RISE Workshop Series

RISE (Research Identity, Scholarship & Excellence) is a workshop series sponsored by the TTU College of Education that is designed to guide participants in the intentional development of authentic research identities, the establishment of effective scholarly practices, and the pursuit of diverse funding opportunities, with the overarching goals of amplifying the collective impact of education research. The series engages participants from Texas Tech University and beyond in exploring strategies for building sustainable research agendas, cultivating scholarly excellence, and amplifying the influence of education research.

This year, participants will engage in brownbag workshops and discussions on topics such as:

• Clarifying long-term research goals and aligning them with funding priorities.
• Understanding the shifting federal funding landscape
• Developing habits and tools for writing, project management, and productivity.
• Expanding research impact through various dissemination pathways and audience engagement.

Schedule and Overview of 2025–26 Sessions

Navigating the Federal Funding Landscape

• Speakers/Panelists: Fernando Valle; Rona Pogrund; COE Grants Office rep; Heather Stocker
• Date/Time: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 12:00-1:30pm
• Location: Education 257 or online
• Register

Introduces researchers to the evolving opportunities and priorities across federal agencies that support education and related fields. This workshop provides an overview of major funders, highlights recent shifts in their missions, and explores what these changes mean for education research. Participants will learn strategies for aligning their scholarly goals with emerging federal priorities to increase competitiveness and impact. The session also highlights practical tools and institutional supports available for grant-seeking at Texas Tech University. By the end, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to position their work within a changing federal funding ecosystem.

University Research Support Essentials: Working with ORS, ORDC, & Accounting Services

• Speakers: Representatives from ORS, ORDC, & Accounting Services
• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 2:00-4:00pm
• Location: Education 152 or online
• Register

This session introduces College of Education faculty and researchers to the key university-level offices that provide support across the research lifecycle at Texas Tech University. Representatives from the Office of Research Services, the Office of Research Development & Communication, and Accounting Services will share an overview of their roles, resources, and how they partner with faculty to advance research success. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to engage these offices in areas such as budgeting, proposal development, compliance, and award management. The session also offers an opportunity to meet staff, ask questions, and strengthen connections with the people and services that make research possible.

Research & Funding 101: Building a Productive & Impactful Research Pathway

• Speakers/Panelists: Jessica Gottlieb; Gina Childers; COE Grants Team rep; Heather Stocker
• Date/Time: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 12:00-1:30pm
• Location: Education 253 or online
• Register

This RISE workshop is designed to help faculty, graduate students, and researchers connect their research goals, productivity practices, and dissemination strategies into a cohesive plan for scholarly growth. Participants will leave with three concrete tools: a Research Agenda Map to clarify long-term goals and align with funder priorities, a Weekly Writing Schedule to support sustainable productivity, and a Dissemination Plan to expand the reach and influence of their work. Through guided discussion and hands-on activities, this session provides a structured pathway for strengthening research identity, building effective habits, and amplifying scholarly impact.

Budgeting and Justification Best Practices

• Speakers: Cory Blackwell; Olivia Martinez; COE Grants Team rep; Heather Stocker
• Date/Time: Tuesday, January 27, 2025 – 12:00-1:30pm
• Location: Education 253 or online
• Register

Managing grants effectively begins long before a project is funded. This RISE workshop offers a practical introduction to budget planning, compliance requirements, and the roles of pre- and post-award offices. Participants will learn how to align project goals with funder expectations, navigate institutional processes, and collaborate effectively with grants office staff. By the end of the session, attendees will draft a budget skeleton they can adapt for future proposals, gaining confidence in both the financial and administrative dimensions of research support.

Turning Funders into Funding; or, How to Find and Win Grants

• Speakers/Panelists: Heather Greenhalgh-Spencer; Jacob Kirksey; Jennifer Hamrick; Jason Lee; Heather Stocker
• Date/Time: Tuesday, February 17, 2025 – 12:00-1:30pm
• Location: Education 253 or online
• Register

This interactive RISE workshop integrates three skills for research success: identifying the right funders, navigating Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and refining competitive proposals. Participants will begin by exploring federal, state, and foundation opportunities in education and related fields, with guided strategies for matching their research agendas to funder priorities. Together, we will then break down a real RFP to interpret funder language, uncover expectations, and highlight criteria for strong submissions. Building on these insights, participants will draft an outline of their own proposal and take part in a mock review panel, where peers provide structured feedback using reviewer criteria. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with a tailored list of 3–5 target funding opportunities, a completed Annotated RFP Summary, a strengthened proposal outline, and practical insights into how reviewers evaluate submissions.