CNM Named as Sub-Awardee on Prestigious National Science Foundation Grant
CNM is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a sub-awardee on the prestigious Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grant awarded to UNM by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Phil Lister, CNM's Dean of the School of Math, Science & Engineering was named as a co-principal investigator.
Over the next four years, CNM and other New Mexico educational institutions will use the $8 million grant to develop more robust and innovative research opportunities for students, especially in the growing biotechnology industry.
"The biotechnology industry has become a national priority for expansion and workforce development, and New Mexico is home to several established and start-up biotechnology companies that are expanding yearly," Phil said. "Local organizations also support the growing bioscience industry and want to enhance business success and bioscience education, so the timing of this funding is truly ideal.”
The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) has awarded approximately $38 million nationally. It broadly aims to enhance research facilities, form new networks, support workforce development, and accelerate economic growth in regions that traditionally receive less funding for scientific research.
CNM's involvement in the grant is specifically aligned with EPSCoR’s Research Pathways Core because the college will focus on developing opportunities for New Mexico students and faculty. The larger goal is to integrate Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs) like CNM into New Mexico's broader research ecosystem, fostering innovation and creating high-value employment opportunities.
The grant will also significantly bolster CNM's growing Biotechnology associate degree and certificate programs, which prepare students to transfer to a four-year university with a focus on the development of practical skills and knowledge.
Phil said CNM is excited to continue developing collaborative partnerships between the Biotechnology program and research programs at UNM, particularly within the Health Sciences Center. These partnerships will provide Undergraduate Research Experiences (UREs) that are invaluable for current CNM students and for CNM graduates who transfer to UNM or other four-year universities.
"Graduates of CNM’s Biotechnology program have always been excellent candidates for undergraduate research positions after transfer, and the UREs will provide an even stronger pathway," Phil says. "These experiences offer critical work-based learning opportunities that enhance engagement, persistence, and success, as well as financial support for our students."
One other benefit of the grant is the development of research-focused learning modules that can be incorporated into CNM's Biotechnology program. These modules will provide expanded training in industry-desired skills, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
Broadly, Phil said the entire college is excited about this project and the benefits it will provide for students across New Mexico.
"I'm most excited to see our Biotechnology program team develop strong partnerships with UNM researchers that will lead to the success of our students, the success of their research programs, and the continued growth of the biotechnology industry right here in New Mexico" he says.
Interested in studying biotechnology? Learn more about CNM's Biotechnology program and how you can play a role in this growing industry.