USVI – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has received a “notice of award” from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the Virgin Islands Center for Autonomous Research (VICAR), advancing marine research and strengthening the local STEM workforce. The notice of award provides the UVI with $7 million in funding over five years through the U.S. National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR ERISE program. The funds will be disbursed to UVI on a reimbursement basis, meaning that the University will initially cover approved project expenses and subsequently be reimbursed by the NSF.
The award will establish the Virgin Islands Center for Autonomous Research – a transformative initiative that will advance marine research and strengthen the local STEM workforce. Through VICAR. UVI will leverage emerging artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies, positioning the University as a leader in marine and maritime innovation.
“This visionary award from the National Science Foundation is a powerful endorsement of the University of the Virgin Islands’ leadership in marine science and innovation,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “The establishment of the Virgin Islands Center for Autonomous Research (VICAR) represents a bold step forward in our commitment to advancing research, protecting our fragile ecosystems, and preparing a new generation of scientists and engineers in the Virgin Islands and across the Caribbean. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative initiative that will deliver lasting scientific, educational, and economic benefits to our region.”
Research Innovation
USVI coral reefs have declined significantly since 2005 due to bleaching, hurricanes, and disease, creating an urgent need to understand reef recovery and resilience. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Tyler Smith and VICAR Director Dr. Lauren Olinger, this initiative will use underwater robots, 3D imaging, and AI to monitor reefs and ocean life more efficiently.
“UVI has spent decades building its marine research infrastructure, with the dream of making the U.S. Virgin Islands a global leader in the study of tropical marine systems. This NSF award and the creation of VICAR is the next crucial step in making this a reality,” said Dr. Smith. “Our education and workforce development components also ensure that the impacts will radiate outward in the community and create a lasting legacy, with intellectual and economic benefits for years to come.”
UVI researchers Dr. Marilyn Brandt, Dr. Kristin Grimes, and Doug Wilson will lead key components of VICAR’s research. Dr. Brandt will focus on reef recovery, Dr. Grimes will expand automation to mangrove monitoring, and Dr. Wilson will continue to advance UVI’s Ocean Glider Lab for open-ocean studies.
Education and Workforce Development
VICAR will engage students from middle school through graduate programs in marine technology. More than 3,000 middle and high school students will participate in hands-on robotics and AI modules, while 96 undergraduates will gain research experience through internships and semester-long programs that blend marine science with emerging technologies.
The graduate program will support 20 Master of Marine and Environmental Science students with full tuition, stipends, and conference travel. Beyond the classroom, VICAR will host biennial training workshops and Caribbean summits to build regional expertise among educators, managers, and professionals. Dr. Verleen McSween and Dr. Kristin Grimes will oversee these initiatives.
“It’s gratifying to know that the NSF values our vision and are helping us bring it to life. This award will be transformative for the Territory,” said Dr. Olinger. “With this support we can build innovative tools to better protect and understand our ecosystems, while broadening participation in technology and geosciences. It’s a win for us all.”
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