Shaw University Receives $736,838 Grant from U.S. Department of Defense

RALEIGH — Shaw University has been awarded a $736,838 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to support the acquisition of automated instrumentation aimed at enhancing research, education, and training capabilities across multiple disciplines. Jorge Vasquez-Kool, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology in the Department of Health, Human and Life Sciences at Shaw University, said, “The funds will be used to acquire an automated electrophoresis system for DNA and RNA sample quality control, an automated tissue disruption system for high-throughput biological tissue processing, and a robotic liquid handling workstation to facilitate the preparation and rapid testing of numerous samples.”

The grant will establish a core facility designed to foster cross-disciplinary research in areas including genomic sequencing, biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology. This facility will enhance current faculty research endeavors, particularly those related to national security, such as microbiology and human life studies. A key aspect of the project involves developing training sessions to equip the academic community with skills in high-throughput research, experimental design, data management, and analytics.

The project aims to support the retention of students majoring in STEM disciplines and to promote life sciences as a viable career path. It will prepare students with relevant skills for the modern bio-marketplace, including biomanufacturing. Additionally, the grant strengthens Shaw University’s partnerships with biotechnology companies, Department of Defense research laboratories, and other academic institutions, integrating the university into a collaborative network that addresses current bioeconomy and security needs.