The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has awarded a $40,000 grant for 2026 to the Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University, continuing its long-term support of the BRI Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP).
Now entering its 12th year, BUMP has supported more than 75 student-led research projects and provides paid internship opportunities designed to prepare students for careers in natural resource industries.
Additional support for the program has come from partners including the Dallas Safari Club Foundation, the Houston Safari Club Foundation, and the West Texas Chapter Safari Club International, which together contributed approximately $40,000 over a two-year period.
BUMP places undergraduate students in hands-on research roles alongside graduate mentors, with projects ranging from wildlife ecology to habitat restoration. Students take part in field and lab work that can include collecting data, deploying and monitoring equipment, conducting wildlife and land surveys, analyzing plant samples, using GIS for habitat mapping, and handling captured wildlife.
Current BUMP student Jack Bussey said the program has helped shape his professional development through access to multiple projects and mentorship from professionals in the field. Christopher Mott, another current student, said his four years in the program provided experience across habitat restoration and big game management while expanding his understanding of West Texas natural resources.
Students in the mentorship program are required to present their research at Sul Ross State University and at least one professional wildlife-related conference. Former BUMP student Eliana Goodwin said the experience influenced her decision to pursue graduate school and credited the program’s individualized approach for helping students find the right path.
BUMP is open to undergraduate students in natural resource-related programs. Participants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and commit about 19 hours per week to research work. Students can view current BUMP undergraduate assistants at bri.sulross.edu/undergraduate-assistants and apply for available positions through the Sul Ross employment listing at sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/8942.
Photo: Students measure volumetric soil moisture at a vegetation plot at the Mimms Unit at the Dixon Water Foundation. Elianna Goodwin photo.
