TAMIU Professor Awarded $57,853 Hackerman Grant

A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) assistant professor of Biology, Dr. Ruby A. Ynalvez, has been awarded a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Program (NHARP) Grant totaling $57,853 for a two-year project.

Dr. Ynalvez’ award focuses on environmental pollution by heavy metals, an increasingly serious public health and environmental problem worldwide. The project’s success will provide a basis for the development of an innovative approach for assessing and removing heavy metals in polluted waters.

The Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Program is a competitive peer-reviewed grant program created in 1987 by the 70th Texas Legislature. Its purpose is to encourage and provide support to faculty members and students in Texas institutions of higher education, both public and independent, to conduct basic research.

As part of the project, Ynalvez will mentor and train TAMIU students so the research skills gained will make them more competitive as they seek employment or advanced degrees.

Originally from the Philippines, Ynalvez came to TAMIU in the fall of 2007. Her Ph.D. in Biochemistry was earned at Louisiana State University.

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