Launches Blue Fellows Program to Advance Ocean Innovation and Student Research
Made possible by Sarasota, Fla., and Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., philanthropist Elizabeth Moore HD’24, the new initiative combines marine science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to address coastal challenges and power the blue economy.
This summer, Roger Williams University launched the Blue Fellows Program, a bold new initiative preparing students to drive innovation in marine science, conservation, and sustainable economic development through hands-on internships with laboratories, aquaculture facilities, research-focused nonprofits and marine businesses.
Following an immersive 10 weeks of research activities, the students shared their work at a capstone event held July 31 at RWU’s Richard L. Bready Mount Hope Bay Sailing and Education Center, celebrating the accomplishments of its inaugural cohort of student researchers and the program’s vision for future ocean impact.
“Roger Williams University is fully committed to making an impact on our oceans, for protection and prosperity,” said RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis. “The RWU Blue Fellows Program exemplifies how we’re creating the next generation of problem solvers in marine science, innovation, and research, driving Rhode Island’s emergence as a blue economy leader. By connecting students with industry and nonprofit partners, we’re building an education-to-career pipeline that prepares them for high-demand jobs and sustainable economic growth.”
Part of RWU’s Blue Solutions Institute, the Blue Fellows Program offers students immersive, hands-on internships with faculty researchers and industry leaders. Projects span a range of urgent coastal and ocean issues – from oyster aquaculture and electric-boat design to shark conservation and marine diagnostics – providing seven students with opportunities to tackle real-world challenges while contributing to the advancement of blue economy solutions. The RWU Blue Fellows Program is supported by a generous gift from Elizabeth Moore, a venerable conservationist and environmental philanthropist and a 2024 RWU honorary degree recipient.
“The RWU Blue Fellows Program serves as a mechanism to spark cross-disciplinary collaboration and develop highly trained students prepared to lead meaningful change toward marine conservation,” said Koty Sharp, Director of RWU’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development. “This isn’t just about funding projects; it’s about creating the conditions for innovation – where students, faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs come together to solve the ocean’s most pressing challenges.”
RWU’s Blue Fellows Program is designed to bridge classroom learning with applied research and innovation. Students are matched with faculty or external partners on projects that align with their interests and career goals. Over the course of the summer, students receive professional development, mentorship, and real-world experience that positions them for leadership in the rapidly growing blue economy.
“Providing students with meaningful, hands-on research experiences along the Eastern Seaboard, while advancing marine science and entrepreneurship behind one of our region’s most vital food systems, is both personally rewarding and essential to the future of coastal ecosystem restoration,” said Moore, a highly active marine conservationist from Sarasota, Fla., and Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. “This initiative inspires the kind of entrepreneurial thinking we need to build sustainable economic solutions and reflects a continued and valued partnership with Roger Williams University and their exceptionally talented students.”
This year’s seven Blue Fellowship placements span the Gulf Coast to New England waters, pairing Roger Williams University students with industry, research, and entrepreneurial partners to tackle critical challenges in marine conservation and innovation.
- Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) – Kiley Ruffhead ’25 of Reisterstown, Md., who graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology, and Meghan Purcell ’25 of West Hartford, Conn., who graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology, studied shellfish populations and developing strategies for conservation and restoration of key Gulf ecosystems.
- RWU CEED FerryCliffe Aquaculture Farm – Heidi Hoeft ’26 of Lapeer, Mich., majoring in Marine Biology, supported aquaculture outreach that connects oyster farming to restoration, engaging citizens, organizations, and restaurants in ecosystem restoration efforts.
- Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) / RWU Marine Biology – Talia Moine ’25 of New York, N.Y., who graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology, conducted field and lab research to better understand shark populations, threats, and migration patterns along the East Coast.
- Flux Marine / RWU Mario J. Gabelli School of Business – Mackenzie Wolfe '26 of Cornwall, N.Y., double majoring in Marketing and Graphic Design, designed marketing and communications strategies for a startup pioneering electric boating technology.
- RWU CEED Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory (ADL) – Konnor Collins ’25 of Broken Arrow, Okla., who will graduate in December with a B.S. in Marine Biology, applied molecular biology and microbiology techniques to develop environmental DNA monitoring methods for local marine ecosystems.
- RWU Blue Entrepreneurship Science Communication Fellow – Megan Harrington ’25 of Northborough, Mass., who graduated with B.S. in Environmental Science and B.S. in Biology, created marketing and communications materials to highlight Blue Fellows projects and the emerging Blue Solutions Institute.
“I had the opportunity to do things I’ve dreamed about since the fourth grade, and being in this position helped me build a really diverse skill set – from computer work to spending so much time in the field, which was incredibly beneficial,” Moine said. “But what stood out most was the mentorship. Whether it was from Roger Williams University or the Atlantic Shark Institute, I always had people willing to guide me, answer my questions, and help shape my research. That constant support was one of the most memorable and valuable parts of the whole experience.”
Moine said the experience gave her the confidence and preparation to pursue her professional goals. “The Blue Fellows Program was like a career kickstarter, giving me the chance to be involved in every aspect of science. You learn a little bit of everything from start to finish.” This fall, she will begin her new role as a Research Associate with the Maldives Underwater Initiative, advising ecotourism, conducting field research, and educating both local communities and visiting guests.
For Wolfe, the Blue Fellows Program created a bridge between her long-standing passion for sustainability and her creative career goals. Working with Flux Marine, a Bristol-based startup pioneering electric marine propulsion, she developed marketing and communications strategies that could convey complex, forward-looking technology to a broad audience through engaging print media and the company’s social media channels. This fall, she will continue with Flux Marine as an intern.
“Coming in with an outside perspective, I felt like I could bring something new and fresh to the table,” Wolfe said. “That challenge pushed me to think bigger and really understand the future we’re working toward.”
Wolfe said the experience gave her wide creative latitude to apply her skills and sharpen them in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment. “Working with a startup gave me so much creative freedom. They needed support in various areas, so I was able to create everything from social content to print materials, learning how to tailor messaging across different platforms and customer groups. It was exciting to shape how people understand electric and sustainable boating, no matter who they are or what they’re looking for.”
With plans to expand in future years, RWU’s Blue Fellows Program will continue to grow student access to blue economy careers while addressing critical challenges facing coastal communities. For information about student fellowships or partnering with RWU’s Blue Fellows Program, contact Koty Sharp at ksharp@rwu.edu
