Meet the ATL Faculty Spotlight for November 2025, Neil Greene, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Director of the Medical Laboratory Science Program at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Greene’s research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and molecular genetics, with a strong commitment to science education. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from Tufts University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Passionate about mentoring and hands-on learning, Dr. Greene integrates clinical microbiology with innovative teaching practices to prepare the next generation of scientists.
What courses do you teach at URI?
I have taught several different courses since I started at URI in 2018. The courses that I teach most regularly are: Intro. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS 102), Intro. Medical Microbiology (CMB 201), Medical and Public Health Microbiology Lab (CMB 332), Pathogenic Bacteriology (CMB 432) and Intro. Diagnostic Microbiology (MLS 483). In addition, this semester I am teaching a new course for the Honors Program called Antimicrobial Resistance: A Global Public Health Threat (HPR 375).
What is your proudest teaching moment?
Each year, I have former students come back to teach classes, especially in Intro. Medical Laboratory Science (MLS 102). This course is designed primarily for first- and second-year students within the major and we explore different aspects of the profession as well as career opportunities. Often, I have senior students that are actively engaged in the MLS hospital training program visit and share their experiences with the MLS 102 students. In addition, I just had a former student who is now working as an Infection Preventionist at Rhode Island Hospital give a presentation about her work in the Antimicrobial Resistance honors course. Since I serve as the academic advisor for MLS students and instruct these students in many of the courses mentioned above, it is always wonderful to see their academic growth and professional development. I enjoy hearing about their successes and am grateful that they want to help prepare the next generation.
What is one piece of teaching advice that you have received that you would like to pass on to others?
I recall completing an ATL workshop during my first year at URI and getting inspired by all the different pedagogical tools that were discussed. However, I was advised (and also learned very quickly the hard way) that it is great to experiment with new teaching strategies in your course curricula but it is important to not overdo it. Too much change can be overwhelming for you and the students as well as make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of any one particular change.
What are you excited to do next in the classroom?
In general, I am always excited by the creativity of our students. For example, Intro. Diagnostic Microbiology students are currently preparing infographics of an emerging infectious disease that they’ve been researching all semester. These presentations will take place on the first floor of CBLS from 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM on Tues, Dec. 2 and Thurs, Dec. 4. All are welcome to attend! I am also looking forward to the Medical and Public Health Microbiology Lab (CMB 332) course in the spring. During the last portion of the course, students actually perform whole genome sequencing of bacterial strains that have never been characterized before. This is truly a transformative experience for students as this advanced technology is not common in undergraduate teaching labs.
What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your class(es)?
I hope that students feel that their time and efforts were valued. Overall, I hope that students feel empowered with the skills to make informed decisions not just in their career but in life.
Share your favorite place to go in Rhode Island? Why is this your favorite place?
I enjoy being outdoors with my family and we like to explore different hiking trails around the state – Arcadia Management Area, Ninigret Wildlife Refuge, Ell Pond Preserve, Newport Cliff Walk, Napatree Point.
What do you like to do for fun?
My kids are very active so there is always a playground, swim lesson, dance recital, or birthday party to go to. I also really enjoy cooking and listening to music.
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