Cure-IT, a cure with innovative teaching in undergraduate teaching laboratories

The National Science Foundation awarded Rust College $399,099 on October 1, 2025, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop and implement course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) embedded in core science courses at the institution.

Over the three-year period of performance through September 30, 2028, Rust College will develop research modules and an implementation strategy that progressively increase student independence, culminating in student presentations and dissemination of research findings. The project supports faculty development and creates sustainable curricular models designed to enhance student engagement and retention in STEM disciplines while preparing graduates with skills for innovation-driven economic growth, improved public health, and national security. The work takes place in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

The award is structured as a Targeted Infusion Project under the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), which supports evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of undergraduate students enrolled at HBCUs pursuing STEM graduate programs and careers. By embedding authentic research experiences into the undergraduate curriculum, the project serves as a scalable model for similar institutions nationwide.

Abstract

The historically black colleges and universities undergraduate program (HBCU-up) through targeted infusion projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of undergraduate students enrolled at hbcus so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. The cure-IT project aligns directly with NSF?S mission to promote the progress of science and advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare by transforming undergraduate STEM education at rust college through the integration of authentic research experiences into the curriculum. The national imperative to develop a highly skilled STEM workforce is critical to maintaining the united states? Leadership in science and technology, fostering innovation, and addressing complex challenges. This project proposes to address educational challenges by embedding course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURES) into rust college?S core science courses, providing equitable access to hands-on research and fostering a culture that values inquiry and innovation. Over three years, the project will develop research modules and an implementation strategy, that progressively increases student independence, culminating in presentations and dissemination of research findings. The approach enhances student engagement and retention and prepares more equipped graduates with the skills needed for innovation-driven economic growth, improved public health, and national security. By supporting faculty development and creating sustainable curricular models, the project ensures long-term impact that extends beyond rust college, serving as a scalable example for similar institutions nationwide. The anticipated increases in STEM retention, research capacity, and workforce readiness directly contribute to national priorities of sustaining scientific leadership, fostering economic prosperity, and ensuring an innovative scientific community capable of addressing tomorrow?S challenges this award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.