In a groundbreaking stride for higher education and community health, Texas Southern University (TSU) has been awarded a five-year, $21.5 million U54 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — the largest extramural research award in the university’s history. This landmark grant establishes TSU as a national leader in biomedical, socio-behavioral, and clinical research, while also positioning it as a powerhouse for developing the next generation of minority scientists, health professionals, and innovators.

The funding will support the Center for Biomedical and Health Research (CBMHR) at TSU, co-led by an elite team of researchers: Dr. Esther Arike Olaleye, Ph.D., MPH (Principal Investigator), Dr. Huan Xie, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator), and Dr. Dong Liang, Ph.D. (Program Director). Together, this trio is setting the stage for transformative change in both healthcare delivery and community well-being across Houston, Harris County, and beyond.

A Vision for Health Equity and Innovation

“This extraordinary $21.5 million award from NIH represents a powerful affirmation of the mission we pursue at Texas Southern University,” said Dr. Huan Xie, Principal Investigator and Director of the Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “I am thrilled to lead a dedicated team advancing research into real-world impact by driving scientific discovery, improving health outcomes, and uplifting the communities we serve, while providing exceptional training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists and health professionals.”

Dr. Dong Liang echoed this sentiment, noting the broader scope of the grant:

“This is the largest extramural research funding TSU has ever received, and it stands as a testament to the dedication and excellence of our faculty and students. We are both excited and committed to doing our utmost to advance biomedical, socio-behavioral, and clinical research and education.”

For Dr. Esther Arike Olaleye, the achievement was both historic and deeply personal:

“To God be all the glory, for making this breakthrough happen for TSU and the communities we serve. We are thrilled and blessed to continue the great work of transforming health outcomes, training our students, enhancing faculty development, and promoting a culture of research excellence.”

Tackling Critical Health Challenges

The NIH-funded Center will focus on pressing health disparities that disproportionately affect African American and underserved communities, including cancer, hypertension, and aging-related conditions. The initiative will support two major flagship projects:

• Project 1: Development of Novel Peptide-Based Agents for the    Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Led by Dr. Dong Liang (TSU) in collaboration with Dr. Chun Li of MD Anderson Cancer Center.
• Project 2: Innovative Management of Hypertension in Older African American Adults Led by Dr. Creaque Tyler and Dr. Ivy Poon.

These projects not only aim to improve healthcare outcomes but also to inspire breakthroughs that will resonate nationally in the fight against health inequities.

Building Research, Mentorship, and Community Engagement

The grant also funds a robust four-core infrastructure to amplify impact:

• Administrative Core – Led by Drs. Olaleye, Xie, and Liang.
• Research Capacity Core – Led by Drs. Song Gao and Hongmei Wang.
• Investigator Development Core – Led by Drs. Ivy Poon and Mario Holloman.
• Community Engagement Core – Led by Dr. Veronica Ajewole.

Through these cores, TSU will launch TEAM academic and research mentoring programs, a Pilot Project Program for early-stage investigators, and student-centered research initiatives providing hands-on learning for both undergraduate and graduate students.

“This center is not just about research — it’s about empowerment,” said Dr. Veronica Ajewole, who leads the Community Engagement Core. “We are building stronger partnerships, hosting community health events, and ensuring that our findings directly improve lives in Houston and beyond.”

Why This Matters for Houston and Beyond

TSU’s achievement comes at a pivotal moment in the fight for health equity. Houston — one of the most diverse cities in the nation — faces persistent disparities in cancer survival rates, hypertension prevalence, and access to quality healthcare. By investing in this NIH-supported research, TSU is not only training the next wave of biomedical leaders but also ensuring that Houston’s communities have a seat at the table of discovery and innovation.

The ripple effect is enormous: from cutting-edge treatments and community engagement to job creation and student mentorship, this grant will transform Houston’s healthcare and research landscape for years to come.

A Defining Moment for TSU

For more than 95 years, Texas Southern University has stood as a beacon of opportunity, excellence, and empowerment. With this historic $21.5 million NIH grant, TSU boldly reaffirms its place on the national stage — shaping not only the future of healthcare but also the lives of countless individuals who will benefit from groundbreaking research and community-centered solutions.

And as Dr. Olaleye so powerfully said, “This is only the beginning. With faith, science, and community, we are building a healthier tomorrow for generations to come.”