Prestigious undergraduate research fellowship continues Hampton University’s growing presence in Harvard’s HBCU research initiative
HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University student Abdul-Majeed Hamidu ‘28 was selected as a member of the second cohort of the prestigious Du Bois Scholars Program at Harvard University this summer, a highly competitive summer undergraduate research initiative that connects exceptional students from research-intensive historically Black colleges and universities with Harvard faculty mentors.
The Du Bois Scholars Program, part of the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village, is supported by the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative and Harvard College. The program provides students from R1, R2, and research-focused HBCUs with immersive research experiences, faculty mentorship, and professional development designed to strengthen the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders.
Hamidu joins 34 students from colleges and universities across the nation selected for this year’s cohort. Throughout the summer, fellows collaborate directly with Harvard faculty, engage in original research, strengthen their analytical and presentation skills, and participate in leadership development opportunities that prepare them for graduate study and research careers. At the conclusion of the program, each scholar presents their research findings before faculty mentors, peers, family members, and university leaders.
“This remarkable achievement reflects Abdul-Majeed’s academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to advancing knowledge through research,” said Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean of the Hampton University School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation. “His selection to the Du Bois Scholars Program demonstrates the caliber of students Hampton University produces and reinforces our commitment to preparing world-ready leaders of character and consequence. Experiences like this empower our students to engage alongside some of the world’s leading researchers while expanding the skills, perspectives, and confidence they will carry into graduate education, industry, and beyond.”
This year’s Du Bois Scholars Program also expands its research partnerships through the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and the Harvard Business School Program for Research in Markets and Organizations, creating new opportunities for fellows to collaborate with internationally recognized faculty in astronomy, astrophysics, economics, business, and organizational research.
“The Du Bois Scholars Program advances one of the Initiative’s three strategic priorities—deepening our partnerships with HBCUs,” said Sara Bleich, Vice Provost for Special Projects at Harvard University and leader of the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative. “The program’s impact occurs in the relationships built between its fellows and Harvard faculty—collaborations that drive transformative research. We’re thrilled to welcome our second cohort of fellows, including seven returning fellows, to Harvard this summer.”
Led by Shahara C. Jackson, Director of HBCU Initiatives for the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative, the Du Bois Scholars Program is designed to cultivate a network of student researchers through faculty mentorship, collaborative scholarship, and professional development. Fellows strengthen their leadership, presentation, critical thinking, and research skills while building lasting relationships with peers and faculty mentors from across disciplines.
Hamidu’s selection continues Hampton University’s growing representation in the prestigious program. During the inaugural cohort, Hampton students A’Nyah Williams ‘26 and Nyla Cross ‘26 were selected as Du Bois Scholars. Williams conducted research under the mentorship of Bianca Baldridge at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, while Cross worked with Theo Tyson at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
As Hampton University continues expanding undergraduate research opportunities and global academic partnerships, Hamidu’s selection reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to creating transformational learning experiences that prepare students to make meaningful contributions in research, innovation, and discovery around the world.
About Hampton University
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is one of the nation’s strongest Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution. For more than 150 years, Hampton has prepared world-ready leaders of character and consequence through a distinctive educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and service.
Home to students from 44 states and 32 countries and territories, the University is nationally recognized for groundbreaking research in atmospheric science, cancer research, cybersecurity, marine and environmental science, and other disciplines that address society’s most pressing challenges. With an annual economic impact of $530 million across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton continues to advance discovery, strengthen communities, and prepare graduates to lead w
