At the College of the Environment and Life Sciences, you’ll deepen your understanding of the living world and your place within it.
The work that happens here is rooted in our land- and sea-grant mission, and connected to the needs of the local, regional, and global communities. Our faculty researchers work collaboratively across disciplines, drawing from a broad, inclusive field of human knowledge to make critical discoveries within their fields. URI’s core research facilities and specialized labs offer the latest technologies that will enable you to gather field data, synthesize vast amounts of information, and develop solutions to real world challenges. Whether you are interested in urban food systems; protecting marine wildlife; understanding what makes an organism adapt and an ecosystem thrive; or assisting policy makers in the shift towards renewable energy and sustainable natural resource management, you’ll find your place here.
URI Cooperative Extension
Education and engagement with Rhode Island communities is at the core of what we do. As a land-grant and sea-grant university, our mission is to ensure URI provides education and applied research that helps communities and improves the lives of Rhode Islanders.
learn moreNews and Stories
Cell and molecular biology major sees his path come into focus at URI May 8, 2025 - James Gbaba will graduate this month with his bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology. 
URI Shark Camp invites Rhode Island students to set sail week of July 21 May 7, 2025 - In 2018, Bradley Wetherbee, a longtime professor of biological sciences, began what is now known as URI Shark Camp as a way to introduce students from underserved communities to the biological sciences and to marine science programs at URI. Rhode Island students are invited to apply to this year’s program, July 21 to 25.
Medical Laboratory Science Students Win Top Awards for Student Posters at Professional Conference May 6, 2025 - Three students majoring in medical laboratory science recently won awards for research posters presented at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science - Central New England conference held in Warwick, RI.
Climate Change is Threatening Prudence Island’s Drinking Water May 2, 2025 - More extreme weather patterns and aging infrastructure could hamper the Prudence Island Water District’s ability to provide its customers with fresh drinking water. Hydrologist and URI Geosciences Professor Soni Pradhanang weighs in.
