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CCRI Student Opportunity: Bridge to Ocean Exploration (Cohort 6)

University of Rhode Island- Graduate School of Oceanography
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Dive into the Bridge to Ocean Exploration (B2OE) Program with the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI) at the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO)!  Dip your toes into the multidisciplinary world that is ocean science with opportunities in ocean engineering and underwater robotics, deep sea coral science, polar and deep sea data engineering, and machine learning exploration.

The OECI (https://web.uri.edu/oeci/) is a unique consortium of top oceanographic institutions: URI, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), University of New Hampshire (UNH), the University of Southern Mississippi, and the non-profit, Ocean Exploration Trust. They work together to push the boundaries of ocean exploration with research and innovation in remotely-operated and autonomous vehicle operations, virtual engineering connectivity, and ocean science communication and engagement.

A core mission of the OECI is to inspire future generations of ocean scientists and engineers, and foster Blue Economy workforce development. The B2OE Program, a collaborative, experiential learning program (between the OECI and the Community College of Rhode Island, CCRI), is key to advancing this mission. Currently, the OECI is recruiting up to nine CCRI students to create a 6th B2OE Cohort and participate in this PAID, part-time program. Potential, student project pathways may include:

  • Computer science/programming
  • Ocean exploration data science
  • Ocean engineering and robotics
  • Deep sea biology

Benefits to B2OE Program participation:

  • Up to $21/hour equivalent (paid via two stipends, one in early March 2026, and the other in late May 2026- as long as all project benchmarks are met and program requirements are completed)
  • Exposure to cutting-edge ocean science, engineering, and media production technologies and best practices within the OECI
  • Collaboration with OECI personnel; field trips to tour URI, WHOI, and other facilities, as well as local industry (if/when possible)
  • Remote participation in NOAA Okeanos Explorer and EV Nautilus expeditions (if/when possible)
  • Peer-to-peer interaction to build communication skills
  • Information exchange and networking opportunities with industry professionals during a virtual Blue Economy Career Awareness Fair 

In addition to the above mentioned part-time experience, additional program requirements and expectations include:

  • Time commitment of up to 10h/week (December 2026- [end of] May 2026)
  • Potential for onsite and/or tele-work
  • Weekly tag-ups with mentors to gauge project progress and answer questions (mentors are also available via email for questions, etc. at any time)
  • Participation in OECI student events, including Lunch and Learn networking events, site visits, and a virtual Blue Economy Career Awareness Fair
  • Final project summary report and presentation
  • Participation in pre- and post-experience 360 evaluation

 Eligibility:

  • U.S. Citizenship (or F-1, J-1 visa status if applicable)
  • Currently enrolled CCRI students (undergraduate/associate's degree, and/or workforce certificate)
  • Degree, major, or intent to major in a field relevant to the OECI’s mission; these can include, but are not limited to: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), computer science, media production and graphic design, communications, education, and/or business operations/administration

 

B2OE Program Timeline/Key Dates:

  • Interested CCRI students must complete the OECI B2OE online application by on or before 11:59 pm ET, November 6, 2026.
    • In addition to this application, interested individuals will also be required to submit their current resume or curriculum vitae (CV), with 3 professional references listed (who can speak to the applicant’s character and professional and/or academic background- this can be a professor, advisor, teacher, community member, work supervisor, mentor, etc.).
  • Potential participants will be notified on or before November 11, 2026, for a virtual interview. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, considering individual merit and relevant experience.
  • Final student selections will be made on or before November 19, 2026.
  • An anticipated program start date, with an on-site orientation at URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography campus in Narragansett, RI, will be on or before December 1, 2026.


 

Questions?  Please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin@uri.edu)