In recognition of outstanding professional achievement and dedication to the URI community, the 10 Under 10 Awards highlight young leaders who embody the true spirit and values of the University. Award recipients must demonstrate excellence in the core values of the University: creativity and scholarship; diversity, fairness, and respect; engaged learning and civic involvement; and intellectual and ethical leadership. 

Recipient Abigail Hasenfus ’20, M.S. ’21 graduated from URI with a Bachelor of Science in environmental and natural resource economics and marine affairs, and certification in energy economics and policy. She is an alumna of the URI Energy Fellows Program where she joined a cohort that was passionate and eager to learn about real-world careers in sustainable energy. Hasenfus returned to URI to earn her Master of Science in environmental economics and now works as the chief of renewable energy program development for the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.

Throughout her career, Hasenfus has become an active participant in responding to Rhode Island’s energy needs and has written and secured over $57 million in grant funding for the state’s solar programs, putting her passion for energy and environmental justice toward helping disadvantaged communities.

Watch the full ceremony for the 2025 10 Under 10 Awards here.