Research Impact Partners

The Environmental Science Institute (ESI) was founded as a multi-disciplinary institute for basic scientific research in environmental studies. The Institute serves as a focal point on campus for a wide scope of interdisciplinary research and teaching. ESI coordinates cross-departmental environmental science instruction; facilitates education and outreach in STEM fields; and disseminates advances in the area of enviromental science that are important locally and globally. ESI coordinates innovative educational outreach programs that work together to support awareness of science, technology, engineering and math, promost better communication of scientific research, and ultimately spark an interest in science and learning. Host Science - Cool Talks provides a front row seat to world-class research. Presented by ESI, this nationally recognized series allows leading researchers from UT and other prominent universities to share their passion about science, technology, engineering and math with the general public. Events are held six times a year (on-campus or virtually).

McNair Scholars is part of the federally funded TRIO programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education, and the only one primarily focused on students' postbaccalaureate success. McNair Scholars seek to increase the number of undergraduate students earning doctoral degrees who are low-income and first-generation. Participants must be serious and committed to enrolling in graduate programs with an end goal of completing a Ph.D. Students selected to participate in McNair Scholars work with both staff (on graduate school literacy) and a faculty mentor (on research and scholarship). Scholars define, develop, and deliver original, independent research projects.

UT Austin’s national award-winning STEM Girl Day is a FREE event, presented by Women in STEM, and gives K-8th grade students and their families, educators, and other adults a chance to explore STEM through grade-appropriate, hands-on activities hosted by scientists, engineers, astronomers, mathematicians and other STEM enthusiasts from student organizations, research centers, corporate partners and community organizations.

Women in STEM (WiSTEM) on-campus summer camps and virtual academies provide rising 10th through 12th-grade high school students with the opportunity to explore STEM college majors and career paths, gain hands-on STEM experiences and STEM career skills, connect with STEM role models, and learn about university resources and the admissions process.

Women in STEM (WiSTEM) welcomes collaborations to broaden participation in STEM, create a culture of inclusion throughout university programs and systems, and expand STEM outreach and recruitment to girls, students with diverse backgrounds, families, educators, and the general public.