Creating engaging STEM learning environments for high school students
Official title: TREX:Texas Research Experience Experiment
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-10888718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The TREX project is all about making science and technology education more relatable and exciting for high school students in South Texas by connecting them with mentors from Texas A&M University, offering hands-on summer internships, and creating fun learning materials that help them explore careers in medicine, engineering, and more.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $270,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R25GM154366-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are high school students, especially those in rural areas who are underrepresented in STEM fields.
✕Less likely to help
Students not enrolled in high school or those already pursuing advanced STEM education may not benefit from this initiative.
What this research studies
The TREX project aims to develop a sustainable model for STEM education that resonates with students' cultural backgrounds and interests, preparing them for careers in medicine, science, engineering, and technology. It focuses on enhancing the training of high school educators and students through a structured mentoring program involving Texas A&M University faculty and students from both a science magnet high school and a traditional public high school in South Texas. The initiative includes remote mentorship, summer research internships, and the creation of career-centered curricular modules to foster long-term educational and professional development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve STEM education and career readiness for high school students, particularly those from underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational initiatives have shown success in enhancing student engagement and career preparation in STEM fields.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cannon, Carolyn Louise — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cannon, Carolyn Louise
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.