National Science Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million Research Grant for Bat Study in Costa Rica

Researchers will Investigate How Fruit Eating Bats Contribute to Plant Health

(BOWIE, Md.) — Bowie State University has been awarded a $920,050 National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant to investigate the role of bats in Costa Rica that remove pathogens from fruits and their contribution to overall plant health. The findings are expected to have far-reaching ecological implications for forest ecosystems and may provide a blueprint for improving crop health by deepening the understanding of robust plant microorganisms. 

“Our research project will explore how fruit-eating bats contribute to plant health and survival by dispersing seeds, thus reducing harmful microorganisms found in fruits,” said Dr. Priscila Chaverri, professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at Bowie State. “When bats eat fruits and excrete the seeds, the process may help remove disease-causing organisms and enhance how well seeds germinate and grow.” 

Preliminary research suggests that certain fungi living inside plants, known as fungal endophytes, may be harmful to the plants. The fungi have been found in undigested fruit but are notably absent from seeds that have passed through a bat’s digestive system.  This may indicate that bat gut passage can help eliminate these potentially harmful microorganisms. 

Researchers will collect fruits and bat droppings, grow plants from the seeds in a greenhouse, and monitor the plants for one year. They will assess plant growth and health, as well as analyze the communities of microorganisms living inside them. Findings from the research will explain how animal behavior, specifically bats, influences plant development and long-term ecosystem health. 

“In addition to advancing scientific research and knowledge, the project will provide valuable experiential learning for Bowie State students who will be working in the field and laboratory,” said Dr. Chaverri. “This project will also help strengthen other research programs at the university by supporting student learning, faculty development and international collaboration.”   

Bowie State University is deepening its commitment to research excellence with the launch of its new Division of Research & Innovation. This strategic initiative reflects the university’s ambition to achieve Carnegie R2 status and recognition as a high research activity institution. Faculty-led and student-driven research is flourishing across campus, underscoring BSU’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and scholarly impact.

###

About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.   

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Alexander, kalexander1@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-6017