WVU Statler College's research expenditures rocket, boosting impact and growth in research

Biomedical engineering assistant professor, Soumya Srivastava works with her graduate students on microfluidic device fabrication in her lab. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

As one of the largest contributors to research conducted at West Virginia University, the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources has experienced rocketing growth with a 72 percent boost in externally funded engineering and computer science research and development since 2020.  

Story by Paige Nesbit, Marketing and Communications director
Photos by Paige Nesbit

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

External research expenditures in fiscal year 2024 were $40.1 million, a significant increase from the fiscal year 2020 total of $23.3 million. The increase in expenditures was accompanied by an increase in the number of sponsored awards received by faculty. 

“Research dollars provide necessary ways and means to allow faculty and students to pursue their adventure on scientific discovery and engineering development,” said Xingbo Liu, associate dean for research and professor in mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering department.  

In recent years, the Statler College has made outstanding advancements in smart grid technologies, energy solutions, decarbonization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, water infrastructure and more.  

"These figures are just one way to measure the growth and impact of the groundbreaking research conducted in the Statler College," said Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College. “Research is a core part of the College's mission, and I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students. These efforts drive innovation and economic growth and provide a wide variety of opportunities for our students while also training the next generation of experts who will create a better future for all. 

As an R1 – or very high research activity — classified institution, WVU ranks amongst the most elite research universities in the United States. Research in the College has remained one of the university-wide contributing factors to this classification.  

For the past three years, the College has been ranked in the Top 100 of the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Expenditure survey, which includes institutional research expenditures in addition to externally supported research. In the latest NSF survey, based on fiscal year 2022, the Statler College reported $45.5 million in research and development expenditures. With the considerable growth in research expenditures, this figure is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming survey, which is scheduled for release next year. 

The boost in research funds has not only enhanced research and innovation efforts but has also bolstered engineering education initiatives. This has created more opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, greatly improving the student experience and retention in the fields of engineering and computer science and supporting the college recruitment efforts.  

"Such advancements are made possible by our talented faculty and students who develop new technologies to address societal challenges," Mago explained. "A prime example is the recognition of seven faculty members and their research through the prestigious NSF CAREER awards and one with the NASA Early Career Faculty award over the past three years. This is an incredible achievement, and I am extremely proud of the outstanding work happening at the College. I look forward to what the future brings." 

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