Sofia Piccone, a senior marine biology major, earned her scientific scuba diving certification, researched physiological traits of Caribbean octocorals, assisted with a Narragansett Bay kelp and biodiversity survey, and more – all while also serving as captain of the URI running team.

The molecular biology major balances academics with many interests: tutoring, volunteering, running track, advocacy, and the list goes on

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.