College of Arts and Sciences
Timothy Berard
Africana Studies
Also Awardee of Political Science
A Political Science and Africana Studies double major, Tim has worked multiple jobs andvolunteered for non-profit organizations. He is interested in human rights and opportunities of LBGT communities globally. Tim is a Gilman scholarship recipient and a Rangel Scholar. He has been accepted into graduate programs at URI, American University, and Columbia, and plans to pursue a career in government or with an NGO.
Courtney Cunningham
Anthropology
A native of Newport, Rhode Island, Courtney is an Anthropology and Philosophy double major, with an interest in sociocultural and educational anthropology. Courtney is passionate about travel and has traveled independently to various countries, including Peru, The Philippines, and Cambodia. Her nontraditional college career has contributed to her interest in students’ academic and social development. She hopes to pursue a career in student affairs.
Nicole Faria
Art
Nicole Faria is receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio with an exceptional GPA. Her work is focused on painting and drawing.Minoring in Japanese, she recently visited Japan and is looking forward to a return visit. Nicole is currently creating an illustrated magazine that will be web-published in a format that is influenced by both her language and visual arts interests.
Sebastian Rueda
Chemistry
Sebastian is a first-generation American of Columbian descent. He attended Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, and he lives in Central Falls, RI. Sebastian joined the University of Rhode Island for his sophomore year after beginning his studies at UMass Boston. Sebastian has a rare combination of intelligence, natural lab ability and responsibility. He has a deep curiosity about science and a passion for learning through research.
Christina Marie Imbriglio
Communication Studies
Christina Imbriglio exhibits a very high level of self-reflection and intellectual curiosity. Her work reveals a level of articulation and analysis that exceeds expectations. Christina possesses a strong and impressive command of language, and the acuity of her insights, with the lucidity of her contributions set the tone and standard for her classmates.
Mikel Gjergji
Computer Science
Mikel is currently studying ways to accelerate computer programs on high-performance systems using artificial intelligence. He has recently accepted a Teachers Assistantship offer to start graduate studies in Computer Science at URI. Mikel loves his field of study and believes that “Deep Learning” plays a big role in the future of humanity.
Allegra Angell
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Allegra will graduate with degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Computer Science, while also completing the Honors Program and minors in Digital Forensics and Thanatology, interning with the RI State Police, holding a variety of leadership positions, and taking advantage of many service and employment opportunities. Allegra’s hard work and dedication will serve her well as she goes forward with her Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity at URI.
Paige Carmichael
Economics
Paige Carmichael is an outstanding classroom assistant who has maintained intensive work on two summer Arts and Sciences fellowships, leading the Economics Student Association, and finishing her senior honors project all at the same time. Her next step will be to begin an Economics PhD program at UMass-Amherst.
Brianna Perna
English
Also Awardee of Secondary Education
An avid and award-winning creative writer, Brianna has also distinguished herself as a superb literary scholar, recently delivering a conference paper on gender roles in Paradise Lost, while also taking a leading role in the URI American Sign Language Club. She will start her career as a teacher in Connecticut in the fall, and is already pursuing a Master’s Degree in ESL.
Marion O’Sullivan
Film and Media
Originally from Oxford, Mississippi, Marion majors in Film/Media and German. A frequent musical performer on URIs 20Somethings TV, she is passionate about the horror genre. Her film Dysmorphia was called “an experimental tour-de-force [that] sucks you in, grinds you up, and spits you back out!” With a classmate, Marion founded the production company, Wishful Thinking, to help musicians illustrate art through visual media.
Alyjah Benton
Gender and Women’s Studies
Alyjah Benton is a Talent Development Scholar and a double major in GWS and Sociology who is passionate about social justice for black women and girls. In Summer 2019, she received a NSF undergraduate summer research grant and went to Texas A&M to conduct research on black women, police, and violence. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Public Health and work to enhance black maternal health.
Sarah Truchon
History
Sarah, a history major and Asian Studies minor, is a brilliant thinker and a highly creative researcher. She writes with accuracy and real style. Her undergraduate thesis centered on soldiers and civilians who were late returnees to Japan after World War II; some did not return until the 1970s. Sarah historicized the returnees themselves, and also showed how Japanese, Filipinos and Americans perceived them.
