EPSCoR Research Fellowship Program (EGFP): Enhancing Research Excellence in the Ocean State at the University of Rhode Island

The National Science Foundation (NSF), NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP) supports EGFP designated institutions/programs in EPSCoR jurisdictions by providing funding for graduate fellowships for eligible applicants. Institutions receive a total of three years of stipend and associated cost-of-education (COE) allowance for each NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellow. This award at the University of Rhode Island (URI) seeks to enhance research competitiveness and capacity through an investment in talent development. Research topics and activities will focus on use-inspired research on coastal resilience, sustainable fisheries, microplastics pollution, and ocean exploration. Anchored at URI, the Program will cultivate the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers prepared to lead. By combining cutting-edge research with structured mentoring, science communication training, and partnerships across federal agencies, industry, and community organizations, the Program will advance scientific progress, graduate STEM education, and strengthen Rhode Island’s innovation ecosystem. Fellows will complete an EPSCoR Fellowship Professional Training Certificate and will engage in site visits, micro-internships, and an annual research symposium. Expected outcomes include peer-reviewed publications, new use-inspired partnerships with Blue Economy employers, and placement of Fellows into STEM careers that strengthen Rhode Island’s jurisdictional research capacity. A multi-tiered evaluation framework that includes the Mentoring Competency Assessment, annual cohort surveys, exit interviews, and five-year post-graduation tracking will ensure continuous improvement and accountability. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.