College of Arts and Sciences

Franchesca Campos

Africana Studies

Franchesca Campos is an extraordinary student who has demonstrated her commitment to hard work, social justice and making a difference in her community. Franchesca is a triple major in Africana Studies, Sociology and the Pre-Law track of the Writing and Rhetoric program. She is graduating with a strong GPA and seeks to work as a journalist in a social justice context. Active on campus in the Black Student Union and the Honors Program Franchesca is bilingual in Spanish and uniquely prepared to impact her generation.

Megan Elias

Anthropology

Megan was a professional pastry chef for over a decade before entering URI. She is graduating with a double major in Anthropology & Italian. Megan has been involved in many community organizations, including playing crash cymbals in an activist marching band. These experiences led to her interest in public engagement. She will attend University College London in the fall to pursue an M.A. in Public Archaeology.

Holly Swanson

Art

Holly has combined her major studio art interest in Graphic Design with a minor in Business and hopes to work in the field of digital marketing. This past spring she gained experience through an internship in the commercial world doing marketing research and creating landing pages for an off-campus tech company. An avid tennis player and dog walker, she also continues to create her own paintings.

Adelaide Levenson

Chemistry

Adelaide has shown a deep curiosity about science and a passion for learning through research. She asks questions about precedent, prior research in the field, and wants to get the big picture of her work. Adelaide is a coauthor on two published manuscripts and additional publications are in progress. Adelaide will be attending graduate school for chemistry starting fall 2021.

Evan McAlice

Communication Studies

Evan will be graduating with degrees in Communications Studies and Writing and Rhetoric. He has pursued a number of opportunities that helped him apply his studies to the real world including three internships, numerous positions with the student newspaper, and two years as a brand ambassador for the Harrington School. After graduation, Evan hopes to find work that continues his passion for digital communication and writing.

Timothy Colaneri

Computer Science

Timothy is graduating with a B.S. in Computer Science, having been an invaluable undergraduate teaching assistant in upper-level courses such as CSC 411 and 440; his how-to write-ups, complete with screenshots, are now legendary. Timothy is a non-traditional student, who transferred to URI after receiving an A.S. in computer science from CCRI and is now planning to pursue graduate studies in computer science.

Talia Parente

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Talia Parente is a double major in Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish. Described by a faculty member as “the brightest and most organized student I’ve ever worked with,” Talia Parente boasts a phenomenal GPA. This fall, Talia plans to pursue a joint Masters/JD program focused on advocating for people with mental illnesses and disabilities. Talia’s professors have watched as her commitment to social justice grew. We are elated that Talia will apply her considerable talents to such important work.

Lucas McCulloch

Economics

Lucas is a double major in Economics (B.S. – Theory and Methods) and Mathematics (B.A.). He has been actively involved in the Economics Student Association, serving as president his senior year. Lucas has completed the Honors Program and his Honors Project looks at the complex and changing pricing strategies in the video game industry.

Oluwatoyin Okele

English

English major Oluwatoyin Okele is an award and scholarship winner who plans to work in writing or design and then pursue an M.A. or M.F.A., and perhaps a Ph.D. She is active in her church and enjoys writing stories, drawing, reading comic books and graphic novels, and solving math puzzles.

Alyssa Botelho

Film and Media

Alyssa has made two outstanding films, “Junkie” and “To Dust All Return.” After graduation, Alyssa will pursue a screenwriting and directing career, hoping to tell stories through film that move, excite, and inform. She is so dedicated, inventive, and hard-working that during COVID, when her instructor asked students in planning their films to “think simple,” she shot a movie that took place in the 1700s.

Jessica Nagle

Gender and Women’s Studies

Jessica Nagle is a double major in Gender and Women and Studies and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Jessica credits GWS for providing her with the intersectional knowledge and sense of agency that will enable her to work for social justice. She is passionate about advocacy work for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Her larger goal is to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Noah Cyr

History

Noah Cyr is an outstanding student described by his history capstone professor as “a beautiful writer with a sophisticated ability to analyze highly complex historical arguments.” His senior thesis on religion as a determinant of colonists’ positions during the American Revolution is likely publishable. During his time at URI, Noah has worked on several innovative Oral History projects. Beyond academics, Noah works as a realtor.

