EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP): Site in Biologics Process Discovery, Development and Biomanufacturing

The National Science Foundation (NSF), NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP) supports EGFP designated institutions/programs in EPSCoR jurisdictions by providing funding for graduate fellowships for eligible applicants. Institutions receive a total of three years of stipend and associated cost-of-education (COE) allowance for each NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellow. This award at the University of Arkansas seeks to enhance research competitiveness and capacity through an investment in talent development. Fellow research topics will align with goals and programs supported by the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO), and Directorate for Engineering (ENG). Research topics and activities will focus on Biologics Process Discovery, Development and Biomanufacturing. The site will be managed by a core team who are experts in the field of biologics and biomanufacturing. The core team will match Fellows with Recruiting Faculty from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Cell and Molecular Biology who are established investigators supported by the National Science Foundation, The National Institutes of Health, and industry. The program will provide career guidance and resources to advance career aspirations within the broad context of biologics process discovery, development, and manufacturing. Fellows will engage in synergistic activities across campus and be provided with opportunities to complete a microcertificate in Biologics Manufacturing and to participate in co-operative educational activities with biotech firms. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.