Overview

ECS, which stands for Emerging Caribbean Scientists, is an umbrella term for several research training programs and activities at the University of the Virgin Islands. The ECS Program was created to enable collaboration and synergy between several funding opportunities available to students in the College of Science and Mathematics. We offer scholarships, summer programs, research experiences, mentoring, and academic enrichment for undergraduate students as well as activities to engage the community through outreach and recruitment efforts.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS) Programs is to increase research training and promote excellence for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students at the University of the Virgin Islands. Funding for programs and activities are provided by federal grant awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as university sponsors and donors.

Goals

  • Increase the number of students majoring in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM) disciplines
  • Better prepare students in STEM disciplines for medical school, post baccalaureate study, teaching and science and technology industry
  • Support faculty research, which will in turn support undergraduate student research, by providing funding opportunities for research on and off campus
  • Provide funding for undergraduate student research
  • Provide for role models for UVI students through the visiting scientists program
  • Provide for enhanced curriculum through development and adoption of innovative instruction

Programs

We support student research, training, mentorship, curriculum enhancement, innovative instruction, and post baccalaureate preparation by offering federally and locally funded STEM programs:

Activities


Contact Information

ECS Steering Committee
College of Science & Mathematics
University of the Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, USVI 00802
Phone: (340) 693-1397
Fax: (340) 693-1245
Email: ecs@uvi.edu
Website: http://ecs.uvi.edu

FAQs - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where can I find the ECS application?

     The application is available online. Go to our homepage at http://ecs.uvi.edu and look for the green button that says ECS Online Application.
  • What documents do I need to complete my ECS application?

     Students should ask for two letters of recommendation from math and science professors. Also, you should write a 500 word essay/personal statement t describes your background, experiences, achievements, goals, and research interest. Include reasons for applying to this program. More information is available in the application guidelines found on the following link:
    http://www.uvi.edu/files/documents/ECS/application_guidelines20111.pdf 
  • I am an international student at UVI. Do I qualify for ECS programs?
    Yes. Funding may be available for foreign students enrolled at UVI to participate in our summer research programs (SURE/SSRI). We highly encourage international students to apply for ECS.
  • I am a college student not enrolled at UVI. Do I qualify for the ECS Programs?
    No. Unfortunately at this time our programs are only available for full-time undergraduate students matriculated at the University of the Virgin Islands.
  • As an ECS Scholar, what are my options for community service?
    We recommend ECS scholars to volunteer with the University Bound Program, the Center for Student Success, or as a Peer Led Team Leader (PLTL). You can an intern at local organizations but it must be approved first. Contact us at ecs@uvi.edu if there are any questions.
  • How do I choose a faculty research mentor?
    Go to the UVI Directory and view the faculty profiles. You can read about their expertise, research interests, and publications, if available. We recommend setting up an appointment to meet and talk about potential research projects you can work on together.
  • What do the acronyms mean?
     DOE = Department of Energy
    ECS = Emerging Caribbean Scientists 
    HBCU-UP = Historically Black Colleges & Universities Undergraduate Program 
    MARC = Maximizing Access to Research Careers 
    MBRS = Minority Biomedical Research Support 
    MBS = Math Behind the Science 
    NIH = National Institutes of Health 
    NSF = National Science Foundation 
    RISE = Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement 
    SSRI = Summer Sophomore Research Institute 
    STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics 
    SURE = Summer Undergraduate Research Experience 
  • I would like to present at the Annual Research Symposium. Where can I get more information?
    To learn about the opportunity to showcase your research project as a scientific poster presentation at one of our Annual Research Symposia, click on this link.
  • What opportunities are available for high school students?
    Math Behind the Science is a six week residential summer bridge program for high school students interested in pursuing college majors in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine. Click here for more information.
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  • How do I make a donation to support ECS?
    We recommend donating to the ECS Honors Fund. For more information about ECS sponsorship opportunities, click here.
  • What are the dates for ECS activities, workshops, and seminars?
     Click here to view our schedule of events.

  • If you have additional questions, please send an email to ecs@uvi.edu.