Air Across Texas

The Air Across Texas project is a high school student research project funded by the National Science Foundation (Award # 2325570) designed to engage high school students across the state of Texas in academic research focused on air quality. The program will emphasize the quality and development of the research process and will use hands-on project-based learning to enable students to understand how to use a research-based approach when encountering challenging scientific concepts or subjects. The AAT program will run twice, each time in three phases. These phases will include virtual and in-person settings and emphasize parallel active learning (via hands-on activities) and teamwork. Students will receive a stipend after completing each phase and full financial support for required travel.

Program Highlights

$2,000 stipend (paid in increments after each phase)
Gain valuable mentorship and research experience
Virtual monthly meetings
Field equipment provided
Several free trips to visit Texas Tech University

The project will be conducted in 4 phases, and will be conducted annually, starting in September 2025:

Phase 1 (Virtual / Sept. 25 - Jan. 26): Students will be introduced to different scientific topics to increase knowledge and prepare for the next phase
Phase 2 (Virtual / Feb. 26 - May 26): Students will focus on hands-on research-based project using a low-costs quality sensor provided by the project and placed around their homes
Phase 3 (Face-to-face / 1 week in June or July 26): Students will come to TTU for a 1-week Summer Research Symposium (SRS). Students will have social and scientific activities and workshops to prepare them for college experiences. Parents will also come to TTU for the beginning of the program to learn about potential STEM careers, collegiate opportunities, and ways to support their students. Students who complete the program will be invited back to TTU to present their research in the fall.
Phase 4 (Face-to-face / 1 weekend in October 2026): Students will present their research at the TrUE Undergraduate Research Symposium (Paid trip with your parents to Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX).