Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Tuskegee is advancing toward R2 status recruiting the best of the best to study and solve complex problems.
A milestone on Tuskegee’s journey to R2 status in the Renaissance Era, the Graduate School is increasing membership in its newly chartered Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL), the national honor society recognizing the most distinguished graduate and professional students across the country. Applications open March 1 on the AEL website.
This important step aligns directly with Tuskegee’s priority of expanding graduate education and research that solves the world’s most complex problems—from food insecurity and small farm efficiency to national defense innovations, cancer solutions, space exploration breakthroughs, and the rapidly evolving field of ethical generative and agentic AI.
The establishment of Tuskegee’s AEL chapter is a clear signal that Tuskegee University is investing heavily in graduate education, innovation, and high-impact research. It unites the brightest emerging scholars in our community and strengthens the academic core needed to achieve R2 status.
R2 Status: Why It Matters for Tuskegee’s Future
In simple terms, becoming a “High Research Activity” (R2) university means that Tuskegee will be empowered to do research at scale—research that transforms communities, advances national priorities, and prepares students for leadership.
Achieving R2 status:
- Expands federal research funding and partnerships
- Strengthens graduate programs, attracting world‑class scholars
- Accelerates innovation in areas vital to our region, nation, and world
- Creates opportunities for students to engage in high‑impact discovery
- Positions Tuskegee to influence emerging fields and national policy
In the Renaissance Era, elevation to R2 status will enable Tuskegee to more fully realize its historic mission: solving hard problems, empowering communities, and advancing human progress.
“The Renaissance Era includes a clear research ambition, and so much of that important work is happening in our graduate programs,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO.
“Graduate students and research faculty at Tuskegee are at the forefront of solving complex problems—from food insecurity to the responsible use of AI to combatting the scourge of cancer in underserved populations. Our new AEL chapter symbolizes this excellence and strengthens Tuskegee’s journey toward R2 and eventually R1 status in the near future.”
Tuskegee’s Beta Alpha Chapter of AEL was formally recognized during a chartering and induction ceremony on campus in November. Beginning March 1, eligible students may apply for membership. Eligible students will be invited to apply each spring and fall semester.
To qualify, students must:
- Be degree‑seeking
- Have completed at least 12 graduate credit hours
- Maintain a 3.7 GPA or higher
- Demonstrate meaningful leadership on campus or in their community
The Beta Alpha Chapter president is Keyah Brown, a third year Integrative Biosciences PhD student from Sacramento, California. A proud alumna who earned her Tuskegee B.S. in Health Sciences in 2020, Brown also earned her master's degree in biotechnology in 2022 at the Morehouse School of Medicine.
“I am deeply committed to creating meaningful pathways for PhD students—especially those that help students transition into graduate and professional programs with confidence, clarity, and strong mentorship,” she shared.
Brown views the AEL chapter as a powerful way to “pay it forward” to the university that helped shape her academic journey.
“The most meaningful part of my graduate school experience has been the opportunity to return to my alma mater and help create systems that did not previously exist,” she said.
In December, 10 outstanding graduate students representing diverse academic disciplines were inducted as charter members Tuskegee’s Beta Alpha Chapter of AEL, supported by faculty advisor, Dr. Michael Henderson, Adjunct Faculty, Department of Biology:
- Michael Adedeji - Biology (Ph.D.)
- Keyah Brown - Integrative Biosciences (Ph.D.)
- Adriana Cornie - Integrative Public Policy and Development (Ph.D.)
- Obianuju Egiebor - Integrative Public Policy and Development (Ph.D.)
- Shacoya Mack – MS Biology and Integrative Biosciences (Ph.D.)
- Viona Osei – Master of Public Health and Integrative Biosciences (Ph.D.)
- Sazaul Sazib - Integrative Biosciences (Ph.D.)
- Fatoumata Sidibe - Integrative Public Policy and Development (Ph.D.)
- Kyla Thurston - Integrative Public Policy and Development (Ph.D.)
- Samuel Vincent - Integrative Biosciences (Ph.D.)
For more information about AEL, visit
here.
For more information about graduate education at Tuskegee University, visit
here.
© 2026 Tuskegee University
