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
Rhode Island’s state tree in the spotlight this year October 2, 2025 - With plans in the works for the Rhode Island state tree to get a ceremonial planting in each Rhode Island town for the United States’ upcoming semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the state’s land-grant university is offering some helpful information on its noteworthy red maple (Acer rubrum).
New Geosciences Course Prepares Students to Address Coastal Hazards October 1, 2025 - The University of Rhode Island is offering a new course on Coastal Geologic Hazards to prepare students to address the growing challenges of coastal flooding, erosion, and groundwater salinization in the face of climate change. Taught by Assistant Professor Chris Russoniello, the course explores topics such as tides, storm impacts, and sea level rise using a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach.
CELS Fellowship Spotlight: Avery Hurwitz on Using GIS for Climate-Related Flood Mapping September 29, 2025 - Avery Hurwitz spent the summer using GIS technology to map flood risks in Providence through the CELS Summer Research Fellowship. Combining his passion for climate science and meteorology with hands-on experience, he developed nature-based solutions to address urban flooding.
New statewide project calls on public to report bobcat sightings September 26, 2025 - The URI-led research utilizes camera traps, GPS collars, and citizen science to better understand the movement, behavior, and ecological role of Rhode Island’s growing bobcat population.
