Texas A&M University–San Antonio has received a $372,000 grant from National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a project that will recruit and train students to study how human activity is impacting the region’s ecosystem and biodiversity.
Dr. Davida Smyth, a professor in the Department of Natural Sciences, is the project’s principal investigator. She said students will use the nearby Espada property as a “living laboratory” to gain hands-on, workforce-relevant experience. Their research will focus on how pollution, climate change and invasive species impact Espada.
The 380-acre Espada is located about 6 miles west of campus near Mission Espada, which is one of four missions that comprise the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The property, parts of which run along the San Antonio River, has a lake and hiking and biking trails.
A&M-San Antonio and the San Antonio River Authority partnered in 2022 to develop the Espada property, which was donated by The TJX Companies Inc. While much of the property will remain in its natural state, the University’s plans call for low-impact development, including an 8-acre outdoor laboratory and research center. The San Antonio River Authority will develop 4.5 acres for community recreation and education, as well as help maintain the lake and surrounding vegetation.
While this collaborative effort continues to take shape, Smyth said the University will work on the NSF project with the San Antonio River Authority, the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and other community partners to develop a research culture and infrastructure around Espada.
Shaun Donovan, manager of environmental science at the River Authority, said his organization will serve as a mentor to participating students. Biologists, ecologists, and water quality scientists will help students design project protocols, develop methodologies, and provide data to supplement research.
“With this project, there is a natural connection between the educational component that A&M-San Antonio brings and the professional component that the River Authority brings,” Donovan said. “Together, we’re helping develop and train the next generation of environmental professionals. It’s a real win-win in terms of career development.”
The project is part of the NSF’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). The initiative gives students the opportunity to do research full-time for 8-12 weeks during the summer while being mentored by experienced scientists and researchers.
Smyth said the project will kick off in September when A&M-San Antonio starts recruiting students, who will begin their Espada research in the summer of 2026. The University will recruit students from A&M-San Antonio as well local community colleges and four-year institutions nationwide, including students who lack access to research experiences. The research project will run through 2028. Students will have opportunities to present their findings to the community, increasing the impact and reach of the research.
The bulk of the grant money goes to the students, Smyth said, providing them with a stipend for travel and other costs. While not required, students may choose to stay in the University’s residence halls during the summer research project.
Smyth said various faculty members will help participants develop a strong understanding of STEM fields, she added, as they conduct research, hone their ability to communicate their findings with varied audiences, and enhance their teamwork capabilities.
“The goal is to develop interdisciplinary projects that include multiple faculty members,” she said. “We’ll also help increase our research culture on campus during the summer. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”