Ian Weiner
Journalism
Ian Weiner has completed his BA degree in three years, while also managing three internships, working as a freelance reporter for a local newspaper, producing a campus radio program, working as a campus tour guide, and serving as staff reporter, news editor and eventually editor of the student newspaper. He has a promising future in his field.
Joseph Lefebvre
Landscape Architecture
Joe shines as a capable designer, practiced communicator and leader within and outside the department. His exceptional GPA indicates his academic strengths and his internship with the Sudbury Design Group illustrates his professional competencies. Joe’s many leadership activities include serving as president and Fund Raising Chair for his fraternity, two years as Greek Life’s Interfraternity Council President, and URI Leadership Coordinator.
Zachary Smith
Chinese
Zachary is triple majoring in Chinese, Electrical Engineering, and German. He is a Boren scholarship recipient and the Demers Foreign Language Fellow, who just finished his Chinese Capstone year in Taipei to achieve superior proficiency in Chinese. He has contributed significantly to activities that are related to the Chinese program in his six years at URI, and is an excellent role model for URI students.
Sandra Deeb
French
Also Awardee of Ocean Engineering
Sandra is a French International Engineering Program student, majoring in Ocean Engineering and French.Sandra spent a full year in France, studying at the Technical University of Compiègne, and interning with France Energies Marines near Brest.Sandra is also an accomplished violinist who has performed in France and in Kingston, Rhode Island. Following graduation, Sandra will pursue a Master’s Degree in ocean engineering at URI.
Maeve Story
German
Maeve is graduating from the five-year International Engineering Program with a B.A. in German and a B.S. in Ocean Engineering, and has shown excellence in her German studies. During her study abroad semester she was part of a geology research project at TU Braunschweig and during her internship she worked in Marine Science in Bremen.
David Guevara
Italian
David is a 5th-year Italian IEP student. Last spring, he was the first student in the Italian IEP to be selected as a Demers Fellowship recipient. David spent the last six months in Italy studying engineering at University Parthenope of Naples, and interning at Grastim, before returning home due to recent Coronavirus events. In the future, David plans to continue working internationally as an engineer.
Kelly Domogala
Spanish
Also Awardee for Industrial and Systems Engineering
Kelly, a Spanish International Engineering program graduate, has impressed faculty and classmates with her analytical mind, creativity and imagination, and strong ethical engagement with the world around her.She demonstrates intellectual agility, versatility, and has superior comprehension and organizational abilities. Over the past five years, Kelly has become an interculturally savvy, bilingual engineer.After graduation, Kelly will complete her Master’s in Systems Engineering at URI.
Stefanie Hersey
Mathematics
Stefanie is a double major in Applied Mathematics and Physics and has received exceptional grades in all of her math classes. She is in the Accelerated five year B.S. to M.S. in Applied Mathematics program, taking graduate level math courses this Spring. Next year, she will be a teaching assistant in the mathematics department and will finish her M.S. in applied mathematics in one year, May 2021.
Remy Besson
Music
Remy Besson has impressed his teachers with his exceptional drive and talent for percussion. As an integral member of the URI Music Department, and in his work with the Newport Folk Festival, Remy has proved there is no challenge to which he will not rise. He will soon be taking his talents to Kentucky to begin a Master’s degree at Morehead State University.
Gianna Chaves
Philosophy
A double major in Philosophy and Human Development and Family Studies, Gianna’s impressive work in the classroom – Dean’s List, Phi Sigma Tau philosophy honor society – is matched by her extracurricular activities, including serving as the Vice President to the Philosophy Club and coordinating the Gandhi Essay Contest through the URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies. Gianna’s future plans include pursuing a graduate degree.
Timothy Berard
Political Science
Also Awardee of Africana Studies
A Political Science and Africana Studies double major, Tim has worked multiple jobs andvolunteered for non-profit organizations. He is interested in human rights and opportunities of LBGT communities globally. Tim is a Gilman scholarship recipient and a Rangel Scholar. He has been accepted into graduate programs at URI, American University, and Columbia, and plans to pursue a career in government or with an NGO.
Emily Winslow
Public Relations
Critically astute, conscientious and compassionate describe Public Relations major Emily Winslow.With an outstanding GPA (and making Dean’s List for four consecutive years) her commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. A recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Oarswoman Award for Rowing reveals her tenacious spirit as an athlete. A highlight for Emily was participating in the Atlanta 10 Regatta. Congratulations Emily, an inspiring leader.
