New NIH Program at FSU
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University’s Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology is set to enhance educational opportunities in biomedical science, particularly focusing on neurological disorders and rural health. The college aims to equip students with practical experience through hands-on learning, clinical collaborations, and esteemed training programs, ultimately preparing them to tackle complex health issues and improve health outcomes in their communities.
On July 22, the National Institutes of Health recognized Fayetteville State University as one of the few institutions selected to implement the NIH Gateway to Research Opportunities for the Workforce (GROW) initiative. The university will allocate a two-year grant of $300,000 to establish the FSU-GROW program.
Collaboration for Workforce Development
James E. Raynor Jr., Ph.D., who leads the program as a professor in the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences, will oversee the initiative that unites faculty, staff, regional healthcare organizations, and educational leaders. This collaboration is aimed at fostering pathways into scientific careers while enhancing North Carolina’s healthcare workforce.
“Dr. Raynor’s leadership on this initiative reflects the caliber of faculty within the Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology,” stated Erin N. White, Ph.D., dean of the college. She emphasized that initiatives like FSU-GROW provide significant opportunities for students to engage in research, build professional networks, and prepare for careers that contribute to the state’s research capabilities and community health improvements.
Addressing Health Challenges
Neurological disorders significantly affect many families in North Carolina, with over 210,000 residents aged 65 and older diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease—a number projected to increase as the population ages. In rural communities where specialized healthcare is limited and chronic illnesses are prevalent, training local students to address these healthcare issues is increasingly vital.
Over the next two years, FSU-GROW intends to involve around 20 to 25 undergraduate students and 50 to 60 local high school students. Undergraduates will participate in a structured program that includes faculty-led laboratory research, clinical observations with local medical and dental professionals, and opportunities for professional development, preparing them for competitive research roles at NIH and other prestigious institutions.
Engaging Local High School Students
A key aspect of the program for high school students will be the Biomedical Research and Community Health Summer Camp, a residential program set to take place on FSU’s campus in 2027 and 2028. The university plans to collaborate with area high schools and the Indian Education Resource Center, which supports Native American communities, to introduce rural youth to biomedical and public health research focusing on health issues relevant to their localities.
“Every student we inspire today is a future scientist, clinician, or researcher who may one day help a family facing Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or another neurological disorder,” Raynor remarked. “Through FSU-GROW, we are investing in students who will use science, innovation, and compassion to improve the health of the communities they know best.”
Applications for the first cohort of FSU-GROW are open until September 11, 2026, with the program scheduled to commence on October 1, 2026. Interested undergraduate students can apply online or contact the program director for further details.
Source: Fayetteville State University
