The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has awarded a $40,000 grant for 2026 to the Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University, continuing its long-term commitment to the BRI Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP). Now entering its 12th year anniversary, BUMP has supported more than 75 student-led research projects and continues to be a transformative program.
This funding recommits to investing in paid internship opportunities that prepare students for careers across the natural resource industries. This vision has been shared by others, including the Dallas Safari Club Foundation, the Houston Safari Club Foundation, and the West Texas Chapter Safari Club International. Combined, these other sources contributed an additional ~$40,000 over a 2-year period.
BUMP offers undergraduate students hands-on experience working alongside graduate mentors on research projects. These opportunities, ranging from wildlife ecology to habitat restoration, help students build technical skills, gain professional connections and explore potential career paths.
“Working as a BUMP student with the Borderlands Research Institute has undoubtedly developed me into the young professional I am today,” said Jack Bussey, current BUMP student. “I have had the opportunity to work across countless projects as well as work with numerous professionals in the field. The opportunities and support that this program has provided me will pave the way for my future career.”
Through BUMP, students participate in a wide range of research activities, such as collecting data in the field, deploying and monitoring field equipment, conducting wildlife or land surveys, analyzing plant samples, mapping habitat with GIS technology and handling captured wildlife. The program’s diversity of research topics reflects the wide range of conservation challenges within the West Texas landscape.
“The Borderlands Research Institute has greatly impacted my undergraduate career,” said Christopher Mott, current BUMP student. “Over the last four years, I have been able to participate in multiple research projects ranging from habitat restoration to big game management. This allowed me to broaden my understanding of the natural resources, and deepen my appreciation for the outdoors. BRI has exposed me to all aspects of research, and has led me to meet many professionals in this field.”
Each student not only contributes to a real-world conservation project, but this program also serves as a stepping stone for students’ academic and professional futures. Participants are required to present their findings at Sul Ross State University and at least one professional wildlife-related conference — experiences that help prepare them for graduate school as well as their career path. View current BUMP undergraduate students here: https://bri.sulross.edu/undergraduate-assistants/
“The program is the reason that I decided to pursue my master’s degree,” said Eliana Goodwin, past BUMP student. “Within my first semester as an undergraduate, BUMP showed me how rewarding conservation research can be. My mentors and faculty advisors guided me toward the path that was right for me. It’s not a cookie-cutter program. It’s personalized to the needs, interests and strengths of each student. That really pays off.”
Eligibility for BUMP is open to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in any natural resource-related program. Program participants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and commit roughly 19 hours per week for research work. Students interested in joining BUMP can apply for available positions posted through the Sul Ross employment website listing: https://sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/8942
Photo: Students measure volumetric soil moisture at a vegetation plot at the Mimms Unit at the Dixon Water Foundation. Elianna Goodwin photo