Grants and Awards
Photo of a magnolia blooming in Chapel Hill, by Jess McCann
The NC Academy of Science offers 3 grants/awards: Bryden Grant (for graduate students), Yarbrough Grant (for undergraduates) and the Derieux Award (for undergraduates).
Writing a research grant not only helps you to obtain expensive resources you need to complete a research project, but also forces you to organize your thoughts and fine tune your plans. This often results in a project that is more successful. Moreover, being awarded a grant is a great honor and tangibly demonstrates your critical thinking and communication skills. This makes a valuable entry for anyone's resume!
Grant awardees are expected to present their results at the Annual Meeting, which is a great opportunity to network with other scientists! Also, undergraduates have the opportunity to compete for the Derieux Award, given for best oral and poster presentations. See below for more information about our grants and awards.
Bryden Grant
The Robert R. Bryden Research Awards grants up to $1000 to support graduate research, equipment and/or expenses related to attendance of scientific meetings. The application deadline is February 26, 2026. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, see the instructions for applicants.
The Bryden Grant Committee is pleased to announce the accepted Proposals for the 2025-2026 year.
Mary Joy, Duke University for their project “The influence of psychological stress on menstrual health”
Advisor: Dr. Herman Pontzer
Brittany Mansfield, East Carolina University for their project “SNative MICP Bacteria and Recycled Shells: A Sustainable Approach to Coastal Biostabilization in North Carolina”
Advisor: Dr. Marisa Myers
Yarbrough Research Grant
The Yarbrough Research Grants program provides funding to undergraduates who are members of the Collegiate Academy to engage in research activities. Approximately four grants are awarded annually and typically range from $100 to $500. Top awards may receive as much as $500 or more. The application deadline is May 22, 2026. Accepted proposals may be funded as early as June for undergraduates to begin their research.
The Yarbrough Committee is happy to announce that the funding cycle has been reactivated for Academic Year 2026-2027, and is currently soliciting proposals from active NCAS members. The instructions for applicants are posted here.
Members of the review committee can be found here, and the past recipients of the Yarbrough Grant may be found here.
The Yarbrough Undergraduate Research Grant Committee is pleased to announce the accepted Yarbrough Grant Proposals for the 2026-2027 year. Recipients have indicated their acceptance of the grant and are listed below alphabetically by last name.
Justin Ali-Newton, Fayetteville State University Marit Reckmann, Catawba College
Isolation and Characterization of Enterococcus faecalis from Municipal Wastewater
Mentor: Dr. Mabel Aworh
Richard Aron, Lenoir-Rhyne University
The Combined Effects of Sweeteners and Caffeine on Streptococcus mutans growth
Mentor: Dr. Dan Grimm
Anna Buchert, Lenoir-Rhyne University
The combined effects of PFBS and temperature increase on duckweek (Lemma minor)
Mentor: Dr. Michael Stiff
Alexandria Gray, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Evaluating the Regenerative Effects of BPC-157 Under Growth-Promoting and GrowthInhibiting in Lumbriculus variegatus”
Mentor: Dr. Carly Anne York
Alyssa Harris, Fayetteville State University
Detection of Biofilm Formation and Virulence Genes in Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Wastewater in Fayetteville
Mentor: Dr. Mabel Aworh
Sarah Harvey, NC State University
Microbiome of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Mentor: Dr. Stephanie Mathews
Kelsey Hillebrand, Durham Technical Community College
Novel Approach to Teaching Intermediary Metabolism: Using a Microbial Fuel Cell as a Biosensor
Mentor: Dr. Darryl K. King
Rosa M. Noyola-Gonzalez, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Evaluating Trichoderma harzianum as a Biocontrol Agent to Reduce Fusarium oxysporum Infection in Raphanus sativus
Advisor: Dr. James Grissom
Alexander Roberts, Elon University
Targeting immune pathways to enhance the oncolytic potential of Reovirus against fibrosarcoma
Advisor: Dr. Efrain Riveria-Serrano
Justine Sanchez, Catawba College
Exploring the Impact of ADHD Medications on Breast Cancer Cell Responses to Tamoxifen
Advisor: Dr. Erin Witalison