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VI-E P S C o R NEWSLETTER April 2004 Virgin Islands EPSCoR is funded! The Virgin Islands EPSCoR Infrastructure Improvement proposal has been funded by the National Science Foundation. The program was funded at the level of $4.5 million from the National Science Foundation, and $1.125 million in matching funds from the Virgin Islands. The Project Director is Dr. Henry H. Smith, who will work with senior EPSCoR team consisting of Roy Watlington, Richard Nemeth and Camille McKayle. VI EPSCoR at a Glance Partners • University of Miami, RSMAS • Florida International University • University of Washington, Seattle • University of Oklahoma • NOAA/AOML • University of Puerto Rico, Sea Grant • University of Arkansas • USVI Div. Fish & Wildlife Advisors • VI-EPSCoR Governing Board • Virgin Islands Assembly • EPSCoR Directors (KS, PR) • Selected nationally-competitive experts in research and education VI-EPSCoR Establish and sustain nationally competitive research in limited areas Provide support for the creation of new nationally competitive research areas in the territory Enhance UVI’s ability to acquire and manage, at high levels, the resources and culture of competitive research grants Goals Research Infrastructure Improvement RFA 1: Biocomplexity in Caribbean Coral Reefs Incubator/ROA Projects: Upgrade in emerging research areas General Infrastructure Improvement •Strengthen STEM libraries, IT and GIS •Inventory improvements of equipment; Upgrade of facilities and equipment •Identify and nurture additional incubator/ROA projects to be competitively selected •Modify university policies to improve support of research, outreach, and R&D management EHR Infrastructure Improvement •Develop a solid infrastructure within the UVI system to support a teacher professional development continuum program that attracts and retains quality STEM K-12 teachers throughout their careers • Develop master’s degree programs in marine science to strengthen the workforce and to strengthen preparation of secondary science teachers • Develop masters degrees in mathematics and science, especially for the secondary teachers BCCR Update The VI EPSCoR Research Focus Area, Biocomplexity in Caribbean Coral Reefs, has hit the ground running! We have formed an advisory group specifically for BCCR. The BCCR Professional Advisory Committee will help to guide the direction of BCCR, and consists of professionals who have proven themselves in the area of coral reef research and the management of marine programs. The group had its first meeting on Monday, March 1st via telephone. Meet The BCCR Professional Advisory Committee Betsy Gladfelter, Ph.D.—currently a guest investigator at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Policy Center. Cecil Jennings, Ph.D. –research fishery scientist of the US Geological Survey Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Warnell School of Forest Resources, University of Georgia and Virgin Islander. John McManus, Ph.D. -- Professor and Director, National Center for Caribbean Coral Reef Research (NCORE), Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami. John Ogden, Ph.D.– Director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography Robert Richmond, Ph.D. -- research professor at the University of Hawaii Kewalo Marine Laboratory. Caroline Rogers, Ph.D. - lead scientist for the US Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division Caribbean-Virgin Islands Project.. Alina Szmant, Ph.D. – Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. In support of the work of BCCR, UVI faculty were asked to submit proposals in order to get release time for research. We have received five proposals, and a BCCR advisory sub- committee will be making recommendations for funding. VI EPSCoR Happenings Visit from Jim Firnberg 2/3/2004: NSF consultant Dr. James Firnberg visited the Virgin Islands and met with various personnel related to VI EPSCoR concerning the development of a communications strategy. Dr. Firnberg has assisted NSF EPSCoR in designing and implementing a coordinated communication strategy of information collection and dissemination for the EPSCoR states and jurisdictions. This includes using current available data bases or developing new sources of information, increasing interaction with the university and NSF public affairs offices and producing written and visual materials to demonstrate the value of NSF sponsored science and technology achievements to our jurisdiction and to the Nation. Dr. Firnberg was able to share his wealth of knowledge with representatives from Public Relations, Small Business Development Center, UVI CELL (Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning), the Research and Technology Park, VI EPSCoR researchers, St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Authority, WSTA, and the leadership of the University of the Virgin Islands, including Dr. Ragster and Dr. Moolenaar. VI EPSCoR Governing Board Meets: The governing board met on January 29, 2004. At that meeting, the board was joined by Ms. Martha James, Program Director from the National Science Foundation, who assisted in making the announcement of award, and pledged her and NSF’s support to the VI EPSCoR program. Upcoming VI EPSCoR Activities Incubator Areas: Call for Proposals Within the next month there will be a call for proposals for incubator areas. Preference for incubation support will be given in areas that (1) provide ample opportunities for faculty members to enhance their research expertise through collaborations with other universities and research institutions, (2) include opportunities for research experiences for undergraduates and for K-12 students, (3) allow UVI to establish research that can stimulate economic growth for the greater Virgin Islands community, and (4) have opportunity for sustainability through federal or local grant funding or local long-term commitment. Support for incubation will consist largely of released time for developing the concept and writing proposals, tutelage under nationally recognized experts, support for contacting external mentors, modest fundamental equipment, and support for student involvement. Visit from DOD EPSCoR VI EPSCoR is planning for a visit from Dr. Kurt Preston, a program manager in DEPSCoR, the Department of Defense EPSCoR program. He will speak with interested persons about opportunities for research funding through the Department of Defense and share proposal tips during the week of May 14.