Theresa Brown

Journalism

With a triple major in Journalism, Writing and Rhetoric, and Italian, Theresa has maintained a busier schedule than most students with one major. She has received awards associated with each major, interned at a newspaper and at Rhode Island Monthly magazine, and served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. That’s the short list. She is headed to graduate school at New York University in the fall.

Sophie Haddock

Landscape Architecture

At the top of her class with a strong GPA, Sophie is a skilled problem-solver, confident public speaker, and class A tireless worker with great organizational skills. She serves as Public Relations coordinator for the student organization and is a teaching assistant for an introductory design studio. From here, she plans to live lightly on the land and apply her skills as a landscape architect.

Angel Kleiman

Chinese

Angel Kleiman majors in Chinese and Cell and Molecular Biology. She has been involved deeply in the Chinese Flagship program. She has been a Chinese tutor and hosted many Chinese festival celebrations on campus. She worked in a Bioinformatics research lab and has been the president of Club Track and Field. She is finishing her virtual Chinese Flagship Capstone Year.

Gina Jouaneh

French

Gina is a French and Economics double major. In 2018, she won the Rising Stars award for promising French students. Her award today demonstrates realization of that potential.

Gina matches her high level of French language proficiency with high levels of literary analysis, which makes sense since she writes novels as a hobby. After graduation she will work in economic consulting as a research analyst.

Catherine Lenox

German

With dual-degrees in German and Health Studies, Cathy completes a milestone on a journey sparked by her admiration for her grandmother, who started learning German at the age of 70 to finally meet a childhood pen-pal in Germany. Cathy is receiving this award both for her exceptional grasp of German and her full embrace of its potential to open doors and create new, exciting pathways.

Juliana Cuomo

Italian

Juliana is a graduating senior of the class of 2021 dual majoring in psychology (B.S.) and Italian (B.A.). She has studied the Italian language and culture for eight years. She has travelled twice to Italy where she loved interacting and conversing with the locals. After graduation Juliana intends to take a short break and then pursue graduate studies in a school psychology program or a Master of Public Health program.

Sarah Richer

Spanish

At URI Sarah has proactively cultivated her passion for culture, art, and literature, and her keen interest in the human mind and in human behavior. She is an insightful thinker who asks penetrating questions and a cross-culturally savvy woman with advanced proficiency in Spanish. Sarah has reached an exceptional level of competence in two languages; she is a critical reader who effortlessly uncovers meaning and beauty in complex texts and a talented writer who creates elegant and compelling arguments. As a future career path, Sarah plans to combine the expertise gained via her dual major in Spanish and Psychology with her fascination with art.

Raechel Griffin

Mathematics

Raechel Griffin has a very keen mathematical ability, earning top scores in all math classes. She is working towards minors in leadership and enterprise programming and was also active in the equestrian society. Raechel has tutored for the math department and recently accepted a teaching assistantship with the URI math department to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics.

Jacob Bliss

Military Science and Leadership

Jacob Bliss loves chemistry. Though three instructors quit his first high school chemistry class before Christmas, Jacob was hooked; he persisted, teaching himself from the textbook. Later, inspired by his grandfather’s Vietnam stories, and concerned with his father’s heart problems, Jacob joined URI’s ROTC, majored in chemistry, and will serve as an officer in the Army Medical Service Corps. A career in cardiology awaits.

Peter Kelmelis

Music

Peter Kelmelis studied piano, composition and organ at URI. He plays Sunday services at Pleasant Street Baptist Church in Westerly. In 2019, he performed in the National Music Festival in Chestertown, MD, as a collaborative piano apprentice. Peter spends his summers working at Camp Ogontz in Lyman, NH, where he bakes all sorts of breads and cookies for the arts camps throughout the season.

