Starting at 2pm June 5, some 300 volunteers will have just 24 hours to find as
many species of life as possible at two sites in Kingston in the 27th annual Rhode
Island BioBlitz, organized by the Rhode Island Natural History Survey.

University of Rhode Island professor Thomas Mather recently visited The Daily Show to talk all things ticks with host Michael Kosta. Also known as “The Tick Guy,” Mather is a renowned researcher and expert in public health entomology.

Through hands-on classes, greenhouse work, and research opportunities, Kaylyn Wood found a career path rooted in plants, wellness, and entrepreneurship. She’s now double majoring in plant sciences and psychology with minors in entrepreneurship and cannabis studies. 

Dr. Matthew Calestino ’94 credits his URI education with laying the foundation for a career in internal medicine. He now returns to URI to support future laboratory professionals and honor his family’s longstanding connection to healthcare education.

URI professor Johanna Harvey’s research contributes to deeper understanding of avian influenza dynamics in U.S. wild bird species

University’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities join for annual celebration to build understanding and interest and celebrate Asian/Pacific cultures at URI

A recipient of the 2026 Undergraduate Student Inclusive Excellence Award, Sharday Johnson advances first-generation student support, interdisciplinary learning, and campus-wide inclusion through advocacy and historical preservation.

From studying coastal wolves and salt marshes to caring for animals at Roger Williams Park Zoo, Crystal Rivera De Leon ’26 built her URI experience around curiosity, community, and hands-on learning.

From coral farming and seaweed cultivation to sustainable reef aquaculture, Taras Pleskun ’17 is helping redefine what the modern aquarium industry looks like.