NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Graduate Pathways Program for Health-Related Education

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations. The Foundation’s primary focus is to provide seed funds for new and worthwhile educational programs.

Learn more about the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

Growing a Diverse Public Health Workforce for Rural North Carolina through Graduate School Pathways

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation -funded graduate pathways program aims to grow a diverse public health workforce for rural North Carolina through graduate school pathways. This project 1) creates a summer research immersion pathway program at ECU for undergraduates from minority-serving institutions, 2) provides graduate student scholarship support, and 3) matches graduate students with community and field based engaged learning opportunities in underserved communities.

Leadership

Graduate Scholarship Program

Scholarship funds (for up to 2 years) will defray costs (tuition, fees, expenses during internships/practicums) associated with pursuing master’s degrees in Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Health, Health Education, and Public Health.

Master of Science in Biology (MSB), MS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBBT), MS Environmental Health (MSEH), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Arts Health Education (MAHE). Scholarship awards will be $5,000 per academic semester.

Students are eligible to receive scholarship funds if they have:

• Been admitted into an ECU graduate program,
• Maintain a minimum overall and prerequisite GPA of 3.0,
• Expressed a commitment to public health career,
• Completed application materials including personal statement and statement of financial need

Preference will be given to in-state students who have participated in research activities through the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Summer Research Immersion Program at ECU. Application will be available February-April 2025 for consideration for Fall 2025 awards. Please visit the ECUAward scholarship application system page.

Summer Research Immersion

A 9-week research program running from May-July 2025 enables undergraduate student participation in high-impact activities, matches students with potential future graduate school mentors, builds a peer-to-peer community of early career scholars, and fosters social and professional networks – ultimately identifying a diverse and high-quality student population for recruitment into ECU graduate programs.

Students will be recruited from minority serving institutions across the state, including Fayetteville State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Chowan University, among others. Summer internships include $1,500 in research supplies, $6,500 stipend, and $2,000 room and board.

Summer internships will be awarded on a competitive basis to students who meet the following requirements:

• Enrolled full-time at an historically black college/institution or minority serving institution
• Rising sophomore, junior, senior, or recent graduate (graduated within last 2 years)
• Be in good standing at their university (GPA 3.0 or higher)

Historically marginalized and first-generation students are encouraged to apply. Previous research experience is not required. Preference will be given to students who have identified a research mentor at ECU, have a research interest, and desire to obtain a graduate degree. Students must be able to participate in the entire summer program.

Applications available from January-February 2025. Questions? Please contact Dr. Stephanie Richards.

2023 Summer Research Project Highlights

ECU News – Building Research Connections

2023 Poster Session Instagram Reel

Research highlights for 2023 summer research scholars:

Martina Van Etten. University of North Carolina at Pembroke: https://news.ecu.edu/2023/08/30/research-immersion/

Hannah Pankey. Fayetteville State University: https://news.ecu.edu/2023/08/30/not-all-spiders/

KiHyira Jones, Fayetteville State University: https://news.ecu.edu/2023/08/30/summer-safety/

loshua McLaurin, Fayetteville State University: https://news.ecu.edu/2023/08/02/bacteria-research/

Past Participants in Summer Research Immersion Program

Cohort 1, 2023

Katherine Coker; Fayetteville State University
Selena Garcia; North Carolina Central University
Heidi Jensen; Chowan University
Lauren Johnson; North Carolina Central University
KiHyira Jones; Fayetteville State University
Summer Lutz; Fayetteville State University
Celina McKoy; Winston-Salem State University
Joshua McLaurin; Fayetteville State University
Lillian McNeal; Fayetteville State University
Hannah Pankey; Fayetteville State University
Kaya Peyton; North Carolina Central University
Martina Van Etten; University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Cohort 2, 2024

Talia Chavis; North Carolina Central University
India Speight; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Heaven Moore; Fayetteville State University
Ronaldo Williams; Chowan University
Elissa DeFeyter; University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Naia Braxton; Fayetteville State University
Micayaela Hodge; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Miah Robinson; Fayetteville State University
Savana Johnson; North Carolina Central University
Lauren Gray; Fayetteville State University
Xztashya Porter; Fayetteville State University
Jordan Baccus; North Carolina Central University

ECU Degree Programs, Directors, and Coordinators

• David Chalcraft, PhD, Chair, Dept. of Biology
• Michael Brewer, PhD, Director, MSB/MSBBT programs, Dept. of Biology
• Ariane Peralta, PhD, Director, Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biology, Biomedicine, Chemistry, Dept. of Biology
• Suzanne Lazorick, MPH, MD, Chair, Dept. of Public Health
• Marla Hall, PhD, MCHES, Director of MPH, Dept. of Public Health
• Ruth Little, MPH, EdD, Internship Coordinator for MPH, Dept. of Public Health
• Michele Wallen, MPH, PhD, Chair, Dept. of Health Education and Promotion
• Ryan Martin, PhD, Director of MAHE, Dept. of Health Education and Promotion
• Stephanie Richards, MSEH, PhD, Director of MSEH, Dept. of Health Education and Promotion
• Kelli Russell, MPH, Director of BSPH, Dept. of Health Education and Promotion

Advisory and Oversight Committee

• Terah Arche, Senior Associate Director, Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations
• Michelle Brooks, MSN, RN, Vice Dean, Brody School of Medicine
• Allison Danell, PhD, Dean, Thomas Harriot College of Arts & Sciences
• LaKesha Forbes, MBA, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief People Officer
• Jason Higginson, MD, Executive Dean, Brody School of Medicine
• Sharon Paynter, PhD, Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer, Interim Chief Research Officer
• Kathryn Verbanac, PhD, Professor, Brody School of Medicine