Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Biological Infrastructure awarded a $541,075 Project Grant to Bowie State University on June 15, 2026, to establish and operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site focused on food security research. Under this renewal award, the program will provide 30 undergraduate students annually with a 10-week summer research experience from 2026 through 2028 at Egerton University in Nakuru, Kenya, with access to advanced facilities at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). Students will conduct hands-on laboratory and field research on underutilized and resilient crop species critical to global food security, developing technical competencies in research methodology, problem-solving, leadership, and scientific communication. Program participants will present research findings at scientific conferences to prepare for graduate study and careers in STEM fields.

Beyond direct student training, the award supports strengthened international research collaborations and expanded mentoring opportunities for Bowie State University faculty, while enhancing the institution's research capacity and visibility through strategic partnerships. The program's outcomes will be assessed using a modified version of the NSF Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment Instrument (URSSA), and program activities are aligned with NSF priorities in biotechnology and workforce diversification. Applications are submitted through the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) system at https://etap.nsf.gov. The award is categorized under CFDA 47.074, Biological Sciences.