UTRGV Division of Research

@DrSaygin @utrgv @utsystem During this time, UTRGV surpassed $100 million in annual research expenditures and continues advancing toward Carnegie R1 classification. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Saygin on this appointment and wishing him continued success in this role.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey has appointed @DrSaygin as Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective May 18, 2026. Saygin will continue serving as Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College during this interim appointment.

Dr. Saygin joined UTRGV in 2022 as Senior Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College and has helped lead significant progress in research growth, graduate education and faculty support.

Research from @UTRGV is helping advance understanding of how blood pressure affects brain health. Dr. Jesús Melgarejo of @UTRGVSOM discussed the findings with KEDT. 🎧Listen to the story: bit.ly/40fi1it

🚀 UTRGV has surpassed $100 million in research expenditures for the first time — a 71% increase since FY2022! This milestone marks a major step toward Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) status. 🔗 utrgv.news/UTRGVResearchM… #UTRGV #UTRGV10 #Research #Innovation #CarnegieR1

At @UTRGV, a decade of impact continues with a major milestone: surpassing $100 million in total research expenditures for the first time in university history. FY25 reached $103.7 million, confirming progress toward Carnegie R1 status. Read more: bit.ly/4n6DIdo

Last week, @utrgv's Division of Research and Graduate College hosted the Summer 2025 Professional Development Seminar, a day focused on reflection, learning, and team growth, strengthening how we serve our research community.

A $2.8 million grant from @CPRITTexas will help @UTRGV establish the Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine Core, the first facility of its kind within 250 miles. The core advances cancer research through nanotechnology and statewide collaboration. Read more: bit.ly/3HTKoN1

In a new feature by México Industry, @UTRGV Research highlights the role of its Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) in driving regional innovation. @DrSaygin discusses how the AMRF supports applied research & workforce development. Read more: bit.ly/3Fr6Oog

UTRGV Dr. Can (John) Saygin, VP of research and Dean of the Graduate College describes the Advanced Manufacturing Research being done as new industry arrives to the RGV - preparing our kids for top engineering jobs. #RGV #rgv956 #UTRGV twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Brenda and Luis Bocanegra have done nearly everything together: building a life, raising their kids and now earning their doctoral degrees from #UTRGV. The couple will receive their Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. 🎓✨ 🔗: utrgv.news/luis-and-brend… #UTRGVGrad

📷 @UTRGVSIPCE hosted its 4th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference, bringing together students, faculty, and researchers to examine the theme: From Ethical Challenges to Ethical Solutions. Thank you to all who participated. #UTRGVResearch #InterdisciplinaryResearch

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Graduate College will host the Spring 2025 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of this year’s doctoral graduates. Join us in recognizing their academic excellence and dedication. — @DrSaygin

Today, @DrSaygin joined the @UTRGVSOM Research Seminar Speaker Series, where he presented “From Strategic Planning to Execution: An Integrated Model for Institutional Success,” covering @UTRGV’s research mission, NRSF status, and the university’s pathway to Carnegie R1 status.

Dr. Constantine Tarawneh is leading @UTRGV’s $2.8M @NSF-funded ARISE project in partnership with @GeorgiaTech's @AI4OPT to develop AI tools that improve the safety and reliability of transportation infrastructure. Read more: bit.ly/4ipMZvP

Dr. Liliana Rivera Sandoval has been awarded the Cottrell Scholar Award by @RCSA1 —becoming the first @UTRGV faculty member to receive this honor. @UTRGV is now only the second university in Texas to earn this distinction in astronomy. Read more: utrgv.news/CottrellScholar

Join @UTRGV for the second Spring 2025 talk in the Infinite Frontier Speaker Series. Hosted by the South Texas Space Science Institute (STSSI). 📅 March 13, 2025 | 6:30 PM 📍 Salon Cassia, (BMAIN) 2.402 🔗 More details: bit.ly/4kCvSIt #UTRGV #Astrophysics #Research

Thank you to everyone who attended the @UTRGVGrad College Doctoral Student Mixer! It was great to see students from diverse disciplines connect, share experiences, and explore collaborations. Thanks to our students, faculty, and staff who make @UTRGV a special place. -@DrSaygin

The University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) at @UTRGV has joined a $9.7 million partnership led by @BRS_LaborUnion to advance rail safety innovation and prevent train derailments. Read more: bit.ly/48xUBrZ

From the Rio Grande Valley to beyond, @UTRGV’s growing impact is clear and the university is closer to achieving Carnegie R1 status! Today, #UTRGV announced a record-breaking $86.9M in research expenditures for FY24 — nearly triple the total since 2016. utrgv.edu/newsroom/2024/…