December 3, 2024

Drexel University’s Office of the President, College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP), Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Office of Research & Innovation have announced an opening in the application cycle for the 2024-25 HBCU-Drexel Health Science and STEM Partnership Pilot Research Awards competition.

The HBCU-Drexel Health Science and STEM Partnership Pilot Research Awards competition is a STEM and health science-focused competition designed to foster collaboration between students and faculty from each of five HBCU partners and Drexel University’s STEM and health science units, with the goal of supporting partnership-driven research and scholarly or creative activity.

“The HBCU-Drexel Health Science and STEM Partnership Pilot Research Award presents a unique opportunity for innovative research. Over time, these Pilot Research Awards could help create a more diverse pool of faculty resources than what currently exists," said Veronica Carey, PhD, assistant dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at CNHP.

Drexel will partner with these five historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs): Cheyney University, Delaware State University, Hampton University, Lincoln University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The collaboration is designed to foster a lasting connection between the institutions and enhance academic advancement, scholarship, practice, civic engagement, inclusion and diversity among faculty and students in the fields of health sciences and STEM using a reciprocal approach based on mutual trust and respect.

Vice President for Health and Health Equity, Loretta S. Jemmott, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN, expressed that her personal experiences as a student at both Hampton University and Drexel University became one of the motivating forces for this collaboration. Jemmott illustrated that the initiative is vital for creating spaces of inclusivity and diversity in scientific fields.

"Creating the HBCU-Drexel Pipeline Partnership in Health Sciences and STEM has been deeply meaningful to me. As an African American first-generation college graduate from an HBCU (Hampton University) and a PhD holder from the University of Pennsylvania, I understand the transformative power of such opportunities. This initiative connects HBCU students and faculty to cutting-edge research facilities, mentorship and collaborative projects with Drexel faculty, enhancing their preparation for advanced studies. It also fosters respect, inclusion and hope while building a diverse and equitable workforce in health sciences and STEM, shaping the future of these fields," said Jemmott.

“We’ve known for decades that diverse teams are more innovative than teams that lack diversity, and innovation is critical in the health sciences and STEM. I’m delighted to partner with my colleagues in CNHP on this initiative to bring together teams of faculty and students across institutions to engage in research that addresses society’s biggest challenges and to reap the benefits of their diverse perspectives,” added Leslie Ashburn Nardos, PhD, Drexel's vice provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The Pilot Research Awards are designed to support a wide range of research, scholarship and creative activities that align with one or more of Drexel University's ten Areas of Excellence and Opportunities (AEOs). Health innovation, health equity and wellness are among the top focuses.

CNHP's dean also expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to explore research and foster connections between Drexel and the participating HBCUs. “By fostering connections between students and faculty from HBCUs and from the College of Nursing and Health Professions, we create meaningful opportunities for shared learning, collaborative research and the development of diverse perspectives that enrich our academic community,” said Emily Roper, PhD.

To be eligible, participants formed teams of at least four members - one undergraduate student and full-time faculty member each from Drexel University and one of the HBCU partners to foster deeper cross-institutional collaborations between students and faculty.

All proposals will be peer-reviewed according to significance and relevance to at least one of Drexel’s AEOs, scientific merit, potential for the advancement of knowledge in a specific field, feasibility and qualifications of the team.

Grants of up to $10K will be awarded to each of five HBCU-Drexel teams. This funding is a one-year, non-renewable grant that will be disbursed no later than January 31, 2025, upon receipt of IRB approval (if relevant).

By Myleah Herbert, marketing '25