PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (December 9, 2021) – The inaugural Cording Ceremony held by the Division of Research & Innovation on Wednesday delivered a memorable and empowering celebration of 11 honor researchers at Prairie View A&M University. Faculty, family members, and friends of students converged on the Juvenile Justice Auditorium to witness what impact the Faculty-Research & Innovation for Scholarly Excellence (Faculty-RISE) Program had on the students and their faculty mentors.
Vice President Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA, delivering opening remarks during the R&I Inaugural Cording Ceremony.
“Look at what we all accomplished during a global pandemic! You are here today to be honored by the university, the Division of Research & Innovation, and your faculty mentors. This demonstrates how proud of the work you accomplished and the research scholar you have become,” said R&I Vice President Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E, MBA.
The Faculty-RISE grant program supports faculty in conducting studies and experiments in high-priority areas identified by the university. Chosen undergraduate and graduate students assist and work alongside the faculty mentor conducting the research.
Ramaswamy Krishnamoorthi, Ph.D. (Krish), Director, Office of Research Advancement Ramaswamy, who also manages the graduate research assistantships for RISE, applauded the two graduate students for their research dedication.
Faculty-RISE Graduate Student Research coordinator, Ramaswamy Krishnamoorthi, Ph.D., Director, Office of Research Advancement
“I especially want to recognize Roberto de Freitas and Kennedy Wallace who are graduating with master’s degrees in their respective disciplines. Considering the academic and non-academic challenges you have faced in the past year and a half. You should be extremely proud of your accomplishments. We are! You have set a prime example for perseverance and dedication in the face of barriers,” Krish said. “You are examples of the slogan ‘Prairie View Produces Productive People.’”
The RISE program began in 2020 and has supported nearly 35 graduate students each semester. RISE is sponsoring 23 departments, representing all eight colleges and schools of the university. There are more than 100 undergraduates currently being involved in research and innovation initiatives.
Front row (left to right): Favour Ohuakanwa, Chemistry; Precious Jones, Criminal Justice; Jaylia Jackson, Biology; Kennedy Wallace, Community Development; Ana Coronado, Social Work; Da’verick Hunt, Kinesiology; and Heaven Ingram, Chemistry.
Grace T. Abolaji, Ph.D., is the Research Development Officer, Undergraduate Research. She applauded the undergraduates on achieving their graduation goals that included rigorous academic research.
Abolaji shared, “You’re on your way to seek new ideas, vistas, dream new dreams, embark on who you are, embrace life with passion and keep reaching for your star. Chasing a dream requires focus, determination, effort, passion, and hard work. Keep up your good work. And continue to strive. Know that nothing can stop you, as you have the ticket to RISE and make your dreams come true.”
The most moving portion of the ceremony occurred with the airing of a special video, where students and faculty mentors shared how the research experience has impacted their lives.
Fall 2021 Inaugural Research & Innovation Cording Ceremony honorees:
Vice President Rajan joined the faculty mentor(s) in cording their respective student. Along with their purple, gold, and white cords, R&I presented each student with a keepsake leather portfolio.
After the cording Ceremony guests attended a networking reception, which included a student research poster showcase
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By Michael Douglas