Albany State University (ASU) professors, Dr. Florence Lyons, Director of the Velma Fudge Honors Program, and Dr. Anta’Sha Jones, Assistant Biology Professor, were selected as members of the first cohort to participate in Brown University's Scholar-in-Residence Pilot Program during the summer semester.

Dr. Lyons developed the program and approached Brown University regarding its implementation. She also recommended two additional institutions included in the pilot program, Clark Atlanta University and Morgan State University.

Cohort members spent two weeks in residence at Brown University, researching at libraries, and working with faculty and administrators. The selected professors benefited from an immersive, scholastic environment that encouraged intellectual growth and interdisciplinary collaborations through research. Brown University funded airfare, hotel accommodations, food and stipends. Additionally, each professor was assigned a Brown librarian that offered personal assistance as well as an office in the Brown University Rockefeller Library.

While at Brown University, Dr. Jones investigated “STEM Education: Impostor Syndrome Creating Awareness and Identifying Solutions to Increase BIPOC (Indigenous & People of Color) Students in STEM.” She has presented research on the subject at academic conferences.

Dr. Lyons continued her research regarding “Weaponizing Minstrelsy: Blackface Crimes during the 1919 Race Riots.” The research examines three 1919 race riots and investigates the crimes committed by rioters in blackface.

Both professors expressed their excitement for being selected for this great honor and look forward to the culminating symposium, which will allow them to present their research findings to facilitate future research collaborations with Brown University faculty and publications. 

Due to the three university’s participation in the Scholar-in-Residence Program, their students and faculty will benefit from supplementary programs included in a multimillion-dollar initiative designed to benefit HBCUs. In addition to various programs that will allow Brown University students to research with ASU students, the initiative will allow Brown University professors the opportunity to teach at ASU.  

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