Ryan Vallee
Physics
Ryan is graduating with a B.S. in both Chemistry and Physics. His outstanding work in physics is being capped by a senior research thesis dealing with the surface states of nickel. Ryan also proposed and received funding for an internship in materials science at Kyushu University in Japan. Ryan will be pursuing an MS in Applied Mathematics and a PHD in Physics.
Emma Barber
Sociology
Emma Barber is a double major in Sociology and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Emma has been actively engaged in both her majors while at URI, serving twice as a teaching assistant. She plans to work in the Human Resources field in the near future and may go to graduate school to do sociological or criminological research.
Erik Schlicht
Theatre
Erik is a triple major in Theatre, Political Science, and Anthropology. An accomplished academic and artist, Erik has appeared in a number of roles on the URI MainStage including: School for Lies, The Great Gatsby, Mary Poppins, Noises Off, and SPAMALOT. Erik was selected for TEDx URI 2018 with his talk: “The Myth of the Starving Artist.” Erik plans to pursue a PhD in Anthropology.
Arden Bastia
Writing and Rhetoric
Arden is a double major in Writing and Rhetoric and English, and is proficient in French.A talented communicator, Arden has worked as an editor, a publishing intern, and at URI as a Writing Tutor and Tour Guide.She is also a graduate of Walt Disney World’s competitive College Program.After commencement, Arden will be continuing her work in higher education.
College of Business
Matthew Taylor
Accounting
Matthew Taylor is an exceptional Accounting student with an excellent GPA. His instructors describe him as a natural leader and one most likely to pass the difficult CPA exam on his first attempt, which is rare. He is active in student life and is a great ambassador for the Accounting program.
Niklas Middrup
Finance
Niklas Middrup is an exceptional Finance student with an excellent GPA. He was also selected to be a participant in the Ram Fund, a fund that allows students to trade stock on the real stock exchanges around the world. There are only 12-15 top Finance students that are invited to trade in this fund. Niklas is a natural born leader.
Shannon Costello
General Business Administration
Shannon Costello is an excellent General Business Student with an outstanding GPA. She is also seeking a minor in Data Science in order to leverage her technology skills with her business acumen. She is academically strong in both areas and is a class leader. Shannon is a hard-worker and is well-respected among her peers.
Sarah Chambers
Global Business
Sarah Chambers is a double degree student in Chinese and Global Business with an outstanding GPA. She studied abroad in China, Taiwan, and Japan while at URI.After graduation, she will complete the service requirement for the prestigious Boren Scholarship with the U.S. Government.Sarah’s long term career goal is to help Western companies enter into the Chinese and Japanese markets.
Je Young Lee
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Je Young Lee is an excellent Innovation and Entrepreneurship student with an impressive academic record. He has a strong work ethic and is highly personable. He will be the first graduate under this new major and is described by his instructors and bright and hard-working. Being an entrepreneur after graduation is his dream.
Ellora Mohanty
Marketing
Ellora Mohanty is a Marketing major in the College of Business with a minor in Public Relations. She will be continuing her education at the University of Rhode Island and will be earning a MBA while being the graduate assistant for the URI 101 Mentor Program, in which she served three years as a mentor herself.
Simon Hoeps
Supply Chain Management
Simon has an excellent GPA and is a student in Supply Chain Management. He has performed exceptionally well in the classroom. Although English is his second language, Simon is able to analyze difficult problem-based cases written in English with remarkable skill and understanding of an English speaker. He has displayed natural leadership skills within his team.
Erica Thalmann
Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Erica is a Textile Fashion Merchandising and Design major with an impressive GPA while minoring in business. She has expressed the desire to own her own fashion business someday. Erica has the creativity and skills to be a top designer and businessperson.
Alexandra Turco
Textile Marketing
Alexandra is an exceptional Textile Marketing major with top grades in all her courses. She is active in student life and sets the bar for junior students. She is a hard-worker and a natural leader. She is talented, respected and well-liked by her fellow students – always willing to help them with difficult course work.
College of Engineering
Dylan Kennedy
Biomedical Engineering
Dylan is a double major in Chinese and Biomedical Engineering. During his time at URI he has been exposed to diverse perspectives and cultures that led him to a newfound love of dance. Ultimately, he would like to earn an MBA at URI to become an entrepreneur and realize his vision of a more altruistic, connected, and compassionate world.
