As a public land-grant university, the University of Rhode Island’s commitment to education, research, and outreach focuses on practical service to the state. In the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, we bring the land-grant mission to life by ensuring community needs inform research goals, collaborating with state and local agencies, and translating evidence-based research into practice through resources and programming with the public.

Jean VanderGheynst. a respected educator, researcher, and higher education leader, is currently a tenured professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she previously served as dean of the College of Engineering for six years. Her research focuses on next-generation biofuels, bioproducts, and agricultural biotechnology, and explores innovative approaches to converting plant biomass into valuable products, addressing global challenges in sustainability, energy, and natural resource protection.

Nestled in the still waters of Wickford Cove sits the R/V Cap’n Bert. The 53-foot stern trawler is the flagship educational and research vessel for the College of Environment and Life Sciences. The boat plays a role in educational experiences for students and multiple major research projects.