WSSU senior, Kahlia Simpkins, recognized by National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health for published chemistry research as she prepares for medical school
As a first-generation college student, senior chemistry major Kahlia Simpkins arrived at Winston-Salem State University determined to make the most of her HBCU experience. Four years later, she has become one of the university’s standout student researchers, earning national recognition, authoring a peer-reviewed paper and preparing for a future in medicine.
Simpkins, who chose WSSU after being impressed by its campus, community and academic reputation, said she immediately felt she had found the right place for her. “The university’s educational accolades, along with an environment containing mostly women, made it seem like the best option for my future,” she said.
During her two years in WSSU’s organic chemistry research lab, Simpkins focused on the efficient synthesis of sulfur heterocycles, compounds with promising biological activity. Her project secured sponsorship from both the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, a rare distinction for an undergraduate researcher.
Last fall, her team published a peer-reviewed article in Chemistry, crediting Simpkins as first author. For the aspiring physician, the accomplishment marks what she calls “only the beginning of my success.”
Simpkins said her research journey began when her instructors recognized her potential. “In my opinion, my success at WSSU started when Dr. Mamudu Yakubu recognized my talents and recommended me to do research under Dr. (Fenghai) Guo,” she said. “He has been the largest factor in my success as he sent me to multiple conferences and gave me the confidence and education to succeed at these conferences and even in my classes. As my boss, advisor and professor for Organic Chemistry I, he has been by my side throughout my transformative journey at WSSU.”
She added that Organic Chemistry II professor Dr. Sezgin Kiren also played a key role. “He was able to further develop my interest and fascination toward organic chemistry,” she said. “He continued to encourage me to pursue my goals as an internal medicine physician and to push myself beyond my own limits.”
She was selected to participate in the American Heart Association HBCU Scholar program for 2024-2025, which expanded her research experience beyond WSSU. Paired with a mentor at Wake Forest University, she began studying the relationship between diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
Her second research article, of which she is the lead author, was accepted by the Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic CARE journal in November 2025 and will be published soon. She completed it with Dr. Michael Bancks of Wake Forest. It explores the association of Type 2 diabetes subgroups with incident peripheral neuropathy.
“That research was completely new to me,” Simpkins said. “The HBCU Scholar program showed me the future of my field and hopefully the future of many young Black individuals. It also showed me the power of networking and research.”
The program funded her travel to AHA symposia in Chicago and Texas, and additional national travel awards sent her to the Emerging Researchers National Conference in Atlanta and to the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Scientists in San Antonio.
“Traveling to these conferences really showed me how vast the world is, and how I can fit into it,” she said. “I used to think conferences were only for very smart individuals with money and years of experience. But being there proved to me that I deserve to be here, and that I deserve to further develop the scientific field.”
Her faculty mentors say her success reflects both talent and determination. Guo, her research advisor, said working with Simpkins “has been a very rewarding experience.”
“I’ve witnessed her growth over the past two years,” Guo said. “Students like her motivate me to work harder and become a better mentor. I am sure she will do great things and represent WSSU well after graduation.”
Simpkins said the support from Guo and Kiren helped her gain confidence in a challenging discipline. “I feel like I made the right choice, not only to attend WSSU but to trust myself to dive headfirst into the labyrinth that is organic chemistry,” she said.
Her next step is medical school. As a first-generation student, she is navigating the beginning of the application process while preparing for the MCAT and finalizing her list of schools, which includes Eastern Virginia Medical School, the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Meharry Medical College and Howard University.
“I would be sincerely grateful to attend any medical school and become the first doctor in my family,” she said. “And I will not be the last.”
For Simpkins, each milestone represents more than personal achievement, it’s proof that students like her can succeed, lead and open doors for others.
“Traveling, researching and publishing all showed me how dynamic the field is,” she said. “I’m blessed to be part of it, and I’m excited for what comes next.”
