Program Outline

The National FinTech Center at Morgan State University invites applications for its highly competitive Faculty 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
• FinTech and Digital Financial Services
• Cryptocurrencies and Tokenization
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Predictive Analytics in the FinTech space

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 University or any accredited HBCU
• Scholars from the following core disciplines are encouraged to apply:
• Information Technology / Information Systems/Computer Science / Engineering / Data Analytics / Supply Chain
• Finance / Accounting / Economics / Marketing / Entrepreneurship
• Law / Public Policy / Public Administration
• Other related fields that connect to FinTech, blockchain, digital assets
• Faculty from other disciplines with demonstrated skills in applying blockchain technologies to their disciplines in addressing business and societal challenges are encouraged to apply.

Program Objectives

• Advance Research: Support innovative, high-impact research projects aligned with the Center’s mission.
• Curriculum Development: Foster development of new or enhanced academic offerings in FinTech and related fields.
• Student Engagement: Build pathways for student participation in research, projects, and applied learning.
• HBCU Network Capacity: Strengthen FinTech education and research across the broader HBCU ecosystem.

Roles and Responsibilities

Research and Scholarly Contribution

• Conduct original research in blockchain, FinTech, cryptocurrencies, or related fields.
• Submit at least one scholarly article to a peer-reviewed journal or conference within or shortly after the Fellowship year.
• Present research progress and outcomes at the National HBCU Blockchain, FinTech & AI Conference and/or other Center-hosted events.

Curriculum and Educational Innovation

• In collaboration with their academic department, develop or enhance a course, course module, or teaching resource incorporating FinTech, blockchain, digital assets, and AI tools and techniques.
• Share curricular innovations with the HBCU network via the National FinTech Center’s dissemination channels.

Student Engagement

• Mentor and supervise students in research or applied projects in FinTech-related areas.
• Facilitate student participation in Center-sponsored programs such as hackathons, competitions, and workshops.

Community Engagement

• Participate in Center-sponsored webinars, symposia, or collaborative research activities.
• Engage with the national HBCU FinTech academic community and industry partners.
• Serve as a “Champion” for the National FinTech Center at the home institution.

Reporting

• Submit a brief midterm progress report and a final report summarizing:
• Research outcomes and deliverables
• Educational innovations
• Student engagement activities
• Impact and contribution to the Center’s mission

Program Term & Stipend

• Term: One academic year (9–12 months)
• Annual Stipend: $5,000
• Expected Effort: Faculty Research Fellows will integrate their participation into regular scholarly activity and teaching. The program does not provide formal course release but recognizes and supports approximately 5–10% of faculty professional effort for:
• Conducting research and publishing
• Developing educational materials
• Mentoring students
• Contributing to the HBCU FinTech community

Renewal

• Fellows may be considered for renewal based on:
• Level of engagement
• Achievement of key deliverables
• Demonstrated impact on research, education, and the HBCU community

Number of Fellowships Awarded

• Three Fellows will be selected annually.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter (1–2 pages) describing

• The proposed research project
• Relevance to the Center’s mission
• How the applicant will engage students in the work

2. Curriculum Vitae

3.Brief Research or Project Proposal (2–4 pages) including:

• Project objectives
• Research methodology
• Anticipated deliverables
• Timeline
• Potential for broader impact within the HBCU community

4. Letter of Support from Department Chair or Dean (for Morgan State faculty) or from institutional leadership (for external HBCU faculty)

Selection Criteria

• Scholarly excellence and innovation potential
• Relevance to the National FinTech Center’s mission
• Potential for curriculum development and student impact
• Contribution to building blockchain and FinTech capacity across the HBCU network
• Feasibility and clarity of project plan and deliverables

This is a highly competitive opportunity designed to support visionary faculty who are driving the next wave of innovation in blockchain, FinTech, AI, and cryptocurrency research and education. We invite top researchers from Morgan State University and across the HBCU network to apply and help shape the future of FinTech for our institutions and communities.

Timeline

• Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
• Notification of Selection: August 22, 2025
• Program Start: September 2, 2025 

How to Apply

Complete the Application Form in the following link below titles "Apply Here" and submit complete application materials package as a single PDF file 

Apply Here

Questions?

For further information, please contact:

Ali Emdad, Ph.D.

Founder and Executive Director

The National FinTech Center

ali.emdad@morgan.edu