Purpose

In alignment with RII-NEST’s commitment to fostering a diverse and competitive science and technology (S&T) workforce, this year’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships seeks to:

• Develop the Blue Economy Workforce: We invite projects that provide students with immersive research experiences in the Blue Economy fields, preparing them for careers in Rhode Island’s expanding coastal and maritime sectors.
• Encourage Use-Inspired Blue Economy Research: Proposed projects should focus on practical applications that strengthen Rhode Island’s Blue Economy, particularly through innovations in sustainability, resource management, marine technology, and other critical areas.
• Foster Inclusive Science Communication: Selected projects should contribute to a wider understanding of Blue Economy research, ensuring that scientific insights are accessible to diverse audiences, including Rhode Island’s communities and the Narragansett Indian Tribe.

RII-NEST SURF Program

The RII-NEST Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program provides undergraduate students with a 10-week immersive research experience focused on environmental, coastal, and marine sciences, aligning with the state’s “Blue Economy” and climate resilience priorities. Participants work under the mentorship of faculty from Rhode Island’s partner institutions, conducting hands-on research that includes fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis. In addition to the hands-on research, students are expected to attend the SURF professional development events, such as workshops on scientific communication and career preparation, as well as the culminating statewide conference where fellows present their findings.

Competitive and fully funded, the SURF program equips students with valuable skills and experience for careers in science and research.

• Program dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, August 1, 2025
• Support: Students in the SURF program will be awarded a $6,000 stipend plus $550 for project supplies. [or $3,000 and $275 for half-time “SURF Flex” positions]

*Please note that there is no direct funding for PIs through the SURF program, though there may be opportunities through other RII-NEST programs.*

Project Criteria

We seek projects that will advance RII-NEST’s Blue Economy theme by meeting the following criteria:

1. Support Workforce Development in the Blue Economy: Proposals should prioritize engaging undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, including those from Tribal, minoritized, and other underserved communities. Projects that foster access and opportunity across Rhode Island’s higher education institutions are especially encouraged.
2. Focus on Collaborative, Use-Inspired Research in the Blue Economy: Proposed projects should demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration and address Rhode Island’s Blue Economy priorities, such as sustainable fisheries, coastal ecosystem resilience, ocean technology, and marine policy.
3. Promote Inclusive Science Communication: Proposals should outline strategies to communicate Blue Economy research findings to a broad audience, helping to foster public understanding and engagement. Collaborations with local institutions and community organizations focused on data, environmental, and science communication are highly encouraged.

Submission Guidelines

• Eligibility: Faculty from all Rhode Island institutions of higher education are invited to submit proposals. Collaborations across institutions and partnerships with community, Tribal, or industry partners are strongly encouraged.
• Project Duration: Projects should span the 10-week summer research period, providing a full-time research experience for students. Project that can also accommodate part-time experiences for “SURF Flex” students are particularly welcomed.
• Mentorship and Student Development: Proposals must include a mentorship plan to support students’ growth in research and professional skills, emphasizing mentorship opportunities for first-generation and underserved students.
• Broader Impacts and Sustainability: Preference will be given to projects with potential for lasting impacts on Rhode Island’s Blue Economy, including economic development, environmental sustainability, and responsiveness to the Narragansett Indian Tribe’s expressed needs in marine and coastal resource management.

Application Process

Please submit a proposal (2 pages maximum) including:

• Project title and abstract.
• Description of research objectives and their alignment within the Blue Economy goals of RII-NEST.
• Plan for student involvement, including mentoring strategy and training.
• List of collaborators, including any community or institutional partners.

Titles and abstracts of accepted projects will be posted on the RII-NEST website. Students will apply to the program, ranking their desired projects. Students will be evaluated, selected and placed on projects by the SURF Selection Committee, made up of RII-NEST staff and partners, with consultation with project mentors.

Deadline for Project Submission: Friday, December 13, 2024
Student application window: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – Friday, February 7, 2025
Student award notification: by the end of March 2025.

Contact Information: Direct questions and submit proposals to Jim Lemire, RII-NEST Undergraduate Research Coordinator, at jlemire@rwu.edu or 401-254-5718.

By focusing on the Blue Economy, RII-NEST seeks to leverage Rhode Island’s unique coastal resources and talent to build a sustainable, inclusive future. We look forward to receiving proposals that will not only support the state’s economic development but also inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders in the Blue Economy. Thank you for your dedication to Rhode Island’s science and technology advancement!