 His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology.Ramirez has received numerous awards and national recognition for his contributions to undergraduate science education and student mentoring.In 1989, Ramirez was named the North Carolina Professor of the Year and a National Gold Medal Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in recognition of his contributions to undergraduate science education.