The Borderlands Research Institute has awarded a record $283,000 in scholarships to 30 Sul Ross State University students for the 2026-27 academic year.
The recipients include two undergraduates, 22 master’s students and six doctoral students affiliated with BRI research programs. The scholarships are funded through several sources, including support from the Borderlands Research Foundation, endowments and fundraising efforts.
“Scholarship support makes a real difference for our students, allowing them to focus on their studies, their research and the field experience that is such an important part of their education,” said Louis A. Harveson, BRI’s endowed director.
Students in BRI research programs work with wildlife professionals and conservation partners on habitat restoration and research involving species such as grassland birds, pronghorn and mule deer. According to BRI, its graduates help guide wildlife management decisions on more than 31 million acres in Texas, about 20% of the state’s acreage.
Scholarship recipients are:
- Borderlands Research Foundation Scholarship: Emiliano Elizondo, Jesse Ellgren, Jake Gowdy, Christian Lewis, Bryce Mann, Chris Mott, Sean Neigut, John Polster, Will Quarles, Maggie Rector, Ryan Sewell, Hayley Shultz and Madison Vastine.
- BRI Scholarship: Emilie Brochon, Chloe Butler, Caitlin Camp-Pappas, Asia Cornelius, Andrew Dotray, Ty Goodwin and Matt Hewitt.
- Franklin and Virginia Law Endowed Scholarship: Halli Lovell.
- Linda and Curtis Neeley Scholarship: Anna Guerrero and Maya Tinajero.
- San Antonio Livestock Exposition Scholarship: Bryce Mann, Sean Neigut, Will Quarles and Maggie Rector.
- Virginia Matthews Law Endowed Scholarship: SJ Gilbert.
- Wayne and JoAnn Moore Endowed Scholarship: Luke Christensen, Kendall Christensen, Shelby duPerier and Autumn Cornell.
- Wes and Victoria Bannister Scholarship: Antonio Aguilar and Shefin Singh.
Some students received more than one scholarship. BRI, based at Sul Ross State University, conducts research, education and outreach focused on stewardship of the Chihuahuan Desert.
