged for greater impact on students and the local economy through investment in personnel, graduate assistantships and economic research. Project funds would be used to develop a new student docent program, pay student workers, fund a graduate assistantship for an events planner, establish local and regional partnerships through First Friday events, and assess the economic impact of the arts in Nacogdoches. These expansions would enable the School of Art to better serve SFA students, area residents, visitors to our community and the local economy. Students would learn by researching artists, guiding exhibition tours, and planning and advertising events. Area residents, including K-12 students, would enjoy new opportunities in art education, which has been shown to positively impact overall academic success. Visitors could participate in guided tours as well as monthly events centered around visual art. The downtown economy would benefit from increased visitation and art tourism.

The goal of this project is to establish and maintain a set of metrics enabling CARRI staff to measure the economic contribution of the center’s activities to the region. Data collected from various government agencies as well as local sources will be compiled into a dashboard, which can subsequently be used to assess and measure the benefits of CARRI and its impact on the local area. Support for undergraduate students will ensure that they can provide services as interns to smaller communities where local officials may not be able to afford a paid intern.

Sustainability students utilized a matching $4,500 grant from CARRI in 2022 to conduct energy program outreach in deep East Texas. They built contacts and collected information related to renewable energy incentives, low-income weatherization programs and potential partners. In Nacogdoches, students attended the RISE women/minority entrepreneurship event and the Farmer’s Market Fall Fling, met with African-American and Hispanic leaders, staffed tables, given talks, and compiled a list of people interested in training or startups. They continued this work in other deep East Texas counties into November and December. This proposal takes the next logical step in this effort, building on what we’ve learned to improve support for businesses, students and the workforce. The primary focus of this proposal is support for 1) potential businesses and workforce members interested in apprenticeships and training, and 2) graduate student Sheryl Davis, who gathered the most valuable information on weatherization workforce training. Her management information systems studies with a concentration in sustainability management will conclude with a thesis on grant writing to support sustainability education and workforce training. Davis will search for funds to further this effort in 2023-24, likely leading to additional funding equal or exceeding her graduate assistant support. We have a matching $4,500 grant from the SFA Environmental Service Fee (green fund) to support (with less funds) 2023 undergraduate research by construction management and/or sustainability majors. Thus, our proposal can be supported by CARRI in part or in full, in order of the following priorities: 1) graduate assistant support, 2) business and workforce support, and 3) matching undergraduate support.

A thriving deep East Texas requires a workforce of highly trained science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, professionals. Investment in teachers is a well-documented best practice for improving student academic achievement and increasing student engagement in STEM fields. This project focuses on enhancing student interest in STEM subjects through weeklong workshops that train secondary public school teachers to incorporate engaging, inquiry-based, hands-on laboratory experiences in their science classrooms. In addition, this project represents an innovative approach to supporting and retaining in-service teachers to provide high-quality instruction. Enhancing and building on successful workshops held in 2022, we will leverage expertise in the JacksTeach secondary STEM teacher preparation program and the STEM Research and Learning Center to provide direct teacher support through hands-on experience with laboratory exploration activities, funding to support their participation, laboratory supplies specific to workshop activities, continuing professional education credits, and follow-up surveys to support continual improvement and academic research on the impact of the workshops. These efforts will expand student interest in postsecondary STEM study and preparation for success in STEM careers, supporting economic development in the deep East Texas region.

Biosolids, also known as wastewater sludge, are produced by wastewater treatment plants. They are complex and contain organic matter, plant macro-/micronutrients, trace and heavy metals and emerging pollutants including pesticides, pharmaceuticals in trace levels, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl sulfonates, or PFAS. PFAS have been linked to increased risks of cancer and infertility, abnormal development in children, and disruption of hormonal and immune systems. PFAS are toxic and potentially harmful to humans and ecosystems. The presence of PFAS in the environment has raised serious concerns globally. Biosolids have high affinity for, and adsorb, PFAS. This study will analyze PFAS concentrations in biosolids and wastewater samples from the Nacogdoches Wastewater Treatment Plant via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. Ten PFAS pollutants including perfluorobutane sulfonate, perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid and 8+2 fluorotelomer alcohol will be examined. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry will provide PFAS-unique signatures. This study is critical to assessing designs and management of wastewater sludges generated from wastewater treatment plants. Information gathered has far-reaching ramifications on public health risks associated with PFAS concentrations in sludges and wastewater in East Texas.

On May 27, 2022, representatives from the 12 deep East Texas counties’ chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus; the Deep East Texas Council of Governments; cities; tourism centers; the Texas Travel Alliance; Texas Economic Development; the Texas Forest Trail; and the Texas Forest Country Partnership convened. They created unique travel and tourism experiences that could fuel economic activities across their boundaries. At the same time, the representatives realized that there are other issues and gaps they need to address as a collective to enhance and stabilize the economic development in the area. Based on this information, the principal investigators recommended that all the key players must gather and discuss relevant topics that need to be addressed, including issues of short-term rental taxation, grant proposal writing, grant availing and so on. Thus, the first-ever East Texas Tourism Conference was born. These key players must continue the conversation of establishing and stabilizing the workforce in the Texas forest country.

