UC PhD student turns love of research into powerful life lessons for Cincinnati's urban youth
Seeing is believing.
Cincinnati Public School (CPS) students participating in the University of Cincinnati (UC) Scholars Academy may never have thought about or even imagined life as a researcher, until they met Kamonta Heidelburg, an African-American doctoral student in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.
Heidelburg, a graduate of Clark Montessori High School, grew up with a dream and traversed the bumps and challenges that came his way so he could turn that dream into reality — going to college.
A lot of kids I grew up with are getting out of jail right now, and here I am getting my Ph.D.
Kamonta Heidelburg
Heidelburg wanted to find a better way for himself. “I was driven to be different, and there were plenty of outcomes I didn’t want. I had a strong mindset to be different.”
UC’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here, calls for programming and partnerships to facilitate a robust, system-wide ecosystem of support for Cincinnati youth like Heidelburg and members of the UC Scholars Academy. Through increased exploration, readiness, and access, the university can accelerate student success and graduate work-ready leaders.
Following high school Heidelburg attended a historically black university, which presented him with a new perspective he didn’t see growing up.
“I learned there can be a big crowd of black people having fun and not fighting. That earlier mindset hindered me from exploring the world,” but Heidelburg says that early experience was still valuable because it instilled a desire to be a voice of change and to lead by example.
Now, as a UC doctoral student, he’s working with Hughes STEM High School to research the socio-emotional development of seventh-and eighth-grade black males. Heidelburg also leads support groups for 9th – 12th graders at Hughes, and coordinates a district wide CPS program for young African American men titled “Me, Organized, Respectful and Educated.”
Sitting at the front of a room within UC’s Teachers College building, Heidelburg is leading by example, sharing his passion for UC, higher education, and the UC Scholars Academy.
The UC Scholars Academy was founded in January 2015, with the mission of empowering high school students who have potential and drive but lack opportunity and access to a college education. The initiative currently partners with Hughes STEM High School to recruit students to UC. The partnership includes all 13 UC colleges.
When I was in high school, there was nothing like UC Scholars. You all are doing really well. We want more people to get their PhDs. Only eight percent of the population has a PhD. When you break it down by our race, it’s even smaller.
Kamonta Heidelburg, speaking to high school students
Through his personal story, Heidelburg is able to connect with the students. His passion for learning permeates the room and inspires the young people listening. The UC Scholars are able to see someone like them. Someone who turned their dream into reality — a role model they can relate to.
And the dialogue begins.
The scholars start asking questions about college, self-care, careers and even research.
Heidelburg divides the students into small groups to brainstorm their own potential research topics. Ideas that surface include:
- Different pay for different engineers
- The impact of drugs on race
- Correlations between minorities and the American dream
- How injuries impact mindset and the ability to recover
Reflecting on the conversations, Heidelburg asks the students what advice they would like to share with others.
The day’s lesson and Heidelberg’s impact on the UC scholars can be gleaned from the words of CPS student and UC Scholar Zoe Miller.
“Don’t lose sight of where you want to go. Keep pushing forward.”
Learn more about UC's strategic direction, Next Lives Here, and UC's efforts to increase the number of graduates from Cincinnati Public Schools.
Related Stories
Study finds police officers face higher long-term health risks
January 2, 2026
J.C. Barnes, a University of Cincinnati professor, is interviewed by Spectrum News about new research showing that the physical and psychological demands of law enforcement can contribute to earlier deaths.
Supporters give generously to the Bearcats Pantry and Resource Center
December 22, 2025
Supporters gave generously to the Bearcats Pantry and Resource at the University of Cincinnati during two fundraisers: the Crosstown Foodout and Giving Tuesday.
A partnership to end pancreatic cancer
December 19, 2025
Since 2010, BSI Engineering has raised more than $1.2 million for pancreatic cancer research at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center in honor of a friend and inspiration to BSI’s founders, Bryan Speicher.
IMPACT Innovation celebrates 10 years of excellence at the University of Cincinnati
December 19, 2025
MPACT Innovation at the University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center celebrates 10 years of advancing education and employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the past decade, the program has empowered adults through lifelong learning, vocational exploration, and community partnerships—creating pathways to greater independence, meaningful employment, and full participation in campus and community life.
CPD Assistant Chief Matthew Hammer reflects on a career in policing
December 19, 2025
The two-time UC alum – he has a master's and PhD in criminal justice – was promoted to Assistant Chief in early 2025 and reflects on a challenging year in Cincinnati, his 26 years on the force, what led him to UC for graduate and postgraduate studies, and the learnings in place-based violence he's been able to apply to his work serving and protecting the people of Cincinnati.
University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center to Host Ninth Annual Red & Black Blast
December 18, 2025
The University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center will host its ninth annual Red & Black Blast on February 25, 2026, at Tangeman University Center. The signature event celebrates and supports the Center’s four programs—CEES, TAP, IMPACT Innovation, and RAAC—which create pathways in education, employment, and community life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).