The Virgin Islands Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) is thrilled to announce its upcoming annual conference, "Creating an Impactful Virgin Islands Research Ecosystem." The event will take place on Nov. 7-8, 2024, and will bring together researchers, students, and community members to share the significant lessons, discoveries, and research conducted during the final year of the U.S. National Science Foundation (US –NSF) grant Ridge to Reef: Processes and Interdependent Drivers of Small Island Resilience (R2R).
This year’s VI- EPSCoR conference aims to highlight the importance of building a resilient research ecosystem in the Virgin Islands. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn why this work matters not only to them but also to the local community. The event will showcase the impact of STEM education in strengthening the island community and provide a platform for students to present their ongoing work.
"We are excited to welcome participants to our annual conference, where we will delve into the significant progress made during the R2R project," said Dr. Kim Waddell, director of VI-EPSCoR and Ridge to Reef Principal Investigator. "This conference is an excellent opportunity for researchers, students, and community members to connect, share knowledge, and explore ways to support the Virgin Islands' research community."
The conference will feature expert talks from esteemed guest speakers, including Dr. Nicole Angeli, director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife. Dr. Angeli will discuss the topic of Fish Ecology & Herbivory, shedding light on the importance of preserving and understanding the delicate balance of marine ecosystems in the Virgin Islands.
Another distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Sandra Richardson, section head for the NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR) section within the Office of Integrative Activities, will provide insights into the mission of supporting the development and enhancement of STEM research capacity and competitiveness in historically underserved areas. Other guest speakers include Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources Director of Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas Kristina Edwards, Virgin Islands Department of Education Director of Professional Development Michalrose Ravalier and University of the Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service Coordinator Howard Forbes Jr.
Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, interactive sessions, and network with like-minded individuals who share a passion for research and the Virgin Islands' unique environment. The conference will also emphasize the local applications of recent scientific progress, showcasing how research findings can contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the Virgin Islands.
The conference will commence with welcome remarks from Dr. Kim Waddell, Dr. Rick Nader, Vice President for Research and Economic Business Development, and Dr. Safiya George, President of the University of the Virgin Islands. Their opening statements will set the stage for two days of engaging discussions and knowledge sharing.
To register for the conference and learn more about the event's schedule and speakers, please visit the VI-EPSCoR website at https://www.viepscor.org/24-annual-conference.
About VI-EPSCoR:
The Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) is a research and education program funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). VI-EPSCoR aims to strengthen the research capacity and competitiveness of the U.S. Virgin Islands in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. For information about VI-EPSCoR visit www.viepscor.org.
