Roger Williams University (RWU) has expanded its Blue Fellows Program for a second year, increasing participation from seven to ten undergraduate fellows and adding new industry partnerships focused on marine science, aquaculture, biotechnology and fisheries research.
Announced June 9, the program pairs students with faculty researchers and industry organizations working on ocean-based innovation projects. The initiative is part of RWU's Blue Solutions Institute, which combines marine biotechnology research through the university's Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED) with entrepreneurship programs in the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business.
"The Blue Fellows Program is workforce training for the rapidly expanding blue economy," said Koty Sharp, director of CEED and associate professor of marine biology. "Our Blue Fellows spend the summer immersed in hands-on applied marine research, in which they are learning important laboratory and field skills that can serve them in a variety of careers after they graduate."
The 2026 cohort will work on projects ranging from shellfish aquaculture and restoration to aquatic animal health, shark and fisheries monitoring, algae cultivation, marine biotechnology, and disease diagnostics.
Several fellowships have direct ties to commercial fishing and aquaculture. Aiden Perham will work with RWU's shellfish hatchery and FerryCliffe Aquaculture Farm, collaborating with industry partners on shellfish aquaculture and restoration practices in Narragansett Bay. Branalysa Varela and Noah Curtin will conduct shellfish aquaculture research with the Gulf Shellfish Institute in Florida, while Grace Baldwin will continue a partnership with the Atlantic Shark Institute, using baited remote underwater video systems to assess shark and fish biodiversity in Block Island Sound.
The program also added a new partner this year, the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences Provasoli-Guillard National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota in East Boothbay, Maine. Fellows Haley Kirkpatrick and Keegan Denahey will receive training in algae and microbial production techniques with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and other marine-derived products.
According to RWU, the Blue Fellows Program was launched in 2025 to bridge classroom learning with applied marine research and strengthen Rhode Island's blue economy workforce. The inaugural class included projects focused on shellfish restoration, aquatic animal diagnostics, shark and fisheries monitoring, and electric boating industry marketing.
RWU officials say the expanded program reflects the university's continued effort to support workforce development and innovation across aquaculture, marine conservation, seafood production, and other ocean industries.
