In addition to the original research happening within the Center, we partner with faculty from across campus to develop research grants and deliver health+resilience research.
In 2022, Dr. Melinda Villagran received a $2 million grant from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop the Central Texas Community Mental Health Collaborative, which brought together data scientists and experts to create a public health dashboard to map mental healthcare gaps in the Travis County area.
MAP I is part of the larger 35 Health Merge research collective.
PI: Dr. Melinda Villagran
In 2023, Dr. Melinda Villagran received a $1 million grant from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to build on the previous work to provide cost-effective, on-demand data analytics and visualization training for employees of public and nonprofit mental health service agencies in Austin and Travis County.
MAP II is part of the larger 35 Health Merge research collective.
PI: Dr. Melinda Villagran
TXST researchers received a $2.76 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a food delivery application for underserved elderly populations in Central Texas.
The app, NUEVA (Nutrition for Underserved Elderly Via Application), is intended to have a wide array of positive effects: improve food and nutrition security, reduce loneliness and enhance socialization and improve the health and mental health of elderly populations of low socioeconomic status.
NUEVA is part of the larger 35 Health Merge research collective.
Co-PIs: Dr. Lesli Biediger-Friedman & Dr. Apan Qasem
To help create a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board created Zeus Certifications. Zeus is an online learning platform that offers short-term, postsecondary credential opportunities. Each certification will be industry-recognized and incorporate the skills and knowledge required by high-demand careers.
Data Science Pathways are the first courses on Zeus, designed to create successful pathways to a degree, a certification, or even a fast-tracked career in this high-demand industry.
Zeus is being funded by the Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief Funding under the Accelerating Credentials of Purposes and Value Grant Program to meet the needs of the fast-growing Texas economy.
January 2018 - May 2020
Networx grant is a translational research program funded by St. David’s Foundation to develop a health communication and social support network to improve maternal health among underserved women in Hays County by connecting them with local health services.
PI: Dr. Melinda Villagran
September 2015 - September 2018
S.H.A.R.E. (Sexual Health Assessment and Risk Education), is a multi-year community-based partnership to reduce sexual risk behaviors among at-risk young adults in our community.
Funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
PI: Dr. Melinda Villagran
May 2013 - May 2016
PartySafe was a peer education campaign aimed at decreasing health risks including HIV that are associated with binge drinking. PartySafe was a campaign sponsored by the Bienestar Coalition with grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
In Spanish, the word bienestar means wellness or well-being. Our coalition worked to improve the well-being of campus and community members through more effective communication, programs and services about the health and safety risks of alcohol and substance abuse.
Funded by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
PI: Dr. Melinda Villagran