Mason Hyde
Chemical Engineering
Mason is a graduate with passion and commitment.He excelled at Chemical Engineering while meeting high demands as Lead Tutor at the Academic Enhancement Center.He conducted research and worked as an engineering intern.Simultaneously, Mason was active behind the scenes and on stage in local theatre, including two summers as Fly Chief at Theatre by the Sea.
Bradley Bzdyra
Civil Engineering
Bradley excels due to a combination of intellectual gifts, interpersonal skills, and work ethic. Bradley engaged in a self-guided literature review to find new topics to explore, such as magnetic separation of iron oxides. He is well suited to complete high-quality research, exemplified by first-authorship on a manuscript recently accepted to a high impact peer-reviewed journal. He has simultaneously worked for his family’s surveying company.
Daniel Forman
Computer Engineering
During his senior year, Dan’s team placed 2nd in the ELECOMP Capstone Symposium. While at URI, he worked with Professor Wei on RFID identification and Dr. Sodhi and Dr. Sendag on object identification utilizing machine learning. He has interned three times as a software developer at Electric Boat. After URI, he hopes to find an engineering position in the Greater Boston Area.
Elliott Koehn
Electrical Engineering
Elliott earned dual degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He was a Centennial Scholar, an undergraduate researcher in the Next Generation Sensing Technology Lab, and Treasurer for Tau Beta Pi. He is currently working in Maryland at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. He has been accepted into the graduate program in the Johns Hopkins, Whiting School of Engineering for Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Kelly Domogala
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Also Awardee for Spanish
Kelly has spent five years as an undergraduate at URI and completed two degrees; a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and a B.A. in Spanish, with a minor in general business. She spent a year in Zaragoza, Spain, studying abroad and completing an internship through the International Engineering Program. Kelly starts her graduate degree in Systems Engineering at URI in the Fall.
Mark Keenan
Mechanical Engineering
Mark Keenan is the fifth child in a family of six boys. His parents Paul and Barbara Keenan helped to support all of their children to pursue some kind of higher education. Mark spent a year in Germany studying and working as part of the international engineering program. He would like to thank his parents for everything that they have done and sacrificed for him.
Sandra Deeb
Ocean Engineering
Also Awardee of French
Sandra is receiving a BS in Ocean Engineering and IEP French. While at URI, she spent a year in France, completing an internship on extreme wave analysis.Sandra is a member of multiple honor societies, a French IEP ambassador, and plays the violin on the URI honors string ensemble. In her capstone project, she designed a wind farm off of Martha’s Vineyard. She is applying to graduate schools.
College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Urszula Wisniewska
Animal and Veterinary Science
Urszula is an outstanding student who excelled both in and out of the classroom.She eagerly shared her substantial knowledge with her peers, enhancing their learning experience as a teaching assistant and mentor.She ably represented URI at a regional competition of Animal Science programs.This year she has been conducting molecular research on whales in preparation for entering veterinary school in the fall.
Kyle Paparelli
Aquaculture and Fishery Technology
Kyle is an enthusiastic and dedicated student.Entering URI with a successful background in commercial fishing (which continues) he naturally gravitated to Aquaculture and Fishery Technology.He has played an integral role on several research projects with tuna and mahi, and looks forward to success in commercial aquaculture or graduate school.
Joseph Kuzmic
Biological Sciences
Joey is an extraordinary scholar. Outside the classroom, he is a certified EMT and has designed a 3-D printed prosthetic hand for a 12-year-old child.Joey has served as a mathematics tutor and will utilize his analytical skills in our Master’s in Business Administration program this fall.Joey plans to focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in order to pursue a career in the Biotech or Pharmaceuticals Industry.
Caitlin Murray
Biology
Caitlin is graduating with both a BA in Biology and a BS in Secondary Education and will become a teacher. Caitlin did her student teaching as the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up, which she calls a “unique experience”. She resourcefully got something positive out of the crisis, using it as a class discussion point on the science of disease transmission for her middle school students.
Ben Raiche
Biotech Manufacturing
During his undergraduate years at URI Ben has achieved an excellent GPA, while also working at a biotechnology company, Vero Science. In fact, Dr. Anthony Cincotta was so impressed with Ben during his biotechnology internship there that he offered Ben a part time position three years ago. Ben has been there ever since. He continues to train new interns as they arrive each summer.
