Prestigious National Fellowship Advances Faculty Research, Undergraduate Mentorship, and Innovation in Biology Education
JACKSONVILLE, FL — Edward Waters University (EWU) is proud to announce that Dr. Prabir Mandal, Professor of Biology, has been named a 2026–2027 Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellow by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). This prestigious national fellowship recognizes outstanding faculty scholars at UNCF member institutions and supports research that advances academic disciplines, professional development, and student success.
Selected through a competitive process among faculty representing UNCF’s 36 member institutions, Dr. Mandal joins a distinguished cohort of scholars whose work is advancing research, innovation, and academic excellence across higher education.
“Being selected as a Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellow is both a tremendous honor and a deeply meaningful moment in my academic journey,” said Dr. Mandal. “This fellowship recognizes not only my research, but also my commitment to creating opportunities for students, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, to participate in meaningful course-based undergraduate research.”
Through the fellowship, Dr. Mandal will advance his research project, Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in OMICS Courses. The project explores how responsibly integrating GenAI into genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics coursework can expand access to authentic research experiences, strengthen scientific writing and data analysis skills, and better prepare students for careers in biomedical research. The initiative provides students with hands-on, inquiry-based research opportunities while emphasizing ethical AI use, scientific integrity, and researcher accountability.
“Dr. Prabir Mandal’s selection as a UNCF Henry C. McBay Research Fellow reflects the remarkable talent of our faculty and the growing national prominence of Edward Waters University,” said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President and CEO of Edward Waters University. “As Florida’s first historically Black college or university, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating pathways for our students to participate in consequential research and engage with the emerging technologies shaping our world. This prestigious recognition affirms that EWU is not only honoring its historic mission but boldly advancing it through innovation, discovery, and transformative educational opportunity.”
Awarded annually, the UNCF Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship provides up to $20,000 in research support, including up to $5,000 that fellows may designate to support a student researcher. The funding is designed to expand faculty scholarship while creating meaningful opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research and scholarly inquiry.
“Dr. Mandal’s selection as a Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellow is a testament to the caliber of scholarship, innovation, and academic excellence that defines Edward Waters University,” said Dr. Genyne H. Boston, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “His unwavering commitment to student success, scientific discovery, and research innovation exemplifies the powerful integration of teaching, mentorship, and scholarly achievement that we value as an institution. Through his work, Dr. Mandal not only advances knowledge within the scientific community but also inspires and prepares our students to become the next generation of scholars, researchers, and scientists. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved national recognition and excited about the lasting impact his contributions will have on both our students and the broader scientific community.”
Throughout his 18 years as a member of the faculty at EWU, Dr. Mandal has worked to connect scientific research, innovative teaching, student mentorship, and service. He views the fellowship as an opportunity to deepen that work, pursue new scientific questions, and expand inclusive research experiences for undergraduate students.
“Excellence in research and student success are not separate pursuits; they can, and should, advance together,” Dr. Mandal said. “This fellowship is not simply a recognition of what I have accomplished. It is an invitation to imagine what is possible when research, mentorship, innovation, and opportunity come together.”
The renowned scholarly research fellowship is named in honor of Dr. Henry Ransom Cecil McBay, an accomplished chemist, educator, and mentor whose distinguished career included more than four decades of teaching within the Atlanta University System. Dr. McBay was widely recognized for encouraging students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in chemistry and other scientific fields.
For Dr. Mandal the fellowship represents both recognition of an accomplished academic journey and an opportunity to broaden the impact of his scholarship and mentorship.
“I am profoundly honored, grateful, and inspired to carry the spirit of the Henry C. McBay legacy forward through my scholarship, teaching, and service,” said Dr. Mandal. “For Edward Waters University, this fellowship represents the strength and promise of scholarship taking place at a historic institution dedicated to transforming lives through education.”
For Media Contact:
Division of Institutional Advancement, Development, Marketing, and Communications
Luz D. Randolph, Ed.D.
Senior Executive Director
Email: l.randolph@ew.edu
Phone: 904-470-8059
Website: www.ew.edu