Research in Higher Education - Op Ed

University of Arizona President Garimella and Senior Vice President for Research & Innovation Tomás Díaz de la Rubia highlight the importance of investing in higher education and research, as well as the importance of undergraduate research experiences, in an Op Ed piece published in AZ Central on May 15, 2025.

Chasing Storms and Discovery Through Undergraduate Research

May 8, 2026
Undergraduate researcher Brandon Nepsa

From analyzing the 2021 Texas Freeze to exploring atmospheric dynamics and computer programming, undergraduate researcher Brandon Nepsa has transformed a lifelong fascination with Arizona monsoons into hands-on scientific inquiry. Recognized by the College of Science as an outstanding senior in Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences, Brandon reflects on the experiences, research, and discoveries that shaped his journey at the University of Arizona. Read the full story HERE!