The LIFT Connection June 2025

"I love igniting the students' sense of wonder, especially through applicable research to foster their ability to think critically, to see them appreciate the value of supporting one's community - both locally and globally - and to help them find their passion." Dr. Chery Whipple, Colby-Sawyer College

Meet a LIFTER!

Dr. Chery A. Whipple is an Associate Professor of Biology at Colby-Sawyer College. Inspired by conversations with a colleague, Chery became excited about developing research opportunities for her students that connect with her tropical ecology course—specifically to explore the resilience of coral reefs. She is especially enthusiastic about the depth and impact this work can achieve through her collaboration with Dr. Geoff Cook of New England College, an expert in tropical ecology.


When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Professor Whipple highlighted her Tropical Communities course, which takes students to tropical destinations, often in developing countries. These immersive experiences challenge students to step outside their comfort zones. For many, it's their first time traveling internationally and for some, their first time on a plane. Exposure to new cultures and perspectives often proves to be both enlightening and life-changing.


A first-generation college graduate, Chery shared that she brought her horse to college, where she competed on two equestrian teams. Outside the classroom, she dedicates much of her time to cheering on or coaching her children at sporting events. She also enjoys hiking with her kids and dog, biking with her husband, kayaking with friends, trail running, Nordic and alpine skiing—and most recently, learning to play the piano!


We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Whipple to NH-LIFT!

NH-LIFT in Action: UPDATE!

In the March issue of the LIFT Connection, we shared that through a statewide collaboration, Franklin Pierce University had applied for grant funding that if awarded, would result in supporting the university's efforts to establish an Office of Sponsored Projects. Great news! Franklin Pierce recently learned that they've been awarded $50,000 to help build the university's research infrastructure.


Grant deliverables include conducting a needs assessment, an outreach survey to faculty, developing a job description for a part-time pre-award grant specialist, and creating a centralized online support system (OSP website). Franklin Pierce is one of only 6 institutions out of 50 to receive this highly competitive funding. Congrats FPU!

NH-LIFT is supported by NSF EPSCoR

E-CORE award #2412054

NH-LIFT Hits the Road!

NEC SURE Intern Natalia Gonzalez

On June 13, Team NH-LIFT took to the road to visit both New England College and Saint Anselm College. Thank you to our campus hosts Jim Newcomb (NEC) and Ian Durham (SAC). Campus visits allow NH-LIFT partners to tour each other's labs, meet research colleagues and celebrate NH-LIFT SURE interns in action! The team will be heading to Plymouth State University on July 1. Eric Hoffman and colleagues, we look forward to learning more about your work!

FIRST Collaboration Seed Grant Awarded!

Congratulations to New England College professor Dr. Geoff Cook and Colby-Sawyer College professor Dr. Chery Whipple on being the first recipients of an NH-LIFT collaboration seed grant! Professors Cook and Whipple, along with their respective students, will be joining together to identify key factors in enabling tolerance to climate change in coral reefs and seagrass beds. Dr. Whipple shared she is hopeful that this project evoke a genuine interest in reef ecology and conservation in students at CSC and NEC while highlighting the importance of collaboration. Both Whipple and Cook strive to develop a robust long-term project that provides a foundation for additional research projects, the results of which could lead to internships, career opportunities, publications, and research grants.


NH-LIFT is already having an impact on research collaborations across NH.

Time to register for the

NH-LIFT Summer Summit


NH-LIFT will host its first Summer Summit on August 19-20 at the Mount Washington Hotel, immediately following NH-INBRE's annual meeting. With many NH-LIFTERS also members of the NH-INBRE community, this back to back scheduling makes it easier to attend both events.

Agenda

Registration Form

Seed Grant Funding Available

NH-LIFT has seed grant funding intended to build research collaborations among Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUI) across New Hampshire. All information pertaining to this funding opportunity can be found on the NH EPSCoR Website.

NH-LIFT is building research collaborations across NH

Entrance to Nashua Community College

The Community College System of New Hampshire is a founding partner institution of NH-LIFT. NCC has four SURE student interns participating in research projects this summer. We'll meet the students in the July issue of The LIFT Connection.

Team Resources

Website: NH LIFT

Email: nh.epscor@unh.edu

LinkedIn: @nh-epscor

NSF Award: Citation Format

NH-LIFT Partner Institutions

NH-LIFT is supported by NSF EPSCoR E-CORE award #2412054

NH Long-Term Investment to Fuel Transformative Research

Catalyzing New Research Opportunities at NH's Higher Education Institutions