BRAAG: A UC-HBCU Initiative


BRAAG is part of the UC-HBCU initiave that seeks to improve diversity and strengthen University of California (UC) graduate programs by investing in relationships between UC faculty and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

BRAAG provides a paid summer undergraduate research opportunity in Geosciences and related fields at UC Merced. The eight week program includes hands-on training in research, research communication, and professional development.

Scholars will be provided housing and meals on campus and will join a community of undergraduate students supported by other similar programs organized by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC).



Visit UROC

Research Areas

Soil Science
Biogeochemistry
Biogeophysics
Geochemistry
Atmospheric Sciences
Agroecology
Marine Sciences
Environmental
Microbiology

2026 Application


Applications are now open for Summer 2026! To apply, submit

  • Cover letter,
  • CV or Resume,
  • Unofficial transcript, and
  • Names and emails of two references

The deadline is February 28, 2026


Apply Here

Host Research Labs


BRAAG scholars work in cutting-edge research labs at UC Merced

Soil Biogeochemistry Lab

Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe

We investigate how soil stores carbon and cycles nutrients, focusing on how climate change and land management affect these critical ecosystem services.

Visit Lab Website

Soil Physics Lab

Dr. Teamrat A. Ghezzehei

The physics of living soils through field experiments, advanced measurements, and machine learning to address climate change and sustainable agriculture.

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Agroecology Lab

Dr. Rebecca Ryals

Sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil health, increase crop resilience, and reduce environmental impacts in California farming systems.

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Aerosol-Climate Group

Dr. Adeyemi Adebiyi

Understanding the impacts of atmospheric particles, like mineral dust and smoke aerosols, on our environment and the climate.

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Surface Processes Lab

Dr. Claire Lukens

We explore microbial communities in soil ecosystems to understand how microscopic life shapes nutrient cycling and plant-soil interactions.

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Atmospheric Chemistry Lab

Dr. Xuan Zhang

Engaged in interdisciplinary approach to tackle fundamental questions related to air pollution and climate change.

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2024 BRAAG Scholars


Seven outstanding scholars joined us from HBCUs across the nation

Kadisha Mitchell

Kadisha Mitchell

Howard University

Host Lab:
Soil Physics Lab

Using Convolutional Neural Networks for Food Classification

Quenton Green

Quenton Green

TBD

Host Lab:
Agroecology Lab

Impact of Biochar and Compost on Soil Organic Matter Stability - A Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Analysis in California's Winter Wheat Systems

Beatrice Olivier

Beatrice Olivier

Kentucky State University

Host Lab:
Atmospheric Chemistry Lab

Examining Extreme Smoke and Dust Pollution Cases in California's Central Valley

Elana M. Bodude

Elana M. Bodude

Tennessee State University

Host Lab:
Soil Biogeochemistry Lab

Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Nutrient Contents in Soil from the Kings River Experimental Watersheds (KREW) After Forest Management

Zach Neighbors

Zach Neighbors

Kentucky State University

Host Lab:
Soil Physics Lab

Investigating long-term impacts of cover cropping and no-tillage practices on soil structure and aggregate stability

Cameron Hinson

Cameron Hinson

Kentucky State University

Host Lab:
Soil Physics Lab

Rapid Soil Microbial Response to Wetting Events

Ronald Chestnut

Ronald Chestnut

Kentucky State University

Host Lab:
Environmental Chemistry Lab

Testing storage and analysis of PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) from California wildfire smoke

2023 BRAAG Scholars


Jinniah Ali

Jinniah Ali

TBD

Host Lab:
Soil Physics Lab

Simone Graham

Simone Graham

Kentucky State University

Host Lab:
Soil Biogeochemistry Lab

Rapid Soil Microbial Response to Wetting Events

Jalynn Greer

Jalynn Greer

TBD

Host Lab:
Agroecology Lab

Comparing Nitrogen Dynamics in the Alley and Berm in an Almond Orchard

2022 BRAAG Scholars


Rania Jones

Rania Jones

Howard University

Host Lab:
Atmospheric Chemistry Lab

The Impact of Burning Incense on Indoor Air Quality

Zhaierra Love

Zhaierra Love

Tennessee State University

Host Lab:
Soil Physics Lab

Using The Application of Biochar Improves the Water Retention in Soil

Kennedy Latrese Williams

Kennedy Latrese Williams

Howard University

Host Lab:
Agroecology Lab

Microbial Controls on Methane Emissions from Dairy Manure Co-Composted with Different Biochars

Let's Get In Touch!


If you are an undergraduate at an HBCU interested in geosciences research, contact us!