What is the Florentino Das research fellowship program?
The Florentino Das research fellowship program is a graduate research fellowship program that is open to graduate students from any discipline who are interested in doing any graduate research paper that intersects with the blue economy. The program requires the completion of two graduate research papers over two semesters and a sharing of a short (4-6mins) and long (15-30 min) video versions of these papers. Papers and videos will be published online to advance the discourse on the blue economy.
What is the blue economy?
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use and management of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation, while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.
Who is Florentino Das?
This research fellowship was named to memorialize Florentino R. Das (August 19, 1918 – October 7, 1964) was a Filipino yachtsman who sailed single-handedly in 1955 from from Hawaii to the Philippines on a 27-footer homebuilt sailboat. (see article on Florentino Das)
Who is eligible to apply for the Florentino Das research fellowship program?
Graduate students from any discipline who are interested in doing two graduate research papers that intersects with the blue economy are eligible to apply for the Florentino Das research fellowship program.
What are the requirements for the Florentino Das research fellowship program?
The Florentino Das research fellowship program requires the completion of two graduate research papers over two semesters, which should intersect with the blue economy. Fellows are also expected to participate in regular online meetings and events organized by the program.
How can I apply for the Florentino Das research fellowship program?
To apply for the Florentino Das research fellowship program, interested candidates should submit an application that includes their resume or CV, academic transcripts, a personal statement, and a research proposal that intersects with the blue economy. The application deadline and submission guidelines are available on the program's website.
What kind of support can I expect as a Florentino Das research fellow?
As a Florentino Das research fellow, you can expect support in the form of guidance from research advisers from the program, access to some relevant resources and data, regular online webinars and discussions on diverse themes related to the blue economy. You will also have the opportunity to participate in regular meetings and events organized by the program, where you can network with other fellows and researchers.
What are some examples of research topics that intersect with the blue economy?
Some examples of research topics that intersect with the blue economy include sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation and biodiversity, marine pollution and waste management, renewable energy from the ocean, maritime transport and logistics, and coastal tourism and recreation.
How might graduate students from diverse disciplines such as psychology, social work, and computer science identify graduate academic papers for this fellowship?
Graduate students from diverse disciplines such as psychology, social work, and computer science can make graduate academic papers for the Florentino Das research fellowship program by exploring how their area of expertise intersects with the blue economy. Here are some possible ways that students from different disciplines can approach the program:
Psychology: A graduate student in psychology could explore how the blue economy impacts mental health in coastal communities, or how different types of ocean-related activities (such as surfing or fishing) can have different psychological benefits or risks.
Social work: A graduate student in social work could investigate how the blue economy intersects with issues of social justice, equity, and community development. They could focus on topics such as access to marine resources, workforce development in the maritime industry, or the impact of climate change on vulnerable coastal populations.
Computer science: A graduate student in computer science could investigate how technology can be used to support sustainable ocean resource management, or how data analytics and machine learning can help improve fisheries management practices. They could also explore the potential of using virtual reality or other technologies for marine education and outreach.
Overall, the key is for students to identify the connections between their area of expertise and the blue economy, and to design a research project that explores these intersections in a meaningful way. The research should be grounded in the relevant literature and theory in the student's field, while also addressing real-world challenges and opportunities related to the blue economy.
How can a graduate student align an academic requirement with the Florentino Das Fellowship requirements?
A graduate student can align an academic requirement with the Florentino Das Fellowship requirements by identifying a research project that intersects with the blue economy and meets the specific requirements of their academic program. Here are some steps that a student could take to align their academic requirements with the fellowship:
Review the fellowship requirements: Before starting to work on a research project, the student should carefully review the specific requirements of the Florentino Das Fellowship, such as the number of papers that need to be completed, the length of the papers, and the topic areas that are eligible.
Identify the intersection with the blue economy: The student should then explore how their academic requirement can intersect with the blue economy. This could involve reviewing the relevant literature, talking with faculty members, or attending workshops or seminars related to the blue economy.
Design the research project: Based on the intersection identified, the student can then design a research project that addresses both the academic requirement and the fellowship requirements. This might involve framing the research question or problem in terms of the blue economy, developing a hypothesis or research design that incorporates elements of the blue economy, or using data or case studies related to the blue economy.
Consult with a faculty member: It is advisable for the student to consult with a faculty member or advisor who is knowledgeable about the blue economy and can provide guidance on the research project.
