Geosciences major Lara Thaner worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the URI Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology, went on a J-Term trip to Indonesia, toured wastewater treatment plants and visited Charlestown
Beach to observe sediment transport, and more.

“I chose CELS because of the close knit environment in the cell and molecular biology department,” Johanyx Rodriguez says. “I loved the size of the department, and I felt comfortable with reaching out to professors. The research in CELS is so diverse–ranging from using molecular techniques in oysters to investigating the mechanisms behind neurodegeneration!”

Offering both in-person events and webinars, “The State of Marine Affairs” is a new speaker series facilitated by graduate students Samuel Filiaggi and Eva Pumo to connect students, faculty, and alumni within the College of the Environment and Life Sciences and Graduate School of Oceanography.

New database to offer extensive look at the 1,200-plus plants in URI botanical collections, available for public access and long-term University use

A forestry extension specialist at the University of Rhode Island, Christopher Riely works with faculty and students across campus, and off-campus partners, to help improve Rhode Island’s forests and the wildlife they support.

Alex Rebelo and Alannah Lee, both animal science and technology majors, are working on conservation efforts alongside Justin Richard, assistant professor in the Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science, to ensure native New England cottontails are born and released into the wild every year to support declining populations and establish new ones

Earlier this month, the Blue Trail in URI’s North Woods was busy with students investigating vernal pool amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, camera trapping as part of the Department of Natural Resources Science field day.

Cooperative Extension is hosting this year’s 31st annual Rhode Island Food Safety Task Force Conference on Thursday, April 24. The conference, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick, will provide attendees with information on the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Food Traceability Rule and how it applies to food businesses and operations.

“It has completely evolved my knowledge and opinions on animals in aquaria, animal behavior, and has made me think about how to convey knowledge in an accessible way,” Pizzano says. “It has been rewarding to research animals that have been minimally studied and to make sense of their behaviors in social and other contexts.” 

‘Community of Practice’ listening sessions to launch this April, part of URI Energy Literacy Initiative