Featured Coverage

  • "A student-led research experiment from the Astrobotany Lab launched into space."

    This research is part of an ongoing project at WSSU’s Astrobotany lab, which aims to better understand how space conditions impact plant life, exploring how plants grow and behave beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Read more

  • Introducing the WFIRM 2025 Summer Scholars

    Gabrielle N. Erwin is an aspiring researcher and creative entrepreneur currently pursuing opportunities at the intersection of innovation, plant science, and medicine.

    Read more

  • "...Gabrielle N. Erwin works under a flow hood to prevent contamination while inoculating germinated seeds into growth media."

    On Monday, March 31, 2025, in the Sciences Building on campus in Winston-Salem, N.C. Plant samples from the lab will be on board the Blue Origin all-female spaceflight when it launches on April 14.

    Allison Lee Isley,Journal

  • Winston-Salem State University astrobotany students conducting research on plants in space for Blue Origin space flight

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Media & Press

HBCU’s Astrobotany Lab made history this week.

What began in a small lab at Winston-Salem State University is now reaching the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, showcasing the power of innovation and academic excellence. As the only Astrobotany Lab at a historically Black college and university (HBCU), Winston-Salem State University is at the forefront of redefining what is possible in space science and research. The initiative advances cutting-edge research, student training and mentorship, laboratory development, and future scientific discoveries.

NC Space Grant Announces 2024-2025 MSI STEM Bridge and Pathways Scholars

WSSU student Gabrielle Erwin will witness the historic Blue Origin launch featuring her research.