At the University of Texas at El Paso, we are excited to announce a groundbreaking opportunity for graduate students to lead transformative change through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship (NRT) award. Our Program in Holistic Design will empower the next generation of STEM leaders to tackle complex societal issues with a focus on holistic design, inclusion, and sustainability.
This innovative program will train 200 graduate students over the next four years, including M.S. and Ph.D. candidates, to become Holistic Design Influencers. Students from any discipline will have the chance to develop expertise in holistic-centered design, learning how to create products, policies, services, and systems that are accessible and beneficial for all communities, especially low-resource and vulnerable populations.
By participating in this program, students will:
- Engage in transdisciplinary, real-world projects that address pressing societal challenges.
- Learn to design solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Gain experience working with communities to solve complex, interconnected problems that span global, cultural, and economic contexts.
- Receive specialized training in holistic design and inclusion in every phase of the design process.
This program not only prepares students to be leaders in holistic design thinking but also fosters an innovative and adaptable mindset to respond to evolving societal needs. The NRT Program will equip students with the skills to drive positive change across industries, creating products, services, and policies that benefit everyone.
Join us in building a more inclusive, sustainable world—one design at a time. Apply and become a part of a transformative movement shaping the future of design.