An Alcorn State University associate professor joined a national panel of university leaders to address one of the most pressing issues facing historically Black colleges and universities — competing for federal research dollars to enhance competitiveness.

Dr. Debarshi Roy, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, served as a panelist at HBCU STEAM Day 2026, hosted annually by U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C., co-founder of the Bipartisan HBCU Congressional Caucus.

The event was held March 25 at the U.S. Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C.

Roy participated in a session titled “Faculty Experience & Grant Competitiveness — What Now?” focused on research growth, research and development infrastructure and institutional pathways toward sustained research classification advancement.

He was selected for his background in securing federal grants and contributions to Alcorn State’s research program.

Being recognized by Congresswoman Adams was “both humbling and deeply meaningful,” said Roy, adding that her acknowledgment showed that Alcorn State’s work is “relevant at the national policy level.”

“This invitation reflects a clear trajectory,” Roy said. “Alcorn State University is emerging as a growing research institution. Our faculty are increasingly visible in national conversations; our research work is recognized as contributing to innovation, workforce development, and equity in STEM. It signals that Alcorn is not just participating but leading in key areas like AI integration and health disparities research.”

He said he hoped lawmakers left the session understanding that HBCUs are “engines of innovation” that can help strengthen the nation’s scientific and technological workforce with equitable federal support.

Roy has worked at Alcorn for eight years.

During his time at the university, his research has focused on cancer biology, health disparities and the integration of artificial intelligence into biomedical research and education.

His federal grant portfolio includes a pilot project on AI and machine learning tools for chronic disease self-management, funded through the AIM-AHEAD Program — a national initiative to increase participation in AI-driven biomedical research. A collaboration with LSU Shreveport, the project produced community-focused AI literacy modules and engaged underserved populations across the region.

Roy’s broader grant work has funded curriculum transformation, faculty training and cross-institutional collaboration reaching hundreds of Alcorn State students, equipping them with AI and data science skills for careers in biotechnology and biomedical science.

Roy notes that the largest barrier facing HBCU faculty is not a shortage of ideas but structural inequity.

Faculty members often carry heavier teaching loads, have limited grant-writing support and fewer established research networks than their counterparts at predominantly white institutions.

On the question of policy, Roy was direct — sustained federal support for HBCU research capacity, he said, would matter most.

“[We need] dedicated, sustained federal funding streams specifically for HBCU research capacity building,” said Roy. “Not just project based grants, but infrastructure funding, long-term faculty development, collaborative opportunity, grant-writing and administrative support. This would create equity in opportunity, not just competition.”

Roy’s panel appearance came at a key moment for Alcorn State.

The university is actively working toward a higher research classification.

His grant work directly advances that goal by increasing external funding and expanding research participation, among several other required metrics.

Roy said Alcorn State’s identity as a land-grant HBCU shapes his research in a fundamentally applied direction — using AI to address health disparities, integrating it into biological sciences, agriculture and rural health care access, and ensuring underserved communities are not left behind as the digital economy accelerates.

Roy stated that students at HBCUs do not need to leave their institutions to do cutting edge work, and urges them to engage in research early, build data skills and seek mentorship.

“Their backgrounds are strengths, not limitations,” said Roy.