SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 9, 2026 – Drury University Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. John Kiernicki has received a $449,297 research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the study of hydrogen bond interactions, a phenomena known to provide the structure for DNA. The grant is funded by the NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
The grant is believed to be the largest single-professor grant in Drury’s 153-year history.
Kiernicki, who recently completed his fifth year at Drury, received the grant as part of the NSF’s Faculty Early Career Development Program. The program is designed to recognize young scientists who show exceptional potential for research and education, and the award must be put towards creating more research opportunities for students.
“Dr. Kiernicki’s NSF research grant is a remarkable achievement that reflects both his exceptional scholarship and his unwavering dedication to student success,” Drury Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs & Provost Dr. Beth Harville said.
The grant covers a five-year period, beginning in August. The focus of Kiernicki’s research through the grant will be on methods to change the strength of hydrogen bonds. The recognition of his research program, Kiernicki said, is validation for Drury and its Chemistry program and the undergraduate research students in his lab.
“It’s proof that you can do high-quality science while still focusing on our mission of training students,” Kiernicki said. “From a student recruitment perspective, this will be an opportunity to reach even more students and help them reach the best graduate schools and professional schools to help them build a career.”
The grant allows Drury to purchase up to $200,000 of new equipment, in addition to providing research stipends for both Kiernicki and his research students, beginning next summer.
About the NSF
The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance national health, prosperity and welfare, and to secure national defense. For more information, visit nsf.gov.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu