Joe Candia, a URI Master’s student in Biological and Environmental Sciences, is passionate about marine biology and shark conservation. With a background in biology and teaching certification from St. Joseph’s University, his research journey began with studying harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification. At URI, Joe combines teaching and research, aiming to inspire students while pursuing his goal of joining academia in the future. He is ATL’s Graduate Student Spotlight for December 2025. Read his full interview below.

What course(s) do you or have you taught at URI? 
Since my time at URI, I have taught both general animal physiology and marine biology lab for the Biological Sciences department. This fall semester (2025), I also was a facilitator for the Diversity and Inclusion Badge Program, where I facilitated a workshop I created on the importance of GTAs and their STEM identity development specifically amongst underrepresented groups of students.

What is your proudest teaching moment?
Initially, I love getting to see my students make essential connections between the lecture and lab content. I also appreciate seeing them make connections between the current and previous lab exercises. Another moment of pride is when they recognise, learn and really understand my teaching, but my proudest teaching moment is having my students feel that they can get to know me and use me as a resource and a mentor. I enjoy getting to continue to teach and mentor my students in their professional aspirations as well as formally educate them on course content in the laboratories.

What are the three qualities that you think make for a great teacher?
In my opinion, there are three qualities that make a good educator a truly good educator. First, is being patient, as no two students are the same and being able to take the time to see where each student needs personalized assistance is essential. Second, is being open-minded, as students or colleagues may have ideas to improve a lesson or activity that overall enhances student learning. Finally, the third is to be dedicated to continuous learning, as teaching is not ‘one size fits all’, and through continued practice, we can all reach our full potential as educators.

What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your classes?

I hope students look back on my courses 10 years later and not only remember the fun times, especially my field trips with my marine biology students, but remember all they learned and how these “silly and easy” assignments actually taught them essential skills that are easy to do in their jobs. For example, we used the YSI multiparameter probe, and did many transect lines in marine biology lab during our field trips. I hope my students remember learning these fundamental skills with me now so that they can use them on the daily.

How do you envision incorporating teaching into your future career?
I hope to be a tenure-track professor one day, focusing my research efforts on elasmobranch conservation but also getting to serve as a professor to teach students about fundamental knowledge in marine biology and elasmobranchs. I love getting to educate students on research in addition to lecture-based content, so I also hope to have undergraduate and graduate students to mentor and educate as well. 

How do you relax after a long day of teaching?
After a long day of teaching, I like to relax with some food and a movie or a TV series that I am watching… in pajamas of course to be as comfortable as possible!

What is your favorite place to visit in Rhode Island? Why?
I have been able to visit so many places in RI since moving here for graduate school! My favorite place to visit is the Atlantic Ocean because that means I am on the Hope F. Hudner with my PI, Dr. Wetherbee, and some guests as we are shark fishing! This is my favorite activity to do and place to visit because I feel like I am at home! If it’s “just to relax,” any beach or coffee shop will do! Nitro Bar, Audrey’s, TLC, Queen of Cups… A good cup of coffee and a beach day is a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful RI scenery!