Students from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) recently completed the GREAT (Genome Research Experiences to Attract Talent) Summer Research Program, an initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health and hosted by the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University. This collaborative program represents a joint effort between the Departments of Biology at PVAMU and Texas A&M, designed to provide PVAMU students with immersive training and mentorship in genomics-focused research.
The program, led at PVAMU by Dr. Harriette Block, Head of Biology, begins with a year-long preparation phase, equipping students with the skills and background necessary to engage in rigorous scientific research. During the summer, students transition to the Texas A&M campus, where they conduct research in the laboratories of Biology Department faculty. At Texas A&M, the program is coordinated by Dr. Alex Keene, Dr. Asha Rao, and Dr. Richard Gomer.
Each student is placed in a research lab where they work closely with faculty mentors, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. This environment provides students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and exposes them to the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern science.
This year, nine PVAMU students participated in research projects spanning diverse topics—from the evolution of human chromosomes to spinal cord injury and repair. In addition to lab work, students engaged in daily workshops focused on career readiness and graduate school preparation, with visiting speakers from both academia and industry. Students spent the majority of their time in the lab, working on independent research projects that culminated in a final poster session. At this session, students presented their findings to an audience of faculty, peers, and members of the scientific community. The quality of their presentations reflected the depth of their engagement and the strength of their research experiences.
Now in its second year, the GREAT program is already making an impact. In 2024, all student participants presented their research at the national ABRCMS Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, and one student, Phillip Lotaire, went on to join the Texas A&M Biology Department as a Ph.D. student. This year’s cohort continued that trajectory of success, demonstrating excellence in research and a growing interest in advanced study.
The success of the 2025 GREAT Summer Research Program was made possible by the many faculty members who opened their labs, as well as the graduate students and research staff who provided day-to-day mentorship and support. Special thanks to everyone who attended the poster session, posed thoughtful questions, and encouraged the students—helping build their confidence as the next generation of scientists.
The GREAT Summer Research Program continues to serve as a powerful bridge for PVAMU students seeking hands-on research experience, professional development, and preparation for careers or graduate studies in the biological sciences.