You will not need to submit an official transcript in your application. A copy of your academic transcript can be uploaded as part of your required application materials.  

However, if you are accepted into the program, we will request that you submit an Official academic transcript upon entering the program, which can be sent either via email or mail to the ROADS program coordinator: 

eTranscript: ramp@utep.edu (c/o Dr. Kathleen Schaeffer)  

*Note eTranscripts must be Official electronic copies provided by the applicants University 

Paper Transcript: 

UTEP ROADS RaMP Program Coordinator 
University of Texas at El Paso  
500 West University Ave  
Biological Sciences Bldg. 216  
El Paso, TX 79968-0509 

All application materials are due no later than March 1st, 2025 

Applicants interested in applying to the ROADS program must: 

• Have received a bachelor's degree in Ecology, Evolution, Environmental Science, or a related field within the past 4 years or will receive their degree before May 30th 2025 
• Have graduated with at least a 3.0 GPA 
• Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident 
• Submit the required application materials online through the NSF ETAP application site:
  • Email addresses for 2 Letters of recommendation from university professors and/or professional mentors
  • Academic Transcript
  • Essay that provides information regarding any previous research participation and how their background has influenced their choices in pursuing research experience (1 page, single-spaced)
  • Resume or CV

In the online ETAP application, applicants will be able to submit the email addresses of their two professional or academic references.  

• Each reference person will be then be sent a secure link via email where they can upload a copy of their reference for the applicant.  
• Applicants should let their mentors know ahead of time to monitor their emails for this link to ensure references are submitted before the application due date (March 1st, 2025). 

Applicants should receive email confirmation from the NSF ETAP website that their application was successfully submitted.

Dr. Kathleen Schaeffer 

UTEP ROADS RaMP Program Coordinator  

ramp@utep.edu  

Phone: (915) 747-5600 

Program dates and deadlines for subsequent years will be announced by December of each year.

Participants of the ROADS program will: 

• Need to provide documentation in order to be assigned as professional affiliates at the University of Texas at El Paso
• Be on campus for fall and spring research experience, all workshops, seminars, and professional development
  • Note: Projects may require summer field work either out of state or at UTEP
    
    • Costs for travel are included in the program stipend 
• Complete all safety and laboratory training requirements. 
• Complete a year- long research project under the guidance of a Faculty mentor and peers 
  • ROADS participants will also present their results of their project at a symposium, near the end of the program (e.g., COURI) 

Applicants admitted to the program will receive: 

• 1-year of full support ($32.5K stipend, funds for research, travel, and subsistence) 
• Immersive research and professional development activities to prepare you for graduate school
• Access to a diverse and supportive network of mentors and peers
• Once applicants are fully set up in the UTEP system they will receive monthly paychecks. 

Unfortunately, no. Applicants will not receive their monthly stipend until after the start of the program.  

*Please reach out to ramp@utep.edu for more information

Unfortunately, no. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent/legal US residents. 

If you did not receive a bachelors degree in ecology, evolutionary, environmental, or biological science and you are not sure if your degree is a related field please reach out to ramp@utep.edu to check. 

Acceptance notifications will begin by early April 15th, 2025*

Absolutely! The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a doctoral, minority-serving (~80% Hispanic – reflecting the local population), research-intensive university located on the U.S. border with Mexico. Currently, we serve more than 25,000 students, and our mission is to provide both access and excellence, supporting the education and development of our community. In fact, UTEP’s goal is to become the first national research university with a 21st century student demographic. El Paso is home to approximately 800,000 residents; combined with our sister city of Ciudad Juárez in Mexico (pop. ~1.2 million), we are the largest bi-national metroplex in the world. Research efforts at UTEP focus on border relevant issues, in line with our commitment to improving the health and well-being of people in this region. UTEP is home to the Sun Bowl and the UTEP Miners, led by our mascot, Paydirt Pete. Come visit us - we’d love to show you around! You can also visit our website: www.utep.edu.   

Informative Websites:

• Indio Mountain Research Station (IMRS)
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• UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahua Desert Gardens
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• UTEP Biodiversity Collections
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• The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
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• UTEP Campus Map
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• UTEP Housing
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• Off Campus Housing
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• How to Register for classes at UTEP
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• About El Paso & the region
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• El Paso Weather