UVI Research and Technology Park

General Information

Overview

UVI's Emerging Caribbean Scientists (ECS) program is an umbrella term for the university's research training activities. UVI offers 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 is 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 describing your background, experiences, achievements, goals, and research interest. Include reasons for applying to this program. 
  • 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 (SURP). 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.
  • Where can I find off island research opportunities?
    For an online listing of paid summer programs that are interested in recruiting UVI students, visit our ECS Classified Ads here. UVI professors are also a good resource and they can recommend specific opportunities.
  • What do the acronyms mean?
    DOE = Department of Energy
    ECS = Emerging Caribbean Scientists 
    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 
    STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics 
    SURP= Summer Undergraduate Research Program 
  • 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.