PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (September 2, 2025) — Sarah Conrad, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy at Prairie View A&M University, has been awarded nearly $75,000 from the National Academies to advance research aimed at building a more sustainable Gulf region.
Conrad’s project supports the mission of the Gulf Scholars Program (GSP), a pilot initiative of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program. The program helps build the capacity of Gulf region colleges and universities to prepare and inspire undergraduate students as future change agents. By addressing challenges at the intersection of social, environmental and energy systems, the work supports a vision for a safer, more resilient, equitable and sustainable Gulf region.
Sarah Conrad, Ph.D.
At Prairie View A&M, the project brings together students, faculty and programs across disciplines—including the humanities, arts, sciences, engineering, public affairs, and planning and design. This collaborative approach ensures that Gulf Scholars are equipped to confront complex challenges from multiple perspectives.
The pilot project also lays the foundation for broader implementation, creating a growing network of higher education partners committed to strengthening the Gulf region and shaping a sustainable future.
Conrad is supported by a team of Prairie View A&M co-principal investigators: Selena Tate, Ph.D.; Noel Estwick, Ph.D.; Kazeem Olanrewaju, Ph.D.; Emmanuel DaDa, Ph.D.; Tamika Baldwin-Clark, Ph.D.; Ayodeji Iyanda, Ph.D.; Gargi Aleaz, Ph.D.; Kyu Young Lee, Ph.D.; Jeanelle Hope, Ph.D.; and Nathan Mitchell, Ph.D. Together, their collaboration exemplifies PVAMU’s commitment to innovation, excellence and preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle the Gulf region’s most pressing challenges.
By Joe McGinty