JJC Receives $156,000 Grant to Expand Science Research Opportunities

Oct 07, 2025 Joliet Junior College (JJC) has received a $156,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to launch a new undergraduate research experience in partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The funding will support the SEA-PHAGES program, a nationally recognized curriculum that gives students the opportunity to conduct real-world research in molecular biology, bioinformatics and genomics. The SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) program will be offered through JJC's NSCI 296 (interdisciplinary research) and NSCI 297 (undergraduate research) courses beginning this fall. Students will start by collecting soil samples to discover viruses called bacteriophages, then use lab techniques and computer-based tools to analyze and annotate their genomes. The program includes opportunities to present findings at scientific conferences and publish results in academic journals. "This project opens the door for our students to engage in cutting-edge science that's typically reserved for upper-level university labs," said Dr. Cathleen Dobbs, JJC natural sciences professor and principal investigator for the grant. "It's a chance for students to gain hands-on experience in fields like molecular biology and genomics - areas that have historically been beyond the reach of community colleges." JJC joins the 18th cohort of colleges and universities nationwide selected to offer the SEA-PHAGES program. The College's existing research infrastructure, including its two for-credit undergraduate research courses, helped secure its acceptance into the program. The research pathway was originally developed in 2014 by Dobbs, Dr. Patrick Mills, Dr. John Griffis and Dr. Andy Morrison, and remains a unique offering among two-year institutions. The NSF-funded project aims to increase student engagement in STEM, strengthen scientific thinking and communication skills and improve retention and transfer rates to four-year institutions. It also supports faculty development through HHMI training and emphasizes mentorship between faculty and student researchers. "The SEA-PHAGES curriculum is more than just a lab experience - it's a gateway to scientific discovery and career readiness," Dobbs said. "We're excited to see how this opportunity will inspire our students and prepare them for success in STEM fields." Grant funds will be used to purchase lab equipment and supplies, provide access to electron microscopy services and support student travel to scientific meetings. The project also includes efforts to share outcomes with other two-year colleges across the country, contributing to national conversations on STEM education and workforce development. For more information about the SEA-PHAGES program, contact Cathy Dobbs at [email protected]. For more information about the natural sciences, contact Dr. Patrick Mills at [email protected]. Choose Natural Sciences at JJC