Delta Sigma Theta Awards NCCU $200k for Scientific Research

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has been granted the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award. The $200,000 award will support university efforts in integrated biosciences that focus on uterine fibroid tumor research.

The award was presented at Delta Sigma Theta’s 52^nd National Convention in Houston, Texas, on July 25, 2015. Dr. Harriet F. Davis, vice chancellor for institutional advancement, accepted the award on NCCU’s behalf during the sorority’s public meeting. Delta Sigma Theta awards the grant biennially to a historically black college or university (HBCU) that provides support for a professor of distinction to be in residence to teach or conduct research.

The grant will allow Dr. Darlene K. Taylor, NCCU associate chemistry professor, to partner with the Campion Fund of the Phyllis and Mark Leppert Foundation for Fertility Research. The group will conduct uterine fibroid research and host a public conference titled “Uterine Fibroids: What Every Woman Needs to Know.”

The conference will take place at NCCU Mary M. Townes Science Building on Oct. 10, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Paula Gwynn Grant, director of communications and advocacy for the Arch Diocese of Atlanta, will provide the keynote address.

“There is little attention and resources dedicated to uterine fibroid therapy; as a female scientist I seek to change this paradigm,” Taylor said.

Uterine fibroids affect 80 percent of women, bringing complications that can be devastating and detrimental to quality of life.   Taylor’s goal for the award is to support uterine fibroid research and minimally invasive testing of localized therapies.

The Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award was established in 1977 at the sorority’s 34th National Convention as a perpetual trust fund to continue the group’s longstanding commitment to educational excellence through quality instruction at HBCUs. The award was established to support and sustain these historical institutions, provide assistance to expand educational opportunities, and to give long overdue recognition to distinguished black instructors and professors.

 About North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Flagship programs include the sciences, technology, nursing, education, law, business and the arts. Founded in 1910 as a liberal arts college for African-Americans, NCCU remains committed to diversity in higher education. Our alumni excel in a wide variety of academic and professional fields.

Source: North Carolina Central University, University Relations