As part of a CELS Summer Research Fellowship, Ashley Sauer studied how blue crab predator cues affect the feeding behavior of juvenile Eastern oysters.

As a CELS Summer Research Fellow in Dr. Jonathan Purtiz’s lab, Tiahnna Dalpezzo investigated how different algae diets affect nutrient uptake and growth in juvenile Eastern oysters. Her work was part of a larger research effort examining how coastal stressors such as ocean acidification and low oxygen affect marine populations.

Faye Santaniello, a marine biology and wildlife and conservation biology double major, used computational tools to investigate where horseshoe crabs fit on the evolutionary tree of arachnids.

As spotted lanternfly threatens forests, farms, and vineyards across the Northeast, plant sciences major Alyssa Clark is helping URI researchers investigate whether some of the region’s own native insects could become part of the solution.

A rising junior majoring in marine biology with a minor in wildlife and conservation biology, Makenzie Denzler is analyzing camera-trap data to learn more about Rhode Island’s flying squirrel population.

Through the CELS Summer Research Fellowship Program, Fiona Dell’Antonio is testing whether modified irrigation boxes can provide nesting sites for wild bumblebees. Her team is monitoring 300 nest boxes across five sites, tracking which species move in and how they use them.

Through the CELS Summer Fellowship Program, Miranda is studying how wild diving ducks respond to avian influenza, research that could help scientists better understand disease resistance and improve wildlife health monitoring.

As part of a CELS Summer Research Fellowship, Megan Malone is studying genes involved in plant cell wall development, research that could eventually help scientists develop more resilient and productive crops.

As part of a CELS Summer Research Fellowship, Ava Backes is helping restore the American chestnut, breeding blight-resistant trees that could one day return a lost keystone species to its native range.

As part of a CELS Summer Research Fellowship, Noah Antonellis is investigating whether a specialized infrared-blocking film can keep greenhouses cooler while maintaining healthy plant growth.