Newsletter - January 2025

Above: Former SURF Jillian Sylvia (right) conducts research in Dr. Robert Patalano's Lab at Bryant University. Learn more about her research on past climates.

SURF Applications Due

RI undergraduates may submit by February 14

(earlier version incorrectly stated Feb. 21)

RI NSF EPSCoR is now accepting applications from undergraduates enrolled at any institution of higher education in Rhode Island for the 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). This program offers a full-time, 10 week STEM research experience with RI NSF EPSCoR faculty and graduate student investigators examining issues around marine and coastal science and the blue economy in Rhode Island.

Students can select projects according to their own interests, from conducting research in marine biology and chemical engineering to engaging with science communication and visualization projects. Selected students will receive a stipend of $6,000 and up to $550 for supplies.

RI NSF EPSCoR also offers SURF Flex, an option for undergraduates whose schedules cannot accommodate a full-time research experience. SURF Flex students will receive a stipend of $3,000 and up to $275 for supplies. Learn more, view projects and apply now!

NSF Grant Spotlight

Responding to new administration's recent orders

As the new presidential administration implements new directives across the federal government, the U.S. National Science Foundation is keeping its grant community informed as best as possible. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to stay up-to-date via NSF's latest announcements, as well as through any communications from your individual institutions and organizations, such as URI's new webpage on recent federal actions. If you have any questions specific to RI NSF EPSCoR, please contact Project Administrator Howard Dooley, Jr. or Communications Coordinator Shaun Kirby. Thank you!

Upcoming Opportunities

Blue Economy Career Exploration Fair

Tuesday, Feb. 27 and Thursday, Feb. 29, 2:30-4:30pm

NOAA’s Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute at the University of Rhode Island is hosting its 3rd annual Blue Economy Career Exploration Fair to raise awareness for the diverse employment opportunities around the blue economy. In addition to a broad introduction to BE industries, participants will engage panelists in small groups and ask questions [“speed dating”], learn more about skills required for BE positions, and understand personal career journeys. This event is free and, while targeted to undergraduates and graduate students, anyone is welcome to join. Learn more and register!

Community Engaged Internship for Undergraduates

Applications due Friday, Feb. 14

As part of RI Sea Grant’s goal to broaden participation in marine and coastal professions, the RISG Community Engaged Internship (CEI) aims to equip students with training, mentorship, and skills to build successful careers in the coastal and maritime space. The CEI Program provides undergraduate students from RI colleges and universities with the opportunity to engage in place-based research, outreach, education and/or communication projects focused within coastal communities. Students will be placed with mentors that may include RISG extension staff, RISG-funded researchers, or representatives of local community-based organizations. Learn more and apply!

Blue @RWU

Join faculty, students and industry members to learn more about how Roger Williams University is advancing RI's Blue Economy on Monday, February 10, 5-8pm. The event, open to the public, will include a showcase of marine research and initiatives happening across Rhode Island. Learn more and register!

Right: RI NSF EPSCoR investigator Koty Sharp, Associate Professor of Marine Biology, will detail how RWU is contributing to RI's blue economy.

RI Commerce's Wavemaker Fellowship for recent grads

Applications due Wednesday, March 5

Every year, talented graduates are faced with the decision of where to start their careers. The Wavemaker Fellowship provides a financial incentive for graduates pursuing a career or starting a business in Rhode Island in science, technology, engineering, math, design, healthcare, teachers and other key sectors, by defraying student loan payments for up to four years.

In addition to the financial benefit, Fellows are invited to participate in various personal and professional development programs, social and professional networking opportunities, community-based events and more. Learn more and apply!

NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellowship

Applications due Friday, Feb. 28

Established in 2024, this fellowship provides a unique, two-year opportunity for early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience with projects across the U.S. that build climate resilience within coastal communities. Each fellowship offers a competitive salary, medical benefits, and reimbursement for travel and relocation expenses. Annual salaries range from $42,000 to $56,000, depending on the cost of living adjustment in the fellowship location.

Fellows will also be provided training and professional development opportunities from NOAA and their host. Learn more and apply!

The News

Sea urchins: key to more resilient aquaculture?

RI NSF EPSCoR investigator Coleen Suckling, Associate Professor of Fisheries, Animal & Veterinary Sciences at URI, is looking to the sea urchin for solutions as commercial aquaculture seeks to protect the state's marine assets. Read more from Rhody Today!

Left: A handful of green sea urchins, creatures which may help keep shellfish stocks clean and safe. Photo courtesy Coleen Suckling

RI NSF EPSCoR investigator Vinka Oyanedel-Craver (center), Associate Dean for research at URI's College of Engineering, is working with the new council to develop research around plastics and textiles.

The future of textiles in RI

In order to better understand the impacts of textiles on the environment and develop innovative and sustainable materials, researchers at the University of Rhode Island are participating in a statewide partnership with community organizations and industry to establish the Future Textiles Council. Learn more about the council's mission and its inaugural meeting held on January 24.

Partner Institutions

Rhode Island EPSCoR is funded by the National Science Foundation under EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Award #OIA-2433276 . Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

For more information about RI NSF EPSCoR, contact Communications Coordinator Shaun Kirby at 401-874-6888 or skirby@uri.edu