Undergraduate chemical biology students at Stevens now have a unique opportunity to dive deeper into research during the summer, thanks to the newly established Kumbaraci-Jones Summer Assistantship. The program provides stipends for students to focus on lab work, sharpen their research skills, and explore scientific questions beyond the classroom.
The assistantship honors the legacy of Dr. Francis T. Jones, who, along with his wife, Dr. Nuran M. Kumbaraci-Jones, played a pivotal role in shaping chemical biology education at Stevens. In 1978, the couple launched the university’s chemical biology bachelor’s program, blending rigorous chemistry coursework with biology courses covering cellular, molecular, and physiological biology. The program was designed to prepare students for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and research.
“When I joined the Stevens faculty many years ago, I met Dr. Jones, who was already working to establish a chemical biology major at the university,” Kumbaraci-Jones recalled. “At the time, biology was largely a descriptive science. Dr. Jones and I recognized the importance of integrating quantitative science and hands-on research into the curriculum. We wanted students to engage actively with the material, not just learn it from a textbook.”
Their innovative approach earned early recognition. “Ours was one of the first chemical biology programs in the country to earn accreditation from the American Chemical Society,” Kumbaraci-Jones added, emphasizing the couple’s commitment to high standards and training.
Dr. Constantin Chassapis, now Senior Vice Provost for graduate education, remembers being impressed by the program as a junior faculty member. “The program was structured in a way that clearly prepared students for further studies in medicine and dentistry,” he said. “Dr. Jones and Dr. Kumbaraci-Jones were incredibly dedicated. They made themselves available to students, ensuring that everyone had the guidance and support needed to succeed in the lab.”
Dr. Jones’ career spanned more than five decades, and he was widely respected for his high standards. “He was a tough instructor,” Kumbaraci-Jones said, “but his dedication to teaching, scholarship, and leadership was unwavering. Many students credit him as the most influential professor in their academic and professional development.”
One of the key challenges for chemical biology students has always been access to sufficient lab time. “Students need the chance to practice techniques and follow experiments through to results,” Kumbaraci-Jones explained. “A typical semester often doesn’t allow enough time for research, and many undergraduates feel pressured to take paying jobs over the summer instead of gaining meaningful lab experience.”
The Kumbaraci-Jones Summer Assistantship directly addresses this issue. As an endowed fund, it will support two to three students each year in perpetuity. Initially, the endowment must generate earnings before full use, but a community fundraising effort, including contributions from friends, family, alumni, and faculty, provided immediate funding. In the summer of 2025, Vrinda Modi ’25 and Rhea Bachani ’27 became the first students to participate.
“This gift perfectly reflects Dr. Jones’ philosophy,” Chassapis said. “In the classroom, students learn existing knowledge; in the lab, they create knowledge. Giving undergraduates the opportunity to generate new ideas is transformative. It’s a vital step in the cycle of education — from learning to discovery to societal impact.”
Kumbaraci-Jones also plans to expand the endowment through her estate plans, ensuring that future generations of students can benefit from the same opportunities.
The program’s launch coincided with a September 2025 memorial event honoring Dr. Jones and celebrating the opening of the newly renovated Chemical Biology Laboratory. More than 50 friends, alumni, and students attended to pay tribute to his life and work. “The Kumbaraci-Jones Research Assistantship creates a continuum,” said Kumbaraci-Jones. “It allows students to explore research questions fully and realize their potential as scientists, ensuring that Stevens’ chemical biology program continues to thrive and remain rooted in excellence.”
For Stevens students interested in chemical biology, the assistantship represents more than just a summer stipend; it’s a chance to engage deeply with research, contribute to meaningful discoveries, and follow in the footsteps of two of the program’s pioneering educators.
