East Texas A&M University has been awarded a competitive Research Excellence Fund (REF) Graduate Fellowship grant from the Texas A&M University System to support doctoral students in its Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program.

The funding provides $381,580 for the 2026–27 academic year, with the opportunity for renewal for up to four additional years. The grant will fund 10 new doctoral fellows, covering in-state tuition and fees, competitive stipends and specialized research training opportunities .

The fellowships are designed to help grow the university's only STEM doctoral program while strengthening research output and student support. Fellows will also participate in summer workshops at Texas A&M University in College Station, where they will receive hands-on training in advanced research technologies such as functional MRI, EEG and eye-tracking.

“This grant will really help the Experimental Psychology program,” said Dr. Curt Carlson, professor of experimental psychology and program coordinator. “It will allow us to recruit high-quality doctoral students and provide them with the financial support and training they need to succeed.”

The Experimental Psychology Ph.D. program focuses on research in human cognition, learning and behavior, preparing students for careers in academia, research and industry. Housed within the Department of Psychology and Special Education, the program emphasizes hands-on research, mentorship and scientific inquiry.

With the addition of the REF fellowships, East Texas A&M aims to expand enrollment, enhance research productivity and position the program as a competitive destination for aspiring experimental psychologists.