John Barrows, a postdoctoral researcher at KSU, was awarded an esteemed two-year grant fellowship from the National Science Foundation worth around $140,000.
Barrows’ project will study microorganisms and their reaction to environmental stressors in bacteria’s DNA-binding proteins. This research could transform the future of biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and much more. The money received from the fellowship will be used for the everyday expenses of his research.
Barrows is a postdoctoral researcher in the College of Science and Mathematics. He arrived at KSU in 2021 after attending the Medical University of South Carolina and receiving his Ph.D. in biomedical sciences. He works alongside Michael Van Dyke, professor of biochemistry, in his laboratory located in the College of Science and Mathematics.
The NSF is an independent federal agency made to support fundamental research, advance scientific progress and prioritize thousands of scientists’ and engineers’ ideas. They offer grants and cooperative opportunities to individual researchers and institutions around the country.
They focus on research areas such as Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Education and Human Resources, and more. The NSF’s mission is to transform university and colleges’ scientific and technological research. An estimated 93% of the organization’s budget goes to researchers from over 2,000 institutions.
Each fellowship funds research for a particular idea that they are confident will pave the way for evolving research and innovation. For example, the NSF awarded the University of Michigan funding in 2021for a project regarding plasma science user facilities.
The NSF receives around 60,000 project proposals a year and only about 11,000 are chosen to receive funding after a rigorous merit review process. To qualify, researchers must present a high-quality project that shows promise, contributes to achieving societal goals and utilizes effective activities.
Recently, KSU’S College of Science and Mathematics received a grant from the NIH to expand its biomedical sciences department.
KSU has been working on advancing its research initiative for the past few years now. There are currently 12 postdoctoral researchers across five colleges working on their own projects. The research they do contributes to KSU’s growth as a research university. Their mentoring also makes them indispensable for KSU’s undergraduate and graduate students.
The university’s Office of Research offers Research Development and Strategic Initiatives. The office aids students and researchers in professional and academic development by providing assistance such as workshops, proposal advice and consultation services. They also offer many resources to help students find internal and external funding.
KSU also has an established membership with the National Postdoctoral Association. Any interested postdoctoral researchers, Ph.D. students or faculty members can acquire an individual membership at no additional cost. There are many benefits to becoming a member such as having the ability to find and post jobs with the Career Center, having a mentor and being given resources for continued career development.
