Three Morgan State University Faculty Members Earn National and International Fellowships

Honors Recognize Excellence in Science Education, Environmental Research, Nursing Leadership, Reinforcing the University’s Scholarly Impact

Across disciplines, Morgan faculty are advancing knowledge that elevates classroom instruction, addresses complex public challenges and prepares students for meaningful careers and service. These latest honors underscore the University’s investment in distinguished faculty whose teaching, research and professional leadership extend Morgan’s impact well beyond campus.

Building on a long legacy of distinguished faculty, three Morgan professors have earned national and international fellowships recognizing their contributions to science education, environmental research and nursing leadership. The distinctions awarded to Tajma Cameron, Ph.D., Samendra Sherchan, Ph.D., and Hershaw Davis, Jr., DNP, MBA, RN, reflect the breadth of scholarly expertise driving the University’s continued ascendancy as a public research institution.

Strengthening Science Education Through Research and Evidence-Based Instruction Merit Honors

Dr. Tajma Cameron, assistant professor of science education and research faculty member in Morgan’s National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED) is one of six scholars nationwide selected as a 2027 Sound Science Fellow by the National Center for Science Education (NCSE). The fellowship recognizes educators committed to advancing evidence-based science instruction and helping teachers address misconceptions about topics, including evolution and climate change

As scientific and technological developments continue to shape society, the need for educators who can communicate accurate scientific information and cultivate critical thinking skills remains essential. Now in its third year, the Sound Science Fellowship responds to challenges confronting science educators, from misinformation to changing instructional standards. Through collaborative research and scientific engagement, the fellowship seeks to strengthen public trust in science while equipping educators with the knowledge and resources needed to deliver accurate, high-quality instruction.

“I am honored to be named a 2027 NCSE Sound Science Fellow. This fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with educators and scholars in strengthening K–12 science education and supporting teachers in engaging students with climate science, evolution, and the nature of science,” said Dr. Cameron. “I look forward to contributing to professional learning and research that help teachers address misconceptions, foster evidence-based scientific thinking, and create more inclusive and empowering science learning experiences for all students.”

Cameron’s selection also highlights NCEED’s mission, an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to improving academic achievement, advancing educational equity and eliminating disparities in educational outcomes among K–12 students. Through research and evidence-based interventions, NCEED addresses critical questions surrounding children’s academic, social and emotional development, with a particular emphasis on improving educational opportunities in Baltimore and throughout Maryland.

Over the two-year fellowship, Cameron will collaborate with educators from institutions across the country, examining evolutionary biology, climate science, and emerging pedagogy for improving science instruction. She will also participate in seminars with scientists and educational leaders, pursue individual and collaborative research projects, and contribute to NCSE’s broader mission of promoting and defending high-quality science education nationwide.

Contributions to Water Science Earn International Acclaim

Dr. Samendra Sherchan, professor of biology in the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SCMNS), was named a 2026 Fellow of the International Water Association (IWA) for his sustained contributions to water science, environmental public health, and sustainable water management. Also serving as the interim director of the Center for Urban and Coastal Climate Science Research and director of the Center of Research Excellence in Wastewater-based Epidemiology, Sherchan has accumulated more than 140 published peer-reviewed articles, reinforcing his commitment to environmental biotechnology innovation and wastewater research.

Sherchan joined 22 water professionals from IWA’s global network recognized at the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland. At the October 2026 convening, fellows were acknowledged for their research excellence and professional contributions that advance water science, technology and management internationally. Representing academia, utilities, research institutions, industry, and other professional sectors, these distinguished individuals form an influential international network dedicated to sharing expertise, driving innovation, and addressing the world’s most pressing water challenges.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition, which reflects the collective efforts of my students, postdocs, and collaborators to advance water science, protect public health, and build healthier, more climate-resilient communities,” said Dr. Sherchan. “This distinction is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the innovative research taking place at Morgan State University I look forward to building upon our research, strengthening international partnerships and developing sustainable, science-driven solutions that improve lives and create more resilient communities for future generations.”

IWA Fellows are appointed to an initial five-year term, during which they play an integral role in advancing the association’s strategic priorities, strengthening its international network and fostering greater engagement among water professionals worldwide.

Transformative Nursing Leadership, Health Equity Advancements Garner National Recognition

Dr. Hershaw Davis, Jr., associate director and assistant professor in the Department of Nursing within the School of Community Health and Policy (SCHP), was named a 2026 Distinguished Academy of Diversity in Nursing (ADLN) Fellow. The recognition honors nursing leaders working to advance health equity, strengthen professional practice and address barriers to equitable care. Through its work as a nonprofit, the Academy works to eliminate systemic barriers, promote health equity, and recognize visionary nursing leaders whose contributions are transforming the profession and improving healthcare outcomes for diverse communities.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing. This recognition reflects my belief that advancing health equity requires more than acknowledging disparities; it demands intentional leadership, meaningful action, and a commitment to transforming the systems that perpetuate inequities,” said Dr. Davis. “Throughout my career, I have sought to translate these principles into nursing education and organizational policy. I am privileged to help prepare the next generation of nurses to lead with integrity, advocate for equitable care, and serve as agents of change in the communities they serve.”

Davis joins a distinguished cohort of nurse leaders recognized for innovative initiatives that address inequities and advance inclusive healthcare practices and help transform the nursing profession. The 2026 Fellows represent a collective commitment to ensuring diverse perspectives are valued and nurses are empowered to improve health outcomes across the communities they serve.  

As an associate director and assistant professor in Morgan State’s Department of Nursing, Davis contributes to the University’s mission of preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of diverse populations. Setting a new standard for nursing excellence in Maryland, his recognition comes as the University’s nursing program earned statewide distinction: Morgan reported a  100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate among its 2025 nursing graduates and a No. 1 ranking in Maryland for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The national and international recognition of Drs. Cameron, Sherchan and Davis reflects the caliber of distinguished faculty here at the National Treasure and their collective commitment to advancing knowledge, strengthening academic excellence and addressing consequential challenges through research, education and service. Their achievements further underscore the University’s growing influence across disciplines and its continued rise among the leading public research institutions. Morgan congratulates all three faculty members on these well-deserved distinctions and their contributions.

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