The short program followed by dinner was designed as a way to introduce new RBI Fellowship recipients to the Institute, its history, strategic research areas, services and ways to get further involved with industry and other affiliated student organizations.

Meisha Shofner, RBI’s interim executive director and associate professor, MSE, said the orientation was organized to give the Fellows a better understanding of RBI, as well as provide a platform for questions with the Institute’s staff one on one.

“We are fortunate to work with a large group of talented graduate students and hope that their inclusion in RBI provides resources and opportunities that will facilitate their growth and success. This meeting was one way to let them know about ways we can support them as they navigate their graduate school careers as well as foster the community of students that has been the constant foundation of IPC, IPST and now RBI.” 

RBI’s four-year fellowships are designated for Ph.D. students working on projects relating to forest biomaterials. There are four participating schools: Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM); Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE); Materials Science and Engineering (MSE); and Mechanical Engineering (ME). There are currently about 40 graduate students within the program. 

Learn more about RBI’s Fellowship program by visiting our website.