The University of the Virgin Islands Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS) Programs is offering a variety of scholarships and summer research programs for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students for the summer 2009 and academic year 2009-2010. This year more than 70 STEM students are expected to receive direct support for tuition, books, conference travel expenses, hourly research salaries and monthly stipends of up to $913. ECS Scholars, as students supported by the programs are called, also receive research and career mentoring.
The program targets UVI students majoring in the areas of physics, computer science, process technology, biology, marine biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and psychology.
To be considered, students must be admitted to UVI, complete an online application form, submit two letters of recommendation, and have a 2.7 minimum grade point average to become an ECS Scholar and 2.0 minimum grade point average to participate in summer research programs. Applications for ECS research programs are due on March 1, 2009. All students who meet the criteria, including international students, are encouraged to apply.
ECS Scholars and summer researchers make local and national presentations. Last summer's research topics included seed germination, coral reefs, weather modeling, life satisfaction, folk medicine, cistern water quality, GPS algorithms and shrimp fertility, among others. In the Fall of 2008, three ECS Scholars won national presentation awards for local research. Many ECS Scholars go on to earn more advanced degrees to become medical doctors, PhD researchers, university professors and industry leaders.
"The Emerging Caribbean Scientists program promotes, encourages and nurtures student experiences that produce deep thinkers, confident young scientists and future leaders in whatever their chosen field of study or work may be" said Dr. McKayle, dean of the Division of Science and Mathematics.
The ECS Programs strive to increase research training and promote excellence for students at UVI. The programs receive local and national support, including from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
For access to online applications and detailed information related to the programs, visit the ECS website http://ecs.uvi.edu/; call the Division of Science and Mathematics' Emerging Caribbean Scientists Programs at (340) 693-1232; or send email to ecs@uvi.edu.