St. Elmo Brady Summer Research Scholars Program

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A 10-week summer research program to increase the percentages of traditionally underrepresented students of color (African American, Hispanic, Native Americans) from Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs) to the Illinois Chemistry Ph.D. program immersing students in rewarding undergraduate summer research.

For the summer of 2025, the department will not be hosting summer scholars. Check back next academic year. 

In February 2019, Illinois Chemistry celebrated the dedication of an American Chemical Society (ACS) National Historic Chemical Landmark in honor of Illinois alumnus St. Elmo Brady, who, in 1916, became the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. Central to the celebration were students and faculty representatives from Tougaloo College, Howard University, Fisk University, and Tuskegee University—4 HBCUs whose chemistry programs Brady founded after leaving Illinois. In summer 2019, we initiated the St. Elmo summer research program, a partnership between the St. Elmo Brady HBCUs and the Illinois Chemistry.

At least 4 top HBCU students, nominated by their home institution faculty will participate in the program. Each student will receive a

• $5000 stipend, 
• $750 for research expenses,
• $700 for travel to/from Urbana,
• $2500 for housing and meals plus supplies for academic workshops.

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