Rust College Professors Win Nearly $400,000 National Science Foundation Grant to Bring Real Research into the Classroom (755 hits)
Under the leadership of President Johnny M. Moore, Rust College is taking a bold step forward in science education thanks to a nearly $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) - the first grant of its kind awarded to the institution in several years.
Chemistry professors Dr. John Alexander and Dr. Jacqueline Harris, along with their team, are leading an exciting project called CURE-IT, which will give Rust College students the chance to do real-world scientific research as part of their regular classes.
The grant comes through the HBCU-UP TIP (Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Undergraduate Program Targeted Infusion Project) and is designed to help HBCUs expand opportunities for their students in STEM.
“This project is about more than just learning science—it’s about doing science,” said Dr. Alexander. “We want our students to experience the thrill of discovery, not just follow step-by-step lab instructions with a known answer.”
Turning Ordinary Labs Into Real Research In many college science labs, students follow instructions to complete an experiment where the outcome is already known - like making aspirin or analyzing caffeine. While this helps teach important techniques, it doesn’t fully capture the creativity and problem-solving involved in real scientific research.
CURE-IT changes that. Instead of using pre-made experiments, Rust College students will work on projects where no one knows the outcome. These research projects will be integrated directly into their regular chemistry and biology courses.
For example, an Organic Chemistry class might synthesize brand-new molecules that have never been created before. Then, a Biology class could test those molecules to see if they have any useful biological properties, such as fighting bacteria or supporting plant growth.
“The students will still learn all the core skills they need - like chemical analysis and lab techniques - but instead of working with common, well-studied compounds, they’ll be contributing to real discoveries,” explained Dr. Harris.
Why This Matters for Students This hands-on approach has huge benefits for students: • It makes science exciting and meaningful by letting students work on authentic projects. • It builds confidence by showing them they can be true researchers. • It gives them valuable experience for graduate school or STEM careers, something many employers and graduate programs look for. • It helps keep students engaged and motivated, which can boost retention and graduation rates. • Students will also get to work closely with faculty mentors, creating a stronger sense of community and support.
“When students see themselves as real scientists, it changes the way they think about their future,” Dr. Alexander said.
Transforming STEM Education at Rust College CURE-IT represents an exciting opportunity for Rust College to become a leader in innovative STEM education, especially among HBCUs. By blending research and teaching, the program is preparing students for graduate school, careers, and a lifetime of curiosity and discovery.
“This is about giving our students opportunities that they might not get anywhere else,” said Dr. Harris. “When they leave Rust, they’ll have the skills and the confidence to succeed in any STEM field.”
With this NSF grant, Rust College is paving the way for the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers - right here in Holly Springs.
About Rust College: Rust College, established in 1866 by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is the oldest and most esteemed historically Black college in Mississippi. Located in Holly Springs, approximately 35 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee, Rust College offers a diverse range of degree programs across multiple disciplines, including Business, Education, Humanities, Science and Mathematics, and Social Science. The institution is dedicated to equipping and inspiring students for excellence and service within their communities and throughout the world. Rust College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, enabling it to confer both associate and baccalaureate degrees.
