Case Study
A2B – Applied Research
Water-Smart Texas Rice
Role: Applied Research Partner / Subcontractor
Context: University-led, externally funded research project
Focus: Community-based social research within a social–ecological and economic development framework
Research Overview
Part of a university-led initiative, this project explores how Texas rice growing communities can adapt to pressing economic, social and environmental pressures — focusing on the human, cultural, and institutional factors often missing from research.
Focus
The work examines how history, identity, and economic pressures shape:- Water use
- Land decisions
- Community resilience
Approach
A mixed-methods approach combines:
- Interviews and oral histories
- Grower surveys and socio-economic data
- Digital engagement (Social Pinpoint)
Supporting the development of a community-informed social–ecological action plan.
Key Expected Outcomes
- New social and historical insights
- Stronger links between culture and resilience
- Community-informed development strategies
- Actionable guidance for water stewardship
The work emphasizes ethical engagement, historical sensitivity, and methodological rigor.
A2B Collaboration
This work exemplifies A2B (Academic → Business) collaboration:
- Embedded within a university-led research initiative
- Delivered through a defined subcontracted scope
- Focused on applied, field-based and community-engaged research
Designed to extend academic capacity and real-world relevance.
The outputs support both academic research goals and community-relevant outcomes, reinforcing the applied value of the project.