Office of Research & Graduate Studies

  • An SFA faculty mentor and a student perform research in an animal science facility

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Welcome to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies

We invite you to explore the details of graduate studies and admissions, undergraduate research and creative discovery, and research grants and sponsored programs for faculty.


Graduate and Research Jack Facts

  • $17 MILLION
    IN RESEARCH
    FUNDING

  • 1,200+
    GRADUATE
    STUDENTS

  • 50+
    MASTER'S AND
    DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

  • Miranda de Bruin - 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student

    We are thrilled to announce Miranda de Bruin as our 2025 Marilyn Odom Outstanding Graduate Student Award recipient. This award recognizes her dedication, hard work and exceptional contributions to music education, public service and the SFA community.

    Throughout her time at SFA, de Bruin has demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity and passion for her field. She has been instrumental in the success of the SFA Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. She has led the University Band, fostering inclusive and engaging programming for diverse skill levels. In addition to her teaching and conducting roles, de Bruin has represented SFA in numerous scholarly pursuits including the Texas Music Educators Convention and the TMEA Graduate Student Essay Contest. 

    We look forward to seeing her continue to advocate for public education, elevate the field of music education, and inspire future generations of musicians and educators. Congratulations, Miranda!

    Miranda de Bruin

  • Callie Lynn — 2026 Three Minute Thesis® competition winner

    The Office of Research and Graduate Studies hosted its second Three Minute Thesis® competition in November, showcasing the outstanding research of SFA graduate students. Callie Lynn earned first place for her presentation, "The Dolphin Cocktail Party Effect: Did You Whistle My Name?"

    As the competition winner, Callie will represent SFA at the 2026 Conference of Southern Graduate Schools Three Minute Thesis Competition, where she will present her work to an interdisciplinary audience in three minutes or less.

    Learn about 3MT®

    Callie Lynn 3MT competition winner

  • Meredith Barney - 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student

    Hometown: Harrisburg, PA

    Research Topic: I study freshwater fish in the upper Red River Basin along the Texas-Oklahoma border. My research examines how these communities have changed over the past few decades and identifies the environmental factors driving these shifts in species occurrence and distribution. I also focus closely on three fish species of conservation concern, investigating their diets, movements, and resources crucial for their survival.

    Research Takeaway: I always liked the saying “we all live downstream,” which essentially means that our actions directly impact the systems around us. These relationships may be one of the most important ones of our lives, as they determine what species will survive to the next decade, as well as our ability to recreate and enjoy the freshwater systems that support them. 

    Meredith Barney