Digging Into Discovery: How SEA-PHAGES is Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists at HBCUs

Note: A portion of this article was published in the September 2025 NCAS Newsletter

by Dr. Mabel Aworh

When Dr. Melanie Shorter first heard about the SEA-PHAGES program, she immediately saw its potential to change lives. The national research initiative—formally known as the Science Education Alliance–Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science—gives undergraduates the chance to do real scientific discovery from their very first biology class.

At Fayetteville State University (FSU), where Shorter is a faculty member, the program has quickly become a launchpad for freshmen and sophomores to step into the world of microbiology research. Armed with soil samples, lab coats, and curiosity, students are not just learning about science—they are doing it.

“SEA-PHAGES is designed to create researchers,” Shorter explained. “Even if you’re not a science major, as long as you’re in a lower-level science course, you can participate. Students collect soil samples, extract bacteriophages, purify and amplify them, extract DNA, and even use microscopy. The goal is to give them insight into research early and maybe ignite a career path.”

From Soil to Science

The program begins with a simple idea: soil. Students collect samples from the ground—often overlooked, yet teeming with microbial life. From there, they hunt for bacteriophages, the viruses that infect bacteria.

“Most people don’t think much about soil unless they’re in agriculture,” Shorter said. “But it’s all around us, and it’s a rich environment where phages can be discovered. Through SEA-PHAGES, students learn not just about bacteria and phages but also how these microbes connect to larger biological and environmental systems.”

The structured “Discovery Guide” protocol, developed by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), leads students step-by-step from soil collection to DNA analysis. At the end, students leave with a deep understanding of bacteriophages and an appreciation for the hidden world beneath their feet.

A Program with Purpose

Dr Shorter’s own path to SEA-PHAGES began when HHMI representatives visited FSU in 2024. “I knew HHMI from my undergraduate days and was familiar with their incredible programs,” she recalled. “At an HBCU, I saw this as a powerful opportunity for minority students, especially first-generation students, and even adult learners. It was clear this program could provide valuable exposure.”

The program also builds a nationwide database of discovered phages, allowing students’ contributions to become part of a larger scientific resource. For faculty, HHMI offers training to ensure instructors can guide students through the protocols and data submission process.

Building Confidence, Breaking Barriers

One of the most transformative aspects of SEA-PHAGES is how it reshapes students’ confidence. Dr Shorter described the eight-week Summer Phage Program, hosted at North Carolina Central University, where 13 students from across 10 HBCUs worked side by side in the lab.

“Some came in unsure of themselves, even struggling with imposter syndrome,” she said. “When their experiments didn’t go as planned, they doubted if they belonged in science. But we showed them how to troubleshoot, reminded them that even the best researchers face setbacks, and encouraged them to keep going. By the end, they were smiling, confident, and proud of their work.”

The program was more than lab work. Mondays included guest lectures on stress management, professional development, and career exploration. Fridays brought field trips to UNC and NC A&T research labs. Students created LinkedIn profiles, practiced networking, and presented polished research posters at the end of the program.

“It was incredible to see their growth,” Dr Shorter said. “Some discovered they wanted to pursue dentistry or medicine, others leaned toward research careers. The key was that they left empowered, with real lab experience and the belief that they could succeed in STEM.”

Linking Phages to Public Health

While SEA-PHAGES is a training ground for young scientists, Dr Shorter emphasizes its broader relevance to society. “There’s a direct connection to public health,” she explained. “Soil health affects the food we grow and eat. With rising concerns about obesity and cancer rates, we have to ask: does soil quality and microbial life play a role?”

Drawing from personal experiences abroad, Dr Shorter described how fresh produce in the Caribbean seemed healthier and easier to digest compared to highly processed foods in the United States. “It makes me think about what’s in the soil and how bacteriophages and microbes influence what ends up on our plates. Programs like SEA-PHAGES help students—and the public—see those connections.”

Collaboration and Community

SEA-PHAGES has also fostered a strong network among faculty across HBCUs. Professors trained together, shared resources, and compared lab practices. “We built a rapport,” Dr Shorter said. “We ask each other about vendors, equipment differences, and protocols. That sense of community has enriched the program tremendously. We’re not working in isolation—we’re growing together.”

At FSU, support from departmental leadership has been key. Dr Shorter praised her chair, Dr. Danielle Graham, and the Dean’s office for ensuring resources, lab space, and grant support were in place. “It’s been incredible,” she said. “The institutional backing makes all the difference.”

Looking Ahead

Dr Shorter envisions SEA-PHAGES continuing to expand across HBCUs. Currently integrated into introductory science labs, she hopes to see dedicated phage discovery courses in the future.

