Only HBCU Focused on Harnessing the Sun’s Power for Limitless Clean Energy
Hampton, Va. (June 17, 2025) – Hampton University is setting the scientific world ablaze with an electrifying breakthrough in fusion research, marking a historic leap for HBCUs and the future of clean energy. With the launch of the STAR_Lite project, Hampton is making history as the only HBCU—and one of the few universities globally—leading hands-on stellarator fusion research, positioning itself as a powerhouse in the next era of physics and energy innovation. While Hampton has been involved in nuclear fusion since the 1980s, the institution’s impact will expand, empowered by a recent $1.4 million grant from the Department of Energy secured by Hampton’s very own Dr. Shibrabrat Naik.
At the heart of this initiative is the newly established Center for Fusion Research and Training (CFRT), a pioneering hub that builds on Hampton’s legacy of excellence in theoretical fusion research. Unlike traditional research models, the STAR_Lite project is fundamentally student-driven, engaging undergraduates and even high school students in designing and building the stellarator device from the ground up.
“Hampton University is proving that groundbreaking scientific research is not just for the Ivy League,” said Dr. Isi Ero-Johnson, dean of the School of Science. “We’re creating an environment where our students don’t just study physics—they innovate, build, and lead. STAR_Lite is more than a project; it’s a revolution in how fusion research is approached and who gets to participate.”
Defying the Odds: A Historic Milestone for HBCUs
Despite the well-documented challenges HBCUs face in securing research funding, Hampton University is forging ahead, demonstrating that cutting-edge science can thrive with strategic partnerships, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to student excellence. Through collaborations with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), North Carolina State University (NCSU), and private fusion companies worldwide, Hampton is shaping a diverse and highly skilled workforce in an industry poised for exponential growth.
The Science Behind STAR_Lite
Fusion energy mimics the power of the sun, promising a virtually limitless and clean energy source. The STAR_Lite project contributes to global stellarator research, focusing on innovative areas like non-resonant divertors—key to optimizing future fusion power plants. This research cements Hampton’s role as a leader in solving one of the most complex challenges in physics today.
The HU Fusion Group includes Drs. Alkesh Punjabi, Halima Ali, Calvin Lowe, Shibabrat Naik, and Georg Harrer as well as nearly a dozen undergraduate graduates. The group is a part of the Hampton University Center for Nuclear Fusion Research and Training. CFRT is the first and only hub for research and training in controlled thermonuclear fusion research and training at an HBCU in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.
Research is focused on the simulation of non-resonant stellarator divertors and tokamak divertors. The center trains and provides research experiences to students from high school level all the way up to PhD level, with special focus on working with underrepresented minority and female students in the departments of mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering.
A Brighter Future for Science, Industry, and Society
The implications of Hampton University’s fusion research extend far beyond the lab:
- Clean Energy for All: Fusion power could revolutionize the global energy landscape, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
- Expanding STEM Opportunities: STAR_Lite serves as a pipeline for underrepresented students into high-impact STEM careers, addressing a national need for skilled physicists and engineers.
- A Model for Innovation: By achieving world-class research with resourceful, student-led ingenuity, Hampton is proving that HBCUs can be leaders in scientific discovery and industry-shaping breakthroughs.
Hampton’s journey into fusion research is not just a milestone—it’s a movement. As the world races toward a sustainable energy future, Hampton University stands at the forefront, illuminating the path with the power of the sun.
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About Hampton University
Hampton University is a Carnegie R2-designated research institution, recognized for its groundbreaking research in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity. Contributing $530 million annually to the regional and Commonwealth of Virginia economies, Hampton plays a vital role in driving economic development while championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity. The university was recently named one of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money Magazine and recognized as the “Best Private College” by Coastal Virginia.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a close-knit community of learners and educators, representing 44 states and 32 territories, committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. For more information, visit www.hamptonu.edu.
For media inquiries regarding Hampton University, please contact Mahogany Waldon in the Office of University Relations 757-727-5253.
