What is SOAR?

2025-2026 SOAR Scholars Cohort

A photo of the soar scholars for the fall 2025 to spring 2026 terms
Dr. Gloria P. Martinez-Ramos, Shayla Jones,  Melissa Villalpando, Prasamsa Kharel, Roan Buechler, and Dr. Toni Watt (Sarah Lopez not pictured graduated fall 2025)
a photo of the first cohort of the soar scholars
First SOAR Scholars: Zona Dubose, Lorenzo Mobley, Derrick Tolliver, and Ashli Bost (not pictured)

SOAR (Student Opportunities for Applied Research) is a new pilot program developed by the Sociology Department and the Center for Diversity and Gender Studies (CDGS). SOAR is designed to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to receive mentoring in and experience conducting applied research. Students may participate in the SOAR program in one of two ways, as SOAR Scholars or as SOAR Affiliates

null

SOAR Scholars

In fall 2026, the Department of Sociology will recruit two undergraduate students for participation in the SOAR Scholars program. The program will be led in the academic year 2026-2027 by Dr. Michelle Edwards and Dr. Samuel Van Vleet. In spring 2027, selected students and faculty mentors will engage in research and professional development activities. Recruitment will focus on students who express an interest in graduate studies.
 
Applications are due November 16, 2026.

 

SOAR Affiliates

  1. SOAR Affiliates are students working with faculty on various research projects. Here are some just a few recent projects:
    1. Higher Education Outcomes of Students Who Have Experienced Foster Care-A quantitative study examining trends in higher education outcomes and whether campus support programs improve higher education outcomes for students who have experienced foster care in Texas- Faculty Lead, Dr. Toni Watt; SOAR Affiliate-Dylan Richter
    2. Exposure to PFAs on Cognitive Function in Firefighters in Texas: PFAs, also known as “forever chemicals” are found in gear, foams, and other training materials used by firefighters. This study investigates PFA exposure using water and blood samples and examines the effects of exposure on cognitive functioning. Faculty Lead: Dr. Xi Pan. SOAR Affiliate: Adrianna Hockert. Dr. Pan is currently searching for another student research assistant. 
    3. Project description: Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI, R01HL171806), the current project examines the relationship between frequent and sustained volunteering and seven cardiovascular biomarkers. This project uses a nationally representative longitudinal dataset of adults 51 and older between 2006 and 2018. Isha will actively engage in this research project by conducting a scoping literature review on volunteering and health, conducting descriptive statistical analyses, presenting the research findings at academic conferences, and participating in manuscript development. Faculty Lead: Seoyoun Kim; SOAR Affiliate - Isha Patel
null