Kaileigh Cloutier-LeBlanc
Cell and Molecular Biology
In addition to her rigorous academic responsibilities, Kaileigh also worked in the chemistry stockroom, served as a CELS ambassador for numerous events, conducted laboratory research on the oral microbiome, conducted clinical research on cystic fibrosis at RI Hospital and assisted the local Habitat for Humanity in building homes for two families in need in Guastatoya, Guatemala, through the URI Alternative Spring Break Program.
Mary Abigail Hasenfus
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Abbie completed the 2019 Energy Fellow Program and interned with the Office of Energy Resources. She enjoyed this experience immensely and hopes to work in the clean and renewable energy sector, including the offshore wind farm development. Abbie’s plans include pursuing a graduate degree after acquiring some real-world experience to help her narrow down the focus of her interests in this field.
Hannah Chace
Environmental Science and Management
Hannah hails from Franklin, Mass., and is a second-generation graduate of the Department of Natural Resources Science. She has a stellar GPA and made Dean’s List all eight semesters. She is a member of URI’s legendary soil judging team and an undergraduate researcher on a marsh biogeochemistry project. She’s currently looking at employment options in environmental consulting.
Catherine Tiley
Geology and Geological Oceanography
Catherine is an excellent Geology student, on the Dean’s List, and the Geology Club President. She has conducted research modeling extinctions in the Petrified Forest National Park, categorizing fossils and modeling paleocurrents found in Baja California, mapping serpentine localities in Puerto Rico and California, reconstructing and interpreting Southern Ocean seafloor sediment, and collaborated on a published paper in Geology.
Declan O’Donnell
Marine Affairs
With a major in Marine Affairs, minor in Resource Economics, and certificate in Energy Policy, Declan O’Donnell is fascinated by the complex interactions of humans and oceans. At URI, Declan interned at a marina and at Watershed Watch, studied abroad in Spain and Indonesia, and was active in his fraternity. Declan will manage a local marina this summer, and will pursue a career in marine pollution management.
Alyssa Lopez
Marine Biology
In addition to being an outstanding student in the classroom, graduating summa cum laude, Alyssa has participated in of a wide variety of opportunities to conduct research as a marine biology major. Her research experiences include Save the Bay, the Inner Space Center, and projects spanning from zooplankton to sharks in locations from Rhode Island to Bermuda.
Nicholas Little
Medical Lab Sciences
Before attending URI, Nick spent four years in the US Navy, where he honed his natural leadership skills and found a love for travel. Nick is passionate about microbiology and plans on working in a clinical microbiology lab for a few years before entering graduate school. In his spare time, Nick enjoys his other passion – brewing his own beer.
Jessica Hanley
Plant Sciences and Entomology
Jessica Hanley is a Plant Sciences student, focusing in Sustainable Crop Production. Her personal interests include plant pathology and plant propagation. She spends her time in her own vegetable gardens or helping others develop their own, and enjoyed many hours at URI in the greenhouses. She intends to work in an environment with seedlings and propagation.
Brian Wells
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
As an adult student and retired USAF Master Sergeant, Brian has achieved academic excellence in the SAFS program while juggling a full-time professional position at Raytheon, weekend work at a vineyard, and family life. His intellectual curiosity and drive are leavened by his sense of humor. He plans to apply what he has learned at URI to be of service to his family, friends and community.
Jessica Burr
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Jess has excelled as a scholar, scientist, and tree climber while at URI. Having designed and led wildlife research in Rhode Island and Vietnam, Jess is ready to make her own path. This path will include conserving the natural world and exploring the country in a converted van. She brings with her the fortitude, curiosity, and good humor of a natural scientist.
College of Health Sciences
Alexia Martins
Communicative Disorders
Alexia Martins is an outstanding student who will graduate Summa Cum Laude. She has been a research and teaching assistant in the Department of Communicative Disorders. Her research has involved a federally funded study of bilingual language and literacy development among school-aged children, and an investigation of children with autism spectrum disorders. She will attend URI’s graduate program in speech-language pathology this fall.
Keara Shores
Early Childhood Education
Keara has a passion for early childhood education with a focus on language development. While maintaining a stellar GPA, Keara worked as a teaching assistant, a departmental volunteer, and was a highly regarded student worker at the URI Child Development Center, spending countless hours supporting preschoolers in high-quality education. After graduation, Keara will pursue a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language.
