The National Science Foundation awarded a $293,150 project grant to Fayetteville State University under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) for research initiation on a multi-locus genome-wide association study and gene expression analysis of anticancer peptide lunasin in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) seeds. The three-year award beginning June 1, 2021 will support the university's research into identifying genetic markers and gene pathways related to the production of lunasin, a peptide found in soybeans that has demonstrated anti-cancer effects. By exploring the genetic and molecular basis for lunasin content in soybean seeds, this research funded through the NSF grant could enable the development of new soybean varieties with optimized levels of this beneficial compound through plant breeding efforts.