FinTech Research Fellows Program

Program Outline

The National FinTech Center at Morgan State University invites applications for its highly competitive FinTech Research Fellows Program. This prestigious opportunity supports leading faculty across HBCUs who are conducting cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research and curriculum innovation in:

• Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
• XRPL (XRP Ledger) Applications, Protocols, and Innovations
• Digital Financial Services, Digital Assets, DeFi
• Cryptocurrencies, Tokenization, Web3 Architectures
• AI/ML Models and Predictive Analytics in FinTech
• Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Risk Modeling in Digital Finance

The National FinTech Center serves over 65 HBCUs nationwide, building capacity in research, education, and industry engagement in these rapidly evolving fields. We seek top researchers and educators to join the Center and help drive innovation that benefits students, faculty, and the broader HBCU network.

Each year, three Faculty Research Fellows will be selected. Fellows will receive funding, research support, and opportunities to present their work at the National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech & AI Conference and other high-profile events.

Eligibility

• Full-time faculty at Morgan State or an accredited HBCU.
• Proven track record of consistent publications in the focus areas of the Center.
• A sustained, central research record in blockchain, FinTech, XRPL, digital assets, or AI in financial systems.
• Must be the lead author/PI for a research project suitable for journal submission within five months of appointment.

Program Objectives

• Produce rigorous, high-quality empirical research and peer-reviewed publications.
• Advance the technical research agenda of the Center.
• Strengthen HBCU research capacity.
• Present findings at the National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech & AI Conference.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Conduct original, high-impact research.
• Complete a research project and submit a manuscript to a journal in the fellowship year.
• Present research at the national conference.
• Organize and Lead research-focused panel or technical session.
• Submit progress and final reports documenting scholarly deliverables.

Program Term & Benefits

• Term: 12 months
• Annual Stipend: $5,000
• Support to participate in the Center’s conferences and events.
• Travel support to attend the Annual Ripple’s UBRI Connect Conference.
• Support for journal manuscript submission and publication fees.
• Three Fellows selected annually.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter (1–2 pages)

2. Curriculum Vitae showing a strong research trajectory

3. Research Proposal (2–4 pages)

4. Letter of Support from department chair/dean or institutional leadership

 

Selection Criteria

• Depth and innovation of research
• High scholarly ranking based on Google Scholar and other metrics
• Alignment with the Center’s mission
• Clarity and feasibility of research plan

Priority will be given to applicants with a strong, sustained research record and a project ready for near-term journal submission. Technical projects will receive extra points in the proposal evaluation process. 

 

Timeline

• Application Deadline: January 5, 2026

How to Apply

Submit a single PDF application package using the link below.

Apply Here

Questions?

For further information, please contact:

Ali Emdad, Ph.D.

Founder and Executive Director

The National FinTech Center

ali.emdad@morgan.edu