“It’s about building more scientists, whether they go on to earn PhDs or become healthcare providers,” she said. “If we can spark that curiosity early, it can guide their entire educational journey.”

The key, she believes, lies in passionate faculty who make the experience engaging. “We can’t treat it like just another lab,” she emphasized. “Students need to see why this matters—to research, to public health, to their own futures. And when they do, the confidence they gain is as valuable as any scientific result.”

A Personal Spark

For Dr Shorter herself, SEA-PHAGES has been reinvigorating. “I hadn’t done these lab techniques since dental school in 2001,” she admitted with a laugh. “At first, I was nervous. But once I got started, I realized the skills were still there. It reignited my love for science.”

Now, with seven FSU students enrolled this semester, Dr Shorter is eager to see what discoveries they’ll make by December. “I’m excited for their journey,” she said. “SEA-PHAGES isn’t just about phages. It’s about planting seeds of confidence, curiosity, and possibility.

Dr. Melanie Shorter

What is SEA-PHAGES?

A nationwide research program run by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Engages undergraduates—often freshmen—in authentic scientific discovery.

Students collect soil samples, isolate bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria), and analyze their genomes.

Builds a shared database of phages while providing students early exposure to research.

PHOTO: Dr. Melanie Shorter

Logo Contest

NCAS Logo Contest

Deadline: 11:59 PM, Monday, April 10, 2025

The North Carolina Academy of Science (NCAS) announces a contest to create a fresh, new logo to replace its long-standing logo. Submissions may come from any member of any branch of the Academy: Senior, Collegiate, or Student. However, submissions will not be considered from current members of the NCAS Board of Directors. 

The winning one design will be awarded $250.

If both a circular & horizontal design receive the most votes, these 2 designs will be awarded $250 each. Creators of the winning designs must agree to give NCAS exclusive and complete rights to use the designs in whatever capacity that NCAS deems appropriate.

  • Deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM on Monday, April 10, 2025

  • Ideally, the logo will be created with a graphic design tool, such as Canva.com (free on the internet)

  • Original design should be as large as possible and have a resolution of at least 300 dpi

  • Submissions should be made as PNG file attachments uploaded to this form.

Circular designs appropriate for stationery, and horizontal designs appropriate for meeting programs are welcome. Design submissions will be reviewed by the NCAS Logo Committee. Designs receiving the most votes will be declared the winners. 

Please note the original deadline of March 10th has been extended to April 10th, 2025.

Logo criteria:

  • Must include the full name of the Academy: North Carolina Academy of Science

  • Must include the year the Academy originated: either “1902” or “Since 1902”

  • Design should be general enough to be inclusive of all sciences, and may use symbols readily

    associated with science (such as a DNA strand, microscope, etc.)

  • Must be your own creation (not taken from other sources)

  • High-resolution, print quality; no drawings

  • Contemporary, clean fonts

  • Neutral colors. May include blue, black, white, gold (touches of green); circular design may be in black and white

  • Simple design and may include:

    • outline of North Carolina’s state map

    • North Carolina state symbol

Submit your design

The Quest for Extraterrestrial Life

Water bears were a big splash again in this year’s NC Academy of Science booth! But the real story was the awesome group of volunteers. Students from Meredith College and UNC Pembroke, joined by a host of museum volunteers, warmly greeted the public. Hundreds of visitors poured into the booth during the Astronomy Days event on the first weekend of February. A small boy, who entered the booth on Saturday, made a bee line for the water bears while shouting, “I want to see science!”

Yarbrough Correction

One of the Yarbrough Grant winners’ project had the wrong title indicated on the Yarbrough Grants page and in the Fall newsletter. The Yarbrough Grants and Publications Committees apologize for the error. Here is the correct information:

Elijah Yang, Lenoir-Rhyne University (Advisor: Dr. Michael Stiff) Project in Biology entitled “Using Different Plant Growth Regulators and Their Combinations to Improve Rooting in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Stem Cuttings

NCAS Board Member Awarded $250K grant for chemistry research

Dr. Evan Reynolds is the NCAS Treasurer and Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Campbell University. He was awarded a $250,000 grant to support undergraduate chemistry research. Dr. Reynolds and his students will study the application of thiamine diphosphate-dependent enzymes towards current challenges in chemical synthesis.

Campbell University News Release

Reflections on the 2023 NCAS Annual Meeting

This is the first in a short series: Reflections on the 2023 NCAS Annual Meeting.  We had so many great comments from the UNCP Compass group that would not fit in their newsletter article, so we will be running one quote a day for the next couple of weeks.

The students who shared their reflections are listed in the table below.

Enjoy! Here is the first installment:

It was an exciting and informative event for all of us and provided a great platform for us to learn from and engage with talented students from various fields.