Office of Research Engagement

The Office of Research Engagement (ORE) serves as a research and community engagement hub for TAMU-CC, helping to realize and enhance the public impact of the university through multiple programs and strategies. ORE provides a growing collection of capabilities and resources that empower faculty and staff to develop a strong culture of innovation as well as promote TAMU-CC’s growth as an intellectual capital in our region and beyond.

ORE works closely with community stakeholders to identify relevant needs and opportunities and facilitates mutually beneficial connections with the appropriate university intellectual resources. The Office of Research Engagement seeks to develop and support a community of practice within TAMU-CC that’s focused on making an impact by leaving a legacy in the community. We know that can happen through research, teaching, service and beyond and want to support and empower people to do that.

Staff

Joe Miller is the Director of Research Engagement. The Office of Research Engagement is charged with making a positive and sustainable impact on the educational attainment, economic development, and quality of life in our community. Joe has worked at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi since 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Texas State University, and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Phone: 361-825-5967
Email: Joseph.Miller@tamucc.edu

Trent Thigpen is Program Manager for the Pollution Prevention Partnership and AutoCheck program. His focus is to help our community decrease single source mobile emissions by offering vehicle testing for both public and private vehicles. Fleet testing is done at no cost and is available by request. Public testing is done throughout the year at events held on campus and other community locations.

Prior to joining Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, he was an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Victoria College. Trent has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from TAMU-CC, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics and Communications from The University of Houston-Victoria, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Texas State University.

Phone: 361-825-3070
Email: Trent.Thigpen@tamucc.edu

Office of Research Engagement Overview

Staff

Joe Miller, Director of Research Engagement

Catherine Bridges, Business Coordinator

Yazmin Diaz, Program Manager for Workforce Development

Trent Thigpen, Program Manager Pollution Prevention Partnership and AutoCheck

Director of Research Engagement