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.
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