EPSCoR Graduate Research Fellowships at LSU

The LSU EPSCoR Graduate Research Fellowships (EGFP) program will offer eleven (11) fellowships focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven multifunctional polymer research. Ten research-active faculty members from the Departments of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science and Engineering, and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering will serve as mentors and advisors. Collectively, these faculty bring both emerging and established records of research excellence and mentorship, as well as complementary expertise spanning polymer science, materials chemistry, computational science, artificial intelligence, and mechanics. Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their research interests and ideas with potential faculty mentors.

Examples of ongoing research projects include Machine Learning (ML)-Assisted Discovery of Multifunctional Vitrimers for Joining Composite Structures and Printing Mechanical Metamaterials; Machine-Learning-Guided Discovery of Sequence-Defined Peptoid Micelles for Enhanced Small-Molecule Drug Encapsulation; Understanding the Interfacial Behavior of Micelle–Polymer Complexes; AI-Driven Mapping of Polymer Entanglement Using Precision Polymer Libraries; and Multifunctional Metal–Organic Cages for the Selective Capture and Destruction of PFAS. These projects illustrate the breadth of research opportunities available to Fellows and the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration across the participating departments.

Fellows will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and computational resources that support AI-driven multifunctional polymer research. LSU's Louisiana Light Source will provide Fellows with opportunities to gain hands-on experience with synchrotron-based X-ray characterization techniques, with greater accessibility and flexibility than is typically possible at national user facilities. LSU's shared instrumentation facility provides access to a broad range of advanced materials characterization instruments and capabilities. The LSU Center for Computation & Technology offers computational resources and expertise to support AI-driven research, while the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative provides high-performance computing resources for large-scale artificial intelligence and machine-learning applications. LSU Shared Laboratory for Macro and Bio-Macromolecular Research provides access to advanced equipment for characterization of macromolecules, supramolecular assemblies, colloids, complex fluids, and related materials (https://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/research/macro/index.php). LSU High Performance Computing (https://www.hpc.lsu.edu/) provides computation needs.  Together, these facilities provide Fellows with an integrated research environment spanning materials synthesis and processing, advanced characterization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing.

To facilitate synergy across projects and foster innovative collaborations, Fellows will be co-advised by faculty with complementary expertise tailored to their individual research interests. Fellows will also participate in workshops designed to stimulate cross-disciplinary collaboration and develop novel solutions for AI-driven multifunctional polymers. To prepare Fellows for successful post-graduation careers, the program will emphasize holistic training through Individual development plan (IDP) that integrate research excellence, academic and professional development, and mental wellness. Through this comprehensive approach, Fellows will develop the interdisciplinary expertise, professional skills, and resilience needed to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Eligibility

To be eligible applicants must meet all the eligibility criteria:

• Named a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Honorable Mention (HM) no more than three calendar years prior to this application (e.g., For 2026 applicants must have been named a GRFP HM no earlier than Spring 2023). GRFP HM status is subject to verification by NSF.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident.
  Intend to enroll or be enrolled full-time in an EGFP designated institution/program at the start of the fellowship.
• Have not previously accepted a GRFP or EGFP Fellowship.
• Not a current NSF employee.
• To be eligible for ongoing support, fellowship recipients must be enrolled full-time and make ongoing satisfactory progress toward completion of their graduate degree.
• Fellows must remain enrolled in the same EGFP designated degree program as when they began the Fellowship.
• Full-time enrollment will be certified by the institution's registrar (or equivalent).
• If a Fellow transfers to another institution or program, they forfeit the fellowship.

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Learn More

For more information about the fellowship and how to apply, contact:

Guoqiang Li
lguoqi1@lsu.edu