Meet both requirements: Finally, the student should ensure that the research project meets both the academic requirement and the fellowship requirements by carefully reviewing the guidelines and criteria for each. They should aim to produce high-quality work that demonstrates their ability to conduct rigorous research while also engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the blue economy.
How can tapping an adviser from the coast guard help enrich the academic papers produced in this fellowship?
Tapping an advisor from the coast guard can help enrich the academic papers produced by fellows in several ways:
Practical insights: An advisor from the coast guard can provide practical insights on the challenges and opportunities of the blue economy from a first-hand perspective. This can help fellows better understand the real-world implications of their research and ensure that their findings are relevant to the needs of stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Access to data and resources: Advisors from the coast guard may have access to data and resources that can help enrich the research of fellows. They can provide information on key issues and trends in the blue economy, as well as access to datasets, reports, and other resources that can help support the research.
Mentorship and guidance: Advisors from the coast guard can also provide mentorship and guidance to fellows as they navigate the research process. They can offer feedback on research questions, study designs, and analysis methods, as well as provide insights on how to effectively communicate research findings to different audiences.
Networking opportunities: Advisors from the coast guard can also help fellows connect with other professionals in the maritime industry, which can help expand their professional network and open up potential career opportunities in the field.
What kinds of patents, startups, or licensable business ventures might be produced through research related to the blue economy?
There are a wide range of patents, startups, and licensable business ventures that could be incubated related to the blue economy. Here are some possible examples:
Sustainable fishing technologies: Startups focused on developing new, sustainable fishing technologies, such as smart buoys, robotic fish aggregating devices, or improved tracking and monitoring systems, could help support more sustainable and profitable fisheries.
Renewable energy technologies: Companies developing renewable energy technologies that can harness the power of ocean currents, waves, or tides, could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and provide clean, reliable energy for coastal communities.
Oceanographic research and monitoring: Startups focused on providing advanced oceanographic research and monitoring services, such as real-time mapping of ocean currents or improved oceanic climate forecasting, could help support better management of marine resources.
Aquaculture innovations: Companies developing new aquaculture technologies, such as closed-loop systems, precision feeding, or improved breeding methods, could help increase the efficiency and sustainability of fish farming operations.
Marine biotechnology: Startups focused on developing new marine biotechnology applications, such as new pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, or bioremediation techniques, could help unlock the vast potential of marine biodiversity for human benefit.
Coastal resiliency solutions: Startups focused on developing coastal resiliency solutions, such as green infrastructure, stormwater management, or living shorelines, could help protect coastal communities from the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.
Marine tourism and recreation: Companies focused on developing sustainable marine tourism and recreation opportunities, such as eco-tourism, surfing, or diving, could help support local economies and promote conservation of marine resources.
Collaborative Work
Collaborative work among fellows is highly encouraged in the Florentino Das research fellowship program, and the program recognizes the value of transdisciplinary collaboration in producing innovative and impactful research. Here are some guidelines to support collaborative work among fellows:
Identify a common research question or theme: Collaborative work requires a shared focus on a research question or theme. It is important for the fellows to identify a common area of interest and develop a research question that is relevant to the blue economy.
Clarify roles and responsibilities: It is important for the fellows to establish clear roles and responsibilities at the outset of the collaboration. This may involve dividing the work into different tasks or areas of expertise and assigning specific responsibilities to each member of the team.
Establish communication channels: Effective communication is critical for successful collaboration. The fellows should establish regular communication channels, such as weekly meetings or check-ins, to ensure that they are staying on track and working together effectively.
Leverage each other's expertise: One of the benefits of collaborative work is the opportunity to leverage each other's areas of expertise. The fellows should identify the skills and knowledge that each member brings to the team and work together to maximize the impact of their collective strengths.
Embrace transdisciplinary perspectives: The Florentino Das fellowship program encourages transdisciplinary collaboration, which involves integrating multiple perspectives from different disciplines. The fellows should embrace the opportunity to bring their diverse perspectives to the research question and work together to produce a more comprehensive and innovative paper.
Establish a clear timeline: Collaborative work can sometimes be challenging to manage, particularly when multiple schedules are involved. The fellows should establish a clear timeline for the project, with specific deadlines for different milestones, to help keep the project on track and ensure that everyone is able to meet their responsibilities.