Guei’s Award is AAMU’s First NSF Instrumentation Grant in Chemistry

Alabama A&M University Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Jules Guei, has secured a $122,500 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to strengthen research and training in the sciences. The award, titled “Equipment: Acquisition of an Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography System with Photodiode Array (UHPLC-PDA) for Research and Training,” marks the first NSF instrumentation grant awarded to AAMU’s Chemistry Program.

The two-year grant will allow the University to acquire a UHPLC-PDA, a deionized water purification system, and an ice machine – equipment that will significantly enhance laboratory capabilities while reducing operating costs. By producing high-quality resources in-house, the Chemistry Unit will no longer need to rely on external vendors for distilled water and related laboratory essentials.

A UHPLC-PDA is an advanced laboratory instrument that separates and identifies the different parts of complex mixtures, such as food, medicine, or forensic samples. In short, it helps scientists see exactly what a substance is made of – quickly and with great accuracy.

Guei, a native of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), joined AAMU in 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Cocody Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire before completing his master’s in biochemistry and Ph.D. in analytical and organic chemistry at the University of Maryland. At Alabama A&M, he teaches courses in forensic science, general chemistry, and biochemistry, with research interests focused on forensic science applications and drug development.

The idea for the grant, he explained, came from the need to expand resources for both teaching and research. “There was no working HPLC in the Chemistry Unit for research and student training,” Guei said. “Since my research and teaching require HPLC technology, I decided to apply for and acquire one. This award provides an advanced UHPLC-PDA system, along with other critical lab resources that will directly support our students and faculty.”

When notified of the award on August 7, 2025, Guei said he was excited about the impact on the Alabama A&M community. “I was thrilled for our students, faculty, and staff who will now have access to an instrument that will expand opportunities for research and professional development.”

The grant’s impact extends well beyond the acquisition of new equipment. Guei noted that the UHPLC-PDA will equip students in chemistry, biology, food science, criminal justice, and related fields with skills directly applicable to careers in forensic science, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. Training on advanced chromatographic systems will also give students a competitive edge for positions in medical examiner offices, law enforcement agencies, and federal, state, and local laboratories. “Being trained as an undergraduate student on a UHPLC-PDA will increase the chances of employment,” Guei said. “The importance of having such a high-end instrument at our University cannot be overstated.”

The NSF award also supports Alabama A&M’s institutional mission, aligning with President Daniel K. Wims’ goal of achieving Carnegie R2 status. “This award represents progress for the University, expanded career opportunities for our students, and a clear step toward becoming a Research 2 institution,” Guei said.

Faculty and students from both Alabama A&M and Oakwood University, where Dr. Patrick Ochieng contributed as senior personnel on the proposal, will have the opportunity to collaborate on projects involving the UHPLC-PDA. The system is expected to serve the AAMU community for at least 15 years, benefiting generations of students.

For Guei, the grant is about much more than research infrastructure – it is about empowering students to succeed. “What I enjoy most about teaching at AAMU is the students,” he said. “They have high goals and strong determination. This award gives them the tools they need to achieve those goals and to be career-ready from day one.”