Jackson State University pursues top-tier research status

Jackson State University is working to achieve the highest tier of research institution status, a designation that could increase federal funding, attract top faculty, and enhance its national reputation. To reach this Carnegie Classification, the university must meet specific thresholds, including spending at least $50 million annually on research and development and awarding at least 70 research doctorates.

One notable project involves Professor Kamal Ali and student researchers developing tiny sensors that attach to oyster shells. This marine research, part of the Mississippi-based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence, monitors how oysters respond to environmental changes to help protect the Mississippi Gulf Coast ecosystem.

Jackson State is also part of the Association of HBCU Research Institutions, a coalition of 14 historically Black colleges and universities aimed at helping members compete for larger grants. Currently, Howard University is the only HBCU holding the highest research status.