NCCU Advances Research and Community Impact with $10M Award

A $10 million subgrant could have wide-ranging impacts on scientific efforts at North Carolina Central University(NCCU).

NCCU received $10 million, part of a $69 million grant Duke University received in August 2025, to conduct Translational Science. The money originated at the National Institutes of Health.

Translational Science is the study of converting medical research into better health outcomes. This involves identifying barriers toward successfully implementing research and finding solutions. Part of the goal is to accelerate the process from scientific discovery to improving health.

"We are a community engaged organization," said Deepak Kumar, Ph.D., associate provost and dean of Research and Sponsored Programs who leads this effort at NCCU. "It is really important for us to translate evidence-based discoveries to the community."

Seronda Robinson, Ph.D., professor and co-director of the Health Equity Environment and Population (HOPE) program at NCCU, anticipates the 7-year grant could be used to expand existing community engagement efforts. Ideas include:

• Training researchers how to work with communities and vice versa.
• Offering pilot funds to faculty to conduct research.
• Creating ethno-dramas - theatrical productions designed to raise awareness of specific health topic.
• Data dashboards - both building them and making them more accessible - for a variety of information, including demographics, environmental concerns, food insecurity, wi-fi access, etc.

"We're in the early stages," Robinson said. "We have ideas. Now we are in the process of taking them to the community to ensure they align with their needs. We will also consider other suggestions."

When it comes to developing students for the workforce, Tracie Locklear, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in the department of pharmaceutical sciences, sees great potential.

"We know employers are looking for certain skills," said Locklear. "We want to make sure we are on the cutting edge and building those skills, so NCCU graduates are the most qualified when they leave the program."

Some of the ideas the department is considering include:

• Expanding clinical research-related opportunities for students including data science, artificial intelligence, regulatory affairs, marketing and budgeting.
• Teaching students' new skills related to clinical trials and data collection.
• Incentivizing researchers partnering with the community.
• Expanding data science and data literacy.

The collaboration between NCCU and Duke University will be facilitated through the Bridge Office, an entity started five years ago that aims for a smooth and productive relationship between the two universities, said Faye Calhoun, Ph.D., interim director of the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute (BBRI) and a collaborator at the Bridge Office.

Calhoun describes the grant as "critical."

"It's basically for infrastructure development in the areas of clinical and translational sciences," Calhoun said. "Previously, we were very strong in basic science research. Working with Duke, we were able to increase our research portfolio in clinical translational science."

The program will include collaborative research pilot studies as well.

Calhoun adds that funds from the $10 million will be distributed widely, going to about 11 departments at NCCU.

"This grant will enable North Carolina Central University to expand our research impact and deepen our engagement with communities," said Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon. "It also creates meaningful opportunities for students to engage in hands-on discovery. We look forward to collaborating with Duke University to advance innovation and deliver solutions that benefit all."