June 23, 2026 — 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 following was released by the National Fisherman