BRIDGE Program

Building Research, Innovation, Discovery, and Growing Engagement (BRIDGE)

Supported by the Provost Innovation Fund





As a regional comprehensive institution, Sam Houston State University strives to meet the educational, research, and leadership needs of the community it serves. The needs of this region are as dynamic as the growth it is experiencing. The region north of Houston ranks sixth among the top 100 U.S cities for economic and population growth, and highest in five-year housing growth. This population growth accompanies recent expansion in industries such as biotechnology, life and health sciences, life sciences manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing. SHSU is uniquely positioned to provide the research and innovation needed for this expansion, as well as assist with the general economic development of the region.

The intent of the BRIDGE program is to align and develop existing and emerging research themes at SHSU into sustainable programs that elevate the reputation of SHSU and establish the university as a major contributor to new knowledge and technology for Texas. Funding through this program will support research teams who require substantial investment over multiple years to develop successful funding proposals to specific funding agencies.

Successful BRIDGE projects will contribute to emerging industry and societal needs of the region and Texas by addressing fundamental contemporary problems or advancing existing knowledge through translational research, such as:

  • Preparing for demands on food, energy, and/or water systems
  • Research in life, health, and biomedical sciences
  • Addressing concerns of cybersecurity and resiliency
  • Preparing for the increased demand of educational services and mental health care





2023 Program Awardees

Effectiveness of a Community-Based Intervention of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Management in a Rural and Underserved Community

  • PI: Ryan Marek (Primary Care & Clinical Medicine)
  • Team: Michael Griffin (Molecular & Cellular Biology), Owen Kelly (Molecular & Cellular Biology), Oluwaseun Olaiya (Primary Care & Clinical Medicine), Chelsea Ratcliff (Psychology & Philosophy)

Establishment of the Biomedical Research, Innovation, Training, and Employment (BRITE) consortium at Sam Houston State University

  • PIs: Mardelle Atkins (Biological Sciences), Donovan Haines (Chemistry), Sharmin Hasan (Biological Sciences)
  • Team: Diego Alvarez (Physiology & Pharmacology), Meagan Hinze (Chemistry), Khalid M. Khan (Public Health), Aaron Lynne (Biological Sciences), Jailenne Quiñones (Clinical Anatomy), David Thompson (Chemistry), Stephen White (Psychology & Philosophy)

Machine-Learning Algorithm to Optimize the Carbon Sequestration and Noise Attenuation of Roadside Vegetation in Texas

  • PI: Momen Mousa (Engineering Technology)
  • Team: John Pascarella (Biological Sciences)

Urban Agribusiness Ventures to Connect and Engage our Hispanic Community

  • PI: Shyam Sivankutty Nair (Agricultural Sciences)
  • Team: Alma Contreras-Vanegas (Teaching & Learning), Mark Hainline (Agricultural Sciences), Kaitlin Hopkins (Agricultural Sciences), Roozbeh Irani-Kermani (Agricultural Sciences), ABM Rezbaul Islam (Computer Science)



Looking for Funding?


At all phases of proposal development researchers can leverage the resources and teams in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Check out our Find Funding resource webpage or reach out to our team via email!



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