The purpose of this project is to bring agencies, community and manufacturers together to assist with people who are homeless. Faculty members and students in the construction management program and interior design program will work together through in-class and outside-class involvement. This proposal contains two goals. The first goal is to build tiny homes for individuals and families in need of shelter with the help of construction management and interior design students to design, build and furnish the homes. This project will merge their desire to help others while building their leadership skills and personal communication skills. In addition, students will gain a greater understanding of the field while applying lessons learned to real-life projects using a unique mobile classroom. Students also will be exposed to other cultures and populations while exploring social issues. The second goal is to bring community companies such as lumber mills, nonprofit organizations, showrooms and federal agencies together to assist with partial funding of the homes.

The COVID-19 pandemic created havoc for small businesses, which caused them to shut down and cease all economic activities, particularly in rural areas. This project will revitalize economic activities in the Deep East Texas rural communities by helping revive travel- and tourism-oriented small businesses through development of new travel packages to promote to external guests to the region. It also will improve existing travel and tourism practices and services, or strengthen and diversify the regional economy of the El Camino Real trail and routes.

This project will work with regional programs to increase access, efficiency and entrepreneurship related to clean energy and energy conservation in Deep East Texas. Six graduate and undergraduate students will work with one to two faculty members and select community leaders to increase access and use of a weatherization program for low-income residents; have clean energy financing programs and a microloan small business program adopted by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, counties or cities in the region; and create linkages between solar panel installers, weatherization contractors and students/workforce members interested in training in this field.

This project focuses on enhancing student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields through two weeklong workshops training secondary teachers to incorporate engaging, hands-on laboratory experiences in their classrooms. We will directly support teachers by providing hands-on experience with laboratory exploration activities, funding to support their participation, laboratory supplies specific to workshop activities and Continuing Professional Education credits. These efforts will expand student interest in postsecondary STEM study, prepare students for success in STEM careers, and support economic development in the Deep East Texas region by contributing to the workforce of highly trained STEM professionals.

The primary goal of this project is to involve undergraduate engineering students in the design and construction of a small vehicle that meets design constraints set by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The SAE Baja competition requires collegiate teams to design and construct a lightweight, off-road vehicle over the course of two semesters. The engineering faculty at SFA will select approximately 20 students interested in mechanical or electrical engineering for the first cohort for this competition. This project should result in students receiving certification through the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as connections to local employers seeking engineers with practical design and manufacturing experiences.

The number of craft breweries and wineries in Texas has risen exponentially during the last decade to more than 430 wineries and over 300 breweries. While shown to be robust industries, they have been impacted by the pandemic as most rely on restaurant and bar sales, taprooms and tasting rooms. These industries are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Both industries are required to follow mandatory labeling requirements and procedures. Much of what is found on the label is determined by beverage alcohol laboratories. The cost of testing is quite expensive; a total chemical profile for a single beer is $350 and for a single wine $175. The development of a Fermentation Laboratory at SFA can help alleviate these costs.

Construction management students will build tiny homes for individuals and families in need of shelter. Students will gain a greater understanding of the field while applying lessons learned in the classroom to real life projects using a unique mobile classroom. The goal is to teach and train leaders and managers in the field through hands-on projects. Construction management labs are set up to give large blocks of times to ensure students understand construction and have an opportunity to meet and get to know their clients. This innovative mobile classroom will change how construction management is being taught and provide numerous opportunities for students and clients throughout East Texas.

The Leadership Initiative for Supporting (Bilingual) Teacher Acquisition is the first step in a multi-year effort to empower district bilingual coordinators across East Texas, increase the number of qualified bilingual teachers, and create a pipeline through undergraduate and graduate programs to support this growth. LISTA will work to develop a community of united and informed bilingual coordinators who will, in turn, develop a pathway for success for future bilingual educators. LISTA aligns with this mission through an investment in the quality of bilingual coordinators and future educators. Phase one will focus on needs assessments, community building and planning. Future phases will result in a successful bilingual educator pipeline.

The purpose of this proposal is to develop a manufacturing supervisor training that could be offered through the Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation in cooperation with the East Texas Manufacturing Alliance. Participants would be new or aspiring front-line supervisors in local manufacturing organizations.

SFA is seeking support for a needs assessment of competencies that will inform the development of a Bachelor of Science in hospitality administration with a focus in restaurant management. This degree program seeks to reach Texans ages 25 to 34 who have some coursework toward a degree or certificate but have not competed the degree. This program focuses on competencies and marketable skills that will prepare students to enter the workforce at a managerial level. By conducting a needs assessment, we will be able to more accurately develop a CBE program that is meeting the needs of employers in East Texas.

The purpose of this study will be to determine the current status of the logging sector and its economic contribution by surveying logging contractors and other industry stakeholders, and employing an economic model using IMPLAN data. The results from this study will be crucial to identify concerns and needs of the logging sector. Enhancement of this sector will ensure a continued supply of wood products to the forest products manufacturing facilities, better logging practices on forest stands ensuring appropriate management and protection of forest health, and continued employment and income for people in the region. In this project, students will learn various research methodologies and analyses and will collaborate with various forestry stakeholders.