Salve Regina University wins $1 million federal grant for ocean research scholarship

NEWPORT — Salve Regina University announced it has received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a program intended to facilitate high-achieving, low-income STEM students’ involvement in the state’s “blue economy.”

The program, “Supporting STEM Scholars to Engage in the Blue Economy,” will fund undergraduate education over six years for 16 students who demonstrate financial need and intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or math, according to a university news release.

A “blue economy” refers to a network of coastal and oceanic industries, including marine trade, tourism, defense, renewable energy and fishing. Conservation advocacy efforts are also included, placing an emphasis on the sustainable allocation and restoration of the ocean’s resources.

With over 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island possesses a natural advantage. Approximately 6-9% of the state’s workforce is employed within the ocean economy, a sector with a direct impact of more than $5 billion, according to a 2020 report by the University of Rhode Island School of Oceanography.

In an effort to increase retention and graduation in STEM fields, Salve’s program will provide students with a mentoring network, internship placement assistance and other helpto create a sense of belonging in the STEM community.

“The attrition rate for STEM students is high, particularly for those from nontraditional backgrounds,” said Associate Professor of Biology Belinda Barbagallo in the release. 

The program intends to address a national need for a diverse and capable workforce of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technicians by increasing STEM degree completion of high-achieving, low-income students.. 

Students may have the opportunity to work with local organizations like the U.S .Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Save the Bay and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Operations Center at the Newport Naval Station, set to open at Pier 2 in Middletown in 2027.

“Students coming from economically disadvantaged schools don’t always have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed in STEM in that first year of college,” Barbagallo said. “This program builds those structures to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.”

“The NSF funding will enable opportunities for hands-on experiences in STEM fields for students from all backgrounds,” said Salve president Kelli Armstrong. “We are incredibly proud of this innovative program and inspired by the NSF’s commitment to create new pipelines of talent in much-needed research areas.”