ASCENDR is a Department of War-funded, multi-institutional STEM research and graduate pathways initiative led by the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU).
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The initiative brings together HSRU’s R1-designated Hispanic-Serving Institutions to strengthen STEM graduate pathways, faculty engagement, and collaborative research aligned with national defense priorities and warfighter needs.
About ASCENDR
Through an interconnected framework of research, leadership development, graduate student support, and opportunity advising, ASCENDR is building a multi-institutional model that strengthens institutional capacity and connects faculty and students with the broader defense research enterprise.


ASCENDR Programs
Together, the four programs create a connected ecosystem for advancing research, developing talent, strengthening institutional pathways, and expanding engagement with the defense research enterprise.
ASCENDR Research
Competitive faculty research funding supporting collaborative research and graduate student engagement.
ASCENDR Leadership
Faculty leadership development connected to research, innovation, and national defense priorities.
ASCENDR Fellowship
Funded graduate research experiences with faculty mentorship and professional development.
ASCENDR Opportunity Advising
Institutional advising and partnerships that strengthen student pathways to DoW-related opportunities.
Getting Involved
ASCENDR programs are available exclusively to faculty, students, and other institutional stakeholders affiliated with HSRU member institutions. Eligibility and participation requirements vary by program. Visit each program page to learn more about current and upcoming opportunities.
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Organizations and external stakeholders interested in learning more about ASCENDᴿ or exploring potential collaboration may contact hsru@utep.edu.
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Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities
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