Cassidy Fries
Health Studies
Cassidy has been an outstanding student. She was a member of the Health Studies Action Board, served as a peer adviser to majors, was an active member of Dr. Sabik’s lab and has been a co-author on published papers. Cassidy also was a member and captain of the URI Swimming and Diving team. This summer Cassidy will begin a position with Independence Blue Cross.
Kayla Wedell
Human Development and Family Studies
Kayla is an example of a student who puts her learning into action. In addition to her coursework in HDF, Kayla has been working as a behavior specialist at Perspectives RI, was a PASS worker at the Trudeau Center, and is currently interning at the RI Hunger Center. Kayla is also working on an important research project studying the issue of homelessness.
Michelle Lanctot
Kinesiology
Michelle is an example of an accomplished and well-rounded scholar, evidenced by her academic record and commitment to community outreach.Michelle has maintained her excellent academic record while working fulltime as a physical therapy aide, acquiring a minor in Nutrition, volunteering at Hasbro Hospital and a food pantry.Michelle will be attending graduate school at Simmons University to prepare for her career in physical therapy.
Lauren Boisvert
Nutrition and Dietetics
Lauren was offered a full-time job before she started her senior year.She completed a summer internship at Blount Fine Foods the summer of her sophomore year and they realized her potential.As a research and development technician, Lauren creates food products that best meet our nutritional needs.She brought her love of food back to URI by serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant her senior year.
Emily Shepard
Psychology
Emily completed her BS in Psychology in three years with a minor in Spanish. She received the URI Undergraduate Research and Innovation Grant and won the Social Science, Arts and Humanities category at the 2019 Showcase for Undergraduate Research. She is also co-author on a publication concerning prescription opioid misuse among college students and has been accepted into the URI Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program.
College of Nursing
Tyler Fritz
Nursing
Tyler Fritz is graduating with his BS in Nursing. Among his achievements are his consistent place on the Dean’s List; clinical skills development; empathy and care for his patients and ability to balance academic obligations with service. He is an academic leader who prioritizes emotional intelligence as much as cognitive learning, and who exhibits empathy, as well as excellence.
College of Pharmacy
Qiwen Chen
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Qiwen Chen is an outstanding graduate in BS Pharmaceutical Sciences. She earned top academic honors while also completing the Chinese Flagship program, honors courses, URI community service courses, talent development, three semesters of research, and four graduate level courses. She has been accepted into the URI PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences under the research supervision of Dr. Ruitang Deng.
Justin Culshaw
Pharmacy
Justin has combined interests in the arts, pharmacy and communication, to explore patient counseling using virtual platforms. He helped create an outreach curriculum using improv and drama for adolescents. Justin offers empathy, creativity and an open personality to connect with people. He achieved local and national recognition for his clinical acumen and will begin a post-graduate residency program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies
Caitlyn Powell
Elementary Education
Caitlyn made the Dean’s list every semester earning an extraordinary GPA. Caitlyn successfully taught elementary students online during the Coronavirus 19 pandemic. She continues to work as a toddler teacher in a daycare center. After graduation, Caitlyn is seeking a teaching job on Aquidneck Island and intends on pursuing a Masters in School Counseling in the near future.
Benyamin Nikravan
Interdisciplinary Studies
Benyamin came to the US as political refugee from Iran. Benyamin was unable to obtain any of his educational documents because of his refugee status, so he began his education at URI as a performance-based student in Spring of 2013. Six years later, he was able to graduate Cum Laude with a dual major, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Health Services Administration and Business Institutions.
Brianna Perna
Secondary Education
Also Awardee of English
Brianna Perna earned an excellent GPA as a Secondary Education and English double major.‘Bri’, as her students at the Met High School in Providence call her, developed personalized learning experiences initially face-to-face, then when RI schools closed, via distance learning.After graduation she plans to return home to Glastonbury, CT, and complete the online URI MA certification program to teach English Learners.
Maria Larson
Finish What You Started
After a 23-year commitment to her education, Maria will graduate Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on family and community settings. Maria’s oldest son graduated from URI last year; her middle son will graduate next year. Maria’s future plan is to work as a coordinator of programs involving families and young children, in an educational setting.