Targeted Infusion Project: Research Experiences to Advance Undergraduate Achievement in Chemistry

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), through Targeted Infusion Projects, supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based, innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. This project will strengthen undergraduate chemistry education at Texas Southern University, providing a foundation for scientific discovery, technological innovation, and workforce development. By implementing evidence-based teaching practices, this project aims to increase student engagement, improve academic performance, and enhance preparation for scientific careers and advanced study. Through a coordinated set of instructional activities, the project will provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and scientific communication skills while connecting classroom instruction with authentic laboratory experiences. The project will enhance the preparation of future scientists and technical professionals and contribute to the nation's scientific and technological workforce. The project will implement three integrated instructional strategies throughout the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Structured peer-led learning sessions will reinforce challenging concepts in introductory chemistry through collaborative problem solving and guided discussion. Laboratory courses in organic chemistry and quantitative analysis will be redesigned to replace traditional step-by-step experiments with open-ended investigations that require students to design experiments, analyze data, interpret results, and communicate scientific findings through written reports and presentations. A ten-week summer undergraduate research experience will provide faculty-mentored research opportunities in environmental and analytical chemistry while incorporating training in laboratory methods, scientific communication, research ethics, and professional skills. Project outcomes will be evaluated using measures of student achievement, course completion, retention in science disciplines, participation in undergraduate research, laboratory and scientific communication skills, and student engagement and confidence. The project will generate evidence on the effectiveness of integrated, evidence-based instructional practices for strengthening undergraduate chemistry education and improving student preparation for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.