Associate Professor of Agroecology John Taylor’s research explores how urban farmers and gardeners are using alternative food networks, and the lessons that could be applied to broader food policy.

This month’s Teaching Excellence Spotlight features Michelle Peach, Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Master of Environmental Science and Management Program. ” I hope students learn to see the natural world in new and interesting ways and that they develop a stronger personal connection to the natural world,” she says.

Undergraduate students majoring in Medical Laboratory Science work alongside professionals in URI’s Health Services as interns. Among other responsibilities, they run diagnostic testing, perform urine dipstick analysis, prepare samples, and set up slides for microscopic examination.

For 26 years, URI’s Metcalf Institute, which is based in the College of Environment and Life Sciences, has been training journalists and scientists to be better science communicators. As climate change accelerates and misinformation proliferates, its work is more important than ever.

Megan DeLaurier, an environmental science major with a minor in soil science, placed eighth in the recent Northeast Regional Collegiate Soils contest.

A biological and environmental sciences master’s student, Margit Burgess’ interviewed homeowners about their current landscaping habits and views on barriers and motivations for shifting to practices that enrich biodiversity.

Marissa Ardovino, a graduate student in biological and environmental science with a specialization in ecology and ecosystem sciences, researches the Sacramento Mountain salamanders’ response to wildfires and climate change.

This month’s Teaching Excellence Spotlight features Angela Google, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences. “I teach students, not content,” she says. “I like to get to know who I’m teaching: their background, what they’re bringing into this space, and then use that information to tailor my content to make it more relevant.”

Explore these resources for Rhode Islanders interested in learning about or implementing climate-smart and carbon-enhancing forestry practices in woodlands they own or care for.

Christina Monk, a plant sciences major, works as the harvest manager for URI’s award-winning Free Farmers Market, assists with the Vegetable Program team at Agronomy Farm, researches husk cherries, and more.