TWU recognized as a Tier 2 research institution

On February 13th, 2025, Texas Woman’s University was designated Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production Institution by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. According to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, universities must “spend at least $5 million on research and development” each year as well as “award at least 20 research doctorates.” 

TWU was one of 139 universities given the status of “R2.” 16 of these institutions reside in Texas. As of 2023, TWU awarded 233 research doctorates, surpassing the required 20. This was the first time TWU has reached this academic recognition. 

“It is a great testament to the dedication of TWU faculty and students and a feather in our cap to be again named a Carnegie R2 research institution,” stated Dr. DiAnna Hynds, professor of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology at TWU. “TWU faculty involve talented undergraduate and graduate student researchers in generating knowledge that is reported in highly ranked scholarly journals and is used to generate external funding for the institution.” 

Corresponding, TWU has several scholarship opportunities for STEM majors, including STAR, PRIME, SCALE, and Project ACCESS. All of these can be accessed via the Pioneer Scholarship System. In the TWU Biology department alone, research opportunities cover a variety of topics, including neuroscience, dental science, cellular stress, ribosome biogenesis and numerous others. 

“At Texas Woman’s University (TWU), I have had incredible opportunities to further my knowledge through research,” stated Christopher Bacidore,a sophomore at TWU engaging in multiple research projects. “With great backing from my mentors and different organizations at TWU, such as the McNair scholars program and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), I have been able to explore my interest and make strides toward forwarding my career.”

TWU dedicates the Center for Student Research to “facilitating research partnerships and collaboration between TWU students and faculty, enhancing students’ knowledge of all phases of research, and promoting a national presence.” 

“Teaching, discovery and innovation have a circular relationship and are integral to the academic enterprise,” Chancellor Carine Feyten said in a TWU news article. “Achieving this designation is a testament to Texas Woman’s commitment to enhancing the university experience for our students and faculty.” 

The next research event, the Student Creative Arts and Research Symposium will be held on April 22-23, 2025. A virtual and in person event, both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate. 

Annalise Soto-Serrano can be reached via email @asotoserrano@twu.edu