Events
News
Rhode Island’s state tree in the spotlight this year October 2, 2025 - With plans in the works for the Rhode Island state tree to get a ceremonial planting in each Rhode Island town for the United States’ upcoming semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the state’s land-grant university is offering some helpful information on its noteworthy red maple (Acer rubrum).
New Geosciences Course Prepares Students to Address Coastal Hazards October 1, 2025 - The University of Rhode Island is offering a new course on Coastal Geologic Hazards to prepare students to address the growing challenges of coastal flooding, erosion, and groundwater salinization in the face of climate change. Taught by Assistant Professor Chris Russoniello, the course explores topics such as tides, storm impacts, and sea level rise using a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach.
CELS Fellowship Spotlight: Avery Hurwitz on Using GIS for Climate-Related Flood Mapping September 29, 2025 - Avery Hurwitz spent the summer using GIS technology to map flood risks in Providence through the CELS Summer Research Fellowship. Combining his passion for climate science and meteorology with hands-on experience, he developed nature-based solutions to address urban flooding.
New statewide project calls on public to report bobcat sightings September 26, 2025 - The URI-led research utilizes camera traps, GPS collars, and citizen science to better understand the movement, behavior, and ecological role of Rhode Island’s growing bobcat population.
Antimicrobial resistance: A global public health threat September 26, 2025 - Neil Greene, a URI cell and molecular biology professor, is leading a course on antimicrobial resistance this fall, helping students from diverse disciplines better understand the pressing health issue.
Fellowship Spotlight: Astou Dieng on Using GIS River Models for Flood Mapping in Providence September 26, 2025 - Astou Dieng, a landscape architecture major from Providence, Rhode Island, completed her CELS Summer Research Fellowship working under Dr. Soni Pradhanang on GIS flood mapping for Providence
Warren Project to Build Coastal and Flood Resilience September 24, 2025 - A research team from URI is working with Warren, Rhode Island, to better understand its concerns related to flooding and to explore potential solutions. The team, led by Emi Uchida, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Natural Resource Economics, includes Christopher Russoniello, assistant professor of geosciences; Pengfei Liu, associate professor of environmental and natural resource economics; and others. 
More Than Just Shade: Understanding Tree Canopy and the Urban Heat Island Effect September 22, 2025 - Summers are hot, but for urban areas without tree cover, the heat can be even more dangerous. CELS Communications Fellow Yvonne Wingard writes about the phenomenon of urban heat islands and their impact on cities like Providence.