We all have a stake in UNLV

As professors at UNLV's School of Life Sciences, we are extremely concerned about the budget situation in Nevada. We work hard, teaching several thousand students every semester, training many of them in our laboratories, writing grants to conduct cutting-edge research and publishing our results in prestigious scientific journals as well as in books and textbooks.

We consider UNLV our second home, and our effort provides an essential service to the citizens of Nevada and the United States, training future nurses, doctors, engineers, energy experts, land managers and scientists. For example, Bruce Jones, one of our first Ph.D. students, is now chief scientist for geography at the U.S. Geological Survey.

We deplore the proposed cuts in general fund appropriations for UNLV, which would decimate this extraordinary center of higher learning. Our mission as educators and scientists is central to the health of Nevada and must be maintained. We support efforts to comprehensively examine the financial crisis and find better ways to move forward.

We believe that the benefits of a research-intensive university such as UNLV have not been well-articulated to the public. For the several million dollars of federally supported research (not destined for equipment) that we bring in each year, an additional 43 to 49 percent is provided to the university locally to support the campus infrastructure. However, investment is required before such rewards can be attained.

A National Science Foundation report recently cited UNLV as the fourth fastest-growing research institution in the country. Unquestionably, we are at a critical point of UNLV's emergence as a research university, and pulling the plug now would result in a devastating change in our upward trajectory.

Legitimately, all Nevadans can ask how this is relevant to them.

First, an effective and prestigious university stands out because it has qualified faculty who conduct cutting-edge research that attracts national attention and translates into financial benefits to its state.

Second, in addition to the economic benefits provided to the state by research-intensive universities, faculty members of these institutions are more effective instructors. The continuous requirement for a top-level researcher to stay current in diverse fields of knowledge translates into better, up-to-date information being taught to students. We are hired based on both our research and teaching experience and are strongly committed to highly effective education at UNLV. We strive to maintain and improve the learning environment through up-to-date classroom technology, study sections, lab and field experiences and research opportunities for students.

Our efforts in research and teaching help university graduates prepare to assume critical roles in the private sector, the government, and in non-governmental organizations as Nevada strives to emerge as a vibrant and modern Western state.

The proposed budget cuts would trigger a downward spiral in our ability to provide our unique array of services to Nevada citizens and students, beginning with loss of support staff and resources required to perform cutting-edge research and teaching. With an eroding infrastructure, talented senior faculty will almost certainly look elsewhere for employment as UNLV's resources and reputation deteriorate. Remaining faculty would shoulder the entire teaching load and much of the administrative load. Consequently, research dollars would dry up, resulting in a halt to the creation and publication of new knowledge, and the curtailing or elimination of research, mentoring and laboratory training for students.

Companies in need of a trained work force would be less likely to relocate to Las Vegas because of the lack of an educated public -- further magnifying a problem that already exists, according to recent surveys.

Do you want first-hand evidence of what we provide to Nevadans? Contact the university and arrange a campus visit. We would love to have the opportunity to give you a tour of our laboratories and convey our enthusiasm for participating in building a better Nevada.

If we want quality care at the doctor's office, an expert dentist drilling our teeth, the best nurses for our elderly parents, clean air and drinkable water, well-managed natural areas for recreation, and efficient, cheap and renewable energy, then we need to train our future work force to the best of our abilities. This is our commitment to Nevada, but we need your support in order to continue to provide our vital services.

We urge all Nevadans to speak to their legislators, neighbors, family and friends about the importance of having a research-intensive university in Las Vegas. UNLV produces students and research that impact the quality of our lives. We have some tough budget decisions ahead, Nevadans. Let's make the right ones and support the pivotal role of Nevada's higher education and research institutions for the betterment of all.

Brett Riddle and Lawrence Walker are professors at UNLV's School of Life Sciences. Javier A. Rodriguez is an associate professor in the School of Life Sciences.