PVAMU’s RISE Kick-Off Launches a New Year of Research and Innovation
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (September 23, 2026) — Prairie View A&M University’s Division of Research & Innovation launched another year of student research, mentorship and discovery during the 2026 RISE Kick-Off on Wednesday, September 16, at May Hall.
The event marked the start of a new year for the Research and Innovation Success and Excellence (RISE) Program, which provides students with opportunities to engage in faculty-mentored research while developing the skills and experiences needed to pursue graduate education, research careers and other professional pathways.
At the center of the program is a commitment to expanding student participation in research and strengthening PVAMU’s growing research enterprise.
Empowering the Next Generation of Researchers
Under the leadership of Dr. Magesh T. Rajan, Vice President for Research & Innovation, RISE continues to create pathways
for students to move beyond the classroom and contribute to meaningful research across disciplines.
Through faculty mentorship, students gain hands-on experience in areas including research design, data analysis, academic writing, presentations and professional collaboration. In FY2025, Research & Innovation supported more than 100 undergraduate research projects and more than 50 graduate research students through RISE.
The program’s impact spans a diverse range of disciplines, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, mathematics, agriculture and more.
Students Taking the Lead
The 2026 Kick-Off also highlighted the importance of student leadership in advancing PVAMU’s research culture.
During the event, Student Government Association Vice President for Research, Jamary Jefferey, accepted the charge from Dr. Rajan to lead student research initiatives throughout the academic year.
Jefferey expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to support and encourage students as they explore research and innovation. His leadership will help amplify student voices, increase awareness of research opportunities and encourage greater participation across the University.
His role reflects a central principle of RISE: students are not only participants in PVAMU’s research enterprise but they are helping shape its future.
RISE to R1
The RISE program is an important component of PVAMU’s broader commitment to research excellence as the University advances its RISE to R1 journey.
By connecting students with faculty mentors and meaningful research opportunities, the program helps build a pipeline of emerging researchers while strengthening the University’s culture of discovery and innovation.
As the 2026–27 academic year unfolds, RISE students and faculty mentors will continue pursuing new questions, developing innovative solutions and contributing to research that extends beyond the classroom.
At Prairie View A&M University, the next generation of researchers is not simply preparing for the future. They are helping build it.
By Diamond Gordon