Q. Why did you choose URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences?
A. My reason might be a little different from most. A lot of people in my majors are naturally outdoorsy and grew up loving time outside. While I do enjoy being in nature and truly appreciate its beauty, it wasn’t a huge part of my upbringing. What really drew me to URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences was a growing frustration with how often we, as a society, overlook the long-term consequences of our actions on the planet. There’s this tendency to focus on short-term gains without thinking about sustainability, and I believe that mindset puts future generations at risk. I chose this path because I want to be part of the solution and contribute to real change to help shape a future that’s more sustainable. Studying in this field gives me the opportunity to do just that.

What experiential learning opportunities did you participate in at URI?
I’ve been working as an undergraduate research assistant in the URI Laboratory of Soil Ecology & Microbiology, where I’ve spent the past year conducting research focused on wastewater. This experience has sharpened my attention to detail and strengthened my proficiency with a range of laboratory techniques and protocols. Beyond the technical skills, it has given me the confidence to work independently in a lab setting and helped me realize how much I truly enjoy conducting research. It has been incredibly rewarding and I find it exciting to contribute to work that has tangible, real-world environmental impact.

What was your experience on the J-Term Indonesia trip?
It was absolutely incredible. I remember thinking during the trip that I might never experience something like it again. Even now, I still feel like nothing will ever quite compare. Every day was packed with new adventures, and we did so much in such a short amount of time. Having translators and transportation arranged for us made the whole experience seamless, and in just two weeks, we visited five different cities across multiple islands. We hiked a volcano, stayed at a beachside resort, took a boat around the island and saw a pod of about 2,000 dolphins, went snorkeling, swam in a rainforest, and visited the largest Buddhist temple in the world—and that’s just scratching the surface.

Honestly, it felt more like a vacation than a class, in the best way possible. You learn so much without even realizing it because you’re fully immersed and having so much fun. I was nervous going in because I didn’t know anyone else on the trip, but I have absolutely no regrets. I made memories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. If you ever have the chance to go, I 100% recommend it. Whenever I think back to the trip, it doesn’t even feel real. I still can’t believe I actually did all of that—traveled halfway across the world, experienced so many new places, and pushed myself outside my comfort zone. It was the kind of experience that feels like a dream when you’re living it, and somehow even more surreal in hindsight.

What have been some highlights of your time in the Geosciences department?
The field trips have been some of my favorite parts. I’ve gone to Dinosaur State Park in Connecticut to look at fossils, watched wells being drilled, mapped rock formations at Beavertail State Park, gone stream gaging, toured wastewater treatment plants and visited Charlestown Beach to observe sediment transport. It’s always fun telling my friends about my day and getting to share all the seemingly random (but exciting!) things I do. The department also has a really tight-knit feel, and the professors are incredibly supportive. Their doors are always open—quite literally—and you can just stop by to say hi while walking to class. Meeting with professors has shaped my journey in so many ways, and I definitely wouldn’t have pursued half the opportunities I did without their support, insight, and guidance.

What advice would you give to incoming or current students?
Something that has really helped me is realizing that all the stresses you face are temporary. What may feel like the end of the world in the moment will likely be a distant memory in a few weeks. You’ll move on to the next thing, and it won’t seem nearly as big of a deal in hindsight. Keeping this mindset has helped me push through stressful times like exams or when I’ve been tempted to give up on an assignment. As long as you put in the effort, things have a way of working themselves out in the end.

On a more practical note, I’d also recommend taking advantage of any opportunities that come your way, even if they don’t align exactly with what you think you want to do. Every experience, no matter how small or unrelated, helps build your skill set and prepares you for whatever path you ultimately choose. I mean, right now, I literally work with wastewater… so trust me, it all adds up in the weirdest ways. It’s not always the most glamorous, but here we are, and honestly, I love it.

What’s next for you after graduation?
In Fall 2025, I’ll be heading to Rutgers University to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Sciences, where I’ll be researching the use of stable isotope analysis to track the effectiveness of groundwater remediation techniques. My time at URI really set the foundation for this next chapter, and I couldn’t be more excited to keep studying what I love!