Welcome to
VI-EPSCoR
VI-EPSCoR is one of 28 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR jurisdictions and is hosted at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Our current research and education program, Ridge to Reef: Processes and Independent Drivers of Small Island Resilience (R2R), explores and develops science-based strategies to understand and mitigate environmental stressors in the USVI Territory.
The R2R program also strives to develop the next generation of Virgin Islanders who can help ensure a resilient future for the Territory’s natural resources. We accomplish this with our Workforce Development team and a focus on community outreach.
We invite you to explore all our areas of research.
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This research area seeks to understand how human activity on land can affect places downstream, like our coral reefs. This work focuses on understanding how these processes work in the Virgin Islands so that we can do a better job of protecting both our home on the land and the sea.
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Work in this area documents mangrove extent and condition over time, identifies areas in need of restoration, grows plants for restoration, and engages students and the USVI community in mangrove conservation, stewardship, and restoration.
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There are three emerging areas of research that are aligned with the R2R project:
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The Fish Ecology research area studies the consequences of rapidly degrading marine habitats and the impact this has on the health of parrotfish, a key coral reef herbivore.
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Oceanographic research informs and supports the marine science-related research efforts of the R2R project.
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Humanity has had a significant impact on the marine community. This has led to unprecedented degradation of biological communities. However, many of these communities show the ability to persist amid the onslaught.
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Coral disease has become a driving cause of coral death in the last few decades. Understanding how and why different species are susceptible to disease can help us predict disease spread and impact .
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The Education and Workforce Development (EWFD) team is committed to building capacity and preparing USVI K-12 students with the skills to be effective members of the Territory’s future workforce, including some who will be tasked with addressing the environmental challenges facing the islands. This area is comprised of:
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING & INFRASTRUCTURE →
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH→
INFORMAL LEARNING →
Section Styles top-border
“Our program is dedicated to enhancing research capacity and capability specifically in the STEM fields .”
– Dr. Kim Waddell, Program Director
Meet Our Leadership Team
Kim Waddell, Ph.D.
Richard Nemeth, Ph.D.
Tyler Smith, Ph.D.