At the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, you’ll deepen your understanding of the living world and your place within it.
The work that happens here is rooted in our land- and sea-grant mission, and connected to the needs of the local, regional, and global communities. Our faculty researchers work collaboratively across disciplines, drawing from a broad, inclusive field of human knowledge to make critical discoveries within their fields. URI’s core research facilities and specialized labs offer the latest technologies that will enable you to gather field data, synthesize vast amounts of information, and develop solutions to real world challenges. Whether you are interested in urban food systems; protecting marine wildlife; understanding what makes an organism adapt and an ecosystem thrive; or assisting policy makers in the shift towards renewable energy and sustainable natural resource management, you’ll find your place here.
URI Cooperative Extension
Education and engagement with Rhode Island communities is at the core of what we do. As a land-grant and sea-grant university, our mission is to ensure URI provides education and applied research that helps communities and improves the lives of Rhode Islanders.
learn moreNews and Stories
Improving Life for Shelter Cats: Q&A with Jennifer Link August 14, 2026 - Jennifer Link's research focuses on making life better for cats in shelters—from reducing stress and length of stay to understanding how cats can peacefully live together in shared spaces.
Exploring How the Past Shapes Marine Life: Q&A with Sarah Donelan August 14, 2026 - Growing up tidepooling along the New England coast sparked Dr. Donelan's love of marine invertebrates. Now, her research explores how past experiences—including stressful environments and even parental experiences—shape marine animals like oysters and snails.
Tracking Wildlife With Camera Traps: Q&A With Makenzie Denzler August 13, 2026 - A rising junior majoring in marine biology with a minor in wildlife and conservation biology, Makenzie Denzler is analyzing camera-trap data to learn more about Rhode Island’s flying squirrel population.
Local legislators and town officials visit URI to learn about environmental and science research in action August 13, 2026 - URI Land- and Sea-Grant Showcase draws legislators from across Rhode Island to learn more about University programs and services
