University of Nevada, Reno Extension and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have formalized a partnership that will fund $1.7 million in programs to address common health, social and environmental challenges affecting communities in Clark County. Faculty and staff from both universities will collaborate on projects to support residents, particularly the most vulnerable, and deal with pressing challenges, such as those posed by mental health conditions and diabetes, domestic violence, drought and climate change.

The collaboration was formed following a series of gatherings and discussions attended by leadership and faculty members from both institutions. These events shed light on ongoing and emerging issues in the county, including child and maternal health, public nutrition, youth at risk, and the effects of water scarcity and climate change on local communities. During these gatherings, faculty members presented their research and proposed new initiatives to address these challenges.

“The University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno firmly believe that we are ‘better together,’ and our institutions are committed to strengthening our partnership to benefit the citizens of Clark County,” said Chris L. Heavey, UNLV executive vice president and provost.

The University of Nevada, Reno’s outreach arm, Extension, which has programs throughout the state, is an integral part of this new, enhanced partnership. Following a vision established by the two institution presidents to expand statewide collaborations, Extension brought together faculty and leadership from both UNLV and the University of Nevada, Reno to discuss ways in which the state’s two public research universities can work together to benefit Nevada’s people and communities.

“Extension is a vehicle through which much collaboration has already taken place, and we are really dedicated to continuing to cultivate this collaboration moving forward,” said Jake DeDecker, Extension director. “We’re funding innovative projects where our Extension faculty and UNLV faculty will put their heads together to jointly tackle some of the most challenging and complex issues we are facing in the southern part of our state. Together, we’ve completed a process that has allowed us to identify nine projects that will receive funding and support.”

The initiative received 65 proposals aimed at addressing significant issues facing Clark County. Out of these, nine were selected for funding:

• A program to guide homeowners and water managers to achieve higher water use efficiencies by aiding in estimating water requirements, assessing irrigation systems and selecting water-efficient vegetation.
• A study in select Clark County School District schools to track high-risk substances being used in the schools, and to improve public health messaging about the issue.
• A Trees for Change Program to mitigate the urban heat island and increase the tree canopy cover to an average of 20% at seven Title I Clark County School District schools.
• An assessment to determine interventions needed to break the cycle of domestic violence and help victims overcome associated financial, legal and health challenges.
• A youth mental health program to support mental health and boost school attendance support for youth in Clark County.
• A public health study to investigate the impact of physical labor on pregnant and postpartum women to reduce the prevalence of postpartum health conditions in Clark County.
• A program to address prevention of Type 2 diabetes in at-risk and underrepresented minority populations in Clark County.
• A youth and workforce development STEM program introducing hydroponics to K-12 students in Clark County to enhance their interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
• A project to study the increasing toxicity of heavy metals in water due to the continuous drought and population growth in Clark County, providing public information through a dedicated website, and distributing test kits for communities to monitor their water quality.

Jointly appointed program manager to lead partnership’s community programs in Clark County

The funded projects are expected to run for up to three years, with the possibility of additional funding in the future, according to Gibran Chavez-Gudino, the partnership’s jointly appointed program manager. To qualify for funding, proposals are required to demonstrate a collaborative effort between UNLV and University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and to align with Extension's mission, which involves applying research-based knowledge to enhance the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals. Furthermore, proposals need to address a key issue or need specific to Clark County.

"This initiative is a catalyst for enhanced well-being of communities in Clark County," said Gudino. "It recognizes that partnerships break informational silos, foster superior scholarship, advance scientific understanding and lead to more effective interventions. The synergy of diverse knowledge and perspectives brought together in tackling complex, real-world challenges will very likely drive innovation and facilitate rapid, positive changes in Clark County.”

Gudino has more than a decade of experience managing programs and strategic relationships in higher education. Before joining the partnership, he held positions as a research administrator and program manager for the Nevada System of Higher Education’s NASA Space Grant Consortium and NASA U.S. National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, where he oversaw grant application processes. During his tenure, the program successfully secured more than $15 million in grant funding to support students pursuing careers in science, mathematics, engineering and technology, as well as to support curriculum enhancement and faculty development.  

In his new position, Gudino will, among other duties, foster faculty relationships to identify collaborative opportunities and seek funding for programs. Gudino, who is also tasked with developing external strategic partnerships, said that the initiative already has five partners who will advise and contract services for the programs, including the Nature Conservancy; Southern Nevada Water Authority; Clark County School District; United Way of Southern Nevada; and University of California, Irvine. 

University of Nevada, Reno Executive Vice President and Provost Jeff Thompson said the nine funded projects bring together expertise from Extension and UNLV to address challenging issues with collaboration and innovation.

“Extension currently collaborates with hundreds of organizations and entities across our state, including at UNLV and our state and community colleges,” Thompson said. “However, this partnership is unique in its approach and has potential to be a real game-changer that yields incredible results for both higher education institutions.”