UTPB’s chemistry program has received a substantial grant, giving students and faculty expanded opportunities for research and strengthening STEM education in the Permian Basin.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s chemistry program has received a $180,000 Welch Departmental Grant, giving students and faculty new opportunities to engage in hands-on chemical research.
The grant supports faculty-led research in chemistry and closely related fields while providing students a flexible environment to explore scientific concepts and techniques. UTPB was invited to apply by the Welch Foundation, and Dr. Milka Montes, Professor of Chemistry, has served as Principal Investigator since 2017.
Dr. Montes believes the grant allows students to gain valuable research experience.
“This grant allows us to cultivate a culture of discovery at UTPB by engaging undergraduate and graduate students in chemistry research year-round,” Dr. Montes said.
The funding will be used for research supplies, student stipends and fellowships, and travel to scientific conferences. Students participating in the program build confidence, learn lab techniques, and develop critical problem-solving skills that will serve them in their careers. The impact of the grant goes beyond just the classroom and into our region.
“A lot of people will go into industry. This is one of the main focuses of the foundation to increase the presence of chemical professionals in our region. In the Permian Basin, we really need a lot of STEM-educated individuals,” she said.
Faculty members also benefit from the grant, producing high-impact research that is shared locally, nationally, and internationally.
“Students gain real-world experience while faculty are able to produce meaningful research that strengthens the impact of our chemistry program,” Dr. Montes said.
The grant supports faculty-led research in chemistry and closely related fields while providing students a flexible environment to explore scientific concepts and techniques. UTPB was invited to apply by the Welch Foundation, and Dr. Milka Montes, Professor of Chemistry, has served as Principal Investigator since 2017.
Dr. Montes believes the grant allows students to gain valuable research experience.
“This grant allows us to cultivate a culture of discovery at UTPB by engaging undergraduate and graduate students in chemistry research year-round,” Dr. Montes said. The funding will be used for research supplies, student stipends and fellowships, and travel to scientific conferences. Students participating in the program build confidence, learn lab techniques, and develop critical problem-solving skills that will serve them in their careers. The impact of the grant goes beyond just the classroom and into our region.
“A lot of people will go into industry. This is one of the main focuses of the foundation to increase the presence of chemical professionals in our region. In the Permian Basin, we really need a lot of STEM-educated individuals,” she said.
Faculty members also benefit from the grant, producing high-impact research that is shared locally, nationally, and internationally.
“Students gain real-world experience while faculty are able to produce meaningful research that strengthens the impact of our chemistry program,” Dr. Montes said.
