Two Texas A&M University College of Arts and Sciences faculty are among 13 selected campuswide by the Division of Research as its second cohort of Research Leadership Fellows, a program that underscores Texas A&M's ongoing dedication to cultivating the next generation of research leaders.
Dr. Vani Mathur, an associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Dr. Yangyang Xu, an associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, are included in the 2024 cohort, announced September 3 and featuring faculty whose projects span critical areas from artificial intelligence and healthcare to environmental sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
The Research Leadership Fellowships (RLF) Program, which has funded 25 Texas A&M faculty projects since its 2023 launch, offers each selected fellow funding, leadership training and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance their groundbreaking work.
“Texas A&M is dedicated to identifying and mentoring the future leaders who will advance research that tackles today’s critical challenges,” said Dr. Jack G. Baldauf, vice president for research and a professor in the Department of Oceanography. “The Research Leadership Fellows program embodies our commitment to fostering research leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration. This year’s fellows represent the best of our institution’s spirit of discovery. Their work will enhance our understanding and improve communities locally and globally. We are proud to support their efforts.”
Each fellow receives a one-year $75,000 seed grant to support their research and encourage development of interdisciplinary grant proposals. The program also emphasizes the importance of developing leadership skills and strategic thinking in research, ensuring that fellows are well-equipped to lead large-scale, high-impact projects.
Mathur plans to use her grant funding to further her work on reducing health disparities and chronic pain by collaborating with communities and sharing research findings.
Xu will use machine learning to provide detailed climate-risk assessments, focusing on issues like air quality and extreme heat, especially for disadvantaged communities.
Application for RLF is open to all tenured or tenure-track Texas A&M faculty at the levels of advanced assistant professor (four years in their position at time of submission) or early associate professor (within two years of promotion at the time of submission). To be considered, each applicant must receive a nomination from their dean or their dean’s delegate.
Learn more about the Research Leadership Fellowship Program and related application guidelines.
This story was originally published by Texas A&M Today.