Samuel Research Team Explores NIEHS HBCU Connect Day at NIH 

Research Triangle Park, NC — April 19, 2024 

On Friday, April 19, 2024, a group of 45 faculty and staff from the Samuel Research Team at North Carolina A&T State University went on an enlightening field trip led by Dr. Raymond Samuel and Dr. Simone Smith to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) NIEHS campus in the Research Triangle Park. The team participated in the NIEHS HBCU Connect Day, an event designed to showcase the NIEHS Scholars Connect Program (NSCP), a prestigious academic-year paid internship initiative for highly motivated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) focused undergraduate students. 

The group spent the day gaining insights into the research opportunities and career pathways available at NIEHS. The HBCU Connect Day provided a unique opportunity for the Samuel Research Team to visit the NIEHS campus, gain firsthand knowledge about the Institute's mission, and hear from the current NSCP Scholars who shared their experiences and presented their research during the Annual NSCP Symposium. 

The event, held from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, featured engaging presentations and discussions aimed at fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of researchers from HBCUs. The half day experience involved presentations, campus tours, a career panel, and a research symposium. "Today's trip to NIEHS was incredibly valuable for our students," remarked Dr. Simone Smith. 

About the event, Dr. Samuel said, "It provided them with a deeper understanding of the groundbreaking research happening at NIH and the opportunities available through programs like NSCP. We are grateful for the chance to connect with NIEHS scholars and researchers, which will undoubtedly enrich our own research endeavors at NC A&T." 

The Samuel Research Team's visit to NIEHS exemplified NC A&T's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering meaningful collaborations across institutions. Through events like HBCU Connect Day, students not only gain exposure to cutting-edge research but also build networks that will support their future careers in science and healthcare. 

For more information on the NIEHS Scholars Connect Program and upcoming events, visit NIEHS's official website.