Connecting Industry, Faculty, and Student Research

UT Permian Basin supports research that solves real-world problems, especially when it strengthens partnerships between industry, faculty, and students.  Through the Office of Student Research, we offer two keep pathways to foster these connections:

At UTPB, research is more than a classroom activity, it's collaborative engine connecting students, faculty, and industry to solve real-world challenges.

Explore how our two signature pathways foster innovation, build professional experience and strengthen regional partnerships. 

• For Industry: cost-effective research solutions, connection to emerging talent, and access to faculty expertise. 
• For Faculty: additional project funding, student assistants, interdisciplinary collaboration and external visibility. 
• For Students: hands-on experience, mentorship, resume‑building research opportunities and professional pathways.

Industry-Funded Student Research

This initiative connects UTPB faculty and students with real-world challenges faced by industry partners. Companies benefit from cost-effective, research-driven solutions, while students gain valuable hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional exposure - often leading to future job opportunities.

With support from the Office of Advancement, the Office of Student Research facilitates these partnerships through a structured and collaborative process:

How It Works

Step 1: Identify Industry Needs
The Office of Student Research, in coordination with the Office of Advancement, connects with companies to identify their research needs and technical challenges.

Step 2: Share Opportunities with Faculty
A searchable database of project needs is created, and Request for Proposal (RFP) announcements are sent to faculty. Faculty are invited to submit proposals and are strongly encouraged to include undergraduate student researchers.

Step 3: Review and Funding
Submitted proposals are reviewed by the company. Approved projects receive direct funding from the industry partner to support faculty and student research efforts.

This model supports applied learning, strengthens community engagement, and builds a pipeline of workforce-ready graduates.

Interested in sponsoring a research project? Contact behnia_b@utpb.edu to get started. 

Faculty-Student Research Match

The Faculty–Student Research Match platform serves as a digital matchmaking tool that helps connect students with active research opportunities across campus. Whether you're a student looking to gain research experience or a faculty member seeking motivated team members, this platform helps build meaningful academic partnerships.

How It Works

For Students:
Explore faculty profiles to learn about their research areas and current projects. You can search by interest area, department, or specific topics to find opportunities that align with your goals and skill set.

For Faculty:
Browse student submissions to identify individuals whose skills and interests complement your ongoing or upcoming research. Select top matches to invite students to join your research efforts.