Edward Donovan

Philosophy

A volunteer firefighter, Philosophy and Health Studies major writing an honors thesis on Social Justice and Health, and Philosophy Club VP, Ted embodies the philosophical ‘good life.’ He plans to join the USA Antarctica Project or Peace Corps, followed by a Master’s in Public Health. Little did we know that his 2019 PHL 452G paper, philosophy and ethics of quarantine, would predict aspects of this virtual ceremony.

Mark Semco

Physics

Mark is graduating with a B.S. in both Physics and Applied Math. His outstanding work in physics is being capped by a senior project dealing with the use of innovative techniques to enhance radiation therapy. Mark has developed innovative workflows and computational techniques that have significantly advanced the research. Mark will be pursuing a PHD in physics and is deciding among multiple offers.

Austyn Ramsay

Political Science

Austyn has been a campus student leader from almost the moment she stepped foot on campus. She is the current Student Senate President, founder and President of the Women in Law organization, and involved in the PINK Women URI organization. Austyn is also a Policy Fellow for the Social Science Institute for Research, Education, and Policy, has won multiple awards in the Department of Political Science, and was recognized by the governor of Rhode Island. Austyn wants to pursue a career in law and was recently accepted to George Washington Law School, one of the top 25 law schools in the country.

Emma Richelsoph

Public Relations

Emma is a public relations and biological sciences double major and hopes to work at a zoo or aquarium after graduation. She has made the Dean’s List throughout her time at URI. Emma enjoys dancing with the URI Dance Company, kayaking, fantasy novels, and visiting the animal shelter to pet as many cats as possible.

Julia Santini

Sociology

Julia began her URI career as a Biology major, but later added both Sociology and Italian. She has been involved in numerous organizations related to pre-health and service work. Julia studied home-birthing practices in the U.S. for her Honors project. She was admitted to the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University through the Early Identification Program and is interested in pursuing family medicine.

Allie Probst

Sports Media and Communication

Allie’s first friend’s father was a trainer for the New York Jets. This was followed by years of tailgating with the players, holiday parties and 50-yard line seats. Allie fell in love with it all, the excitement, the tension, the chaos, and the many different personalities. Allie realized that she could not picture herself in any other working environment. 17 years later, she is still a Jets fan, and a double major in Sports Media and Public Relations. Allie has interned both for the Harrington School, doing sports media social pages, and with the creative team of the Baltimore Kings Professional Soccer Club. Allie aspires to be a PR professional for a sports team. She has been on the Dean’s list every semester, and is a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Allie is the first student to achieve the academic excellence award in sports media and communication.

Emma Becker

Theatre

A committed artist with an incredible academic record, Emma is graduating with a B.F.A. in Theatre (acting/stage management) and a minor in Education. She is a significant contributor: performing in five mainstage productions; stage and Production Managing; serving as T.A. in four different classes; and heading up the department’s successful social media team. Emma has been an integral in the success of the department. Her energy and devotion to the art is extraordinary.

Naleen Camara

Writing and Rhetoric

Naleen Camara is a double major in Writing and Rhetoric and Public Relations. Active in student government, including in the Multicultural Unity Student Involvement Council and the Student Entertainment Committee, Naleen is both a great leader and a great writer. Building upon her internships with Rhody Athletics and at Rocktorium Records, Naleen will be pursuing a career in writing and content creation after her graduation.

College of Business

Ana Riordan

Accounting

Ana Riordan has lived with her family in many places, including Italy and Puerto Rico. In July 2019 she founded a custom jewelry business (roserenewal.com) that has earned gross sales of $39,000. She has accepted a position to work as an Accounting Associate at Walter & Shuffain in Boston after her graduation. She has maintained an exceptional GPA and won many other deserving awards.

Zoe Sheridan

Finance

Zoe has a stellar GPA. She is also co-captain of the intercollegiate swim team. She is hard working, disciplined, and intellectually curious. In just three years, she has grown from a quiet, studious student to a confident, integral part of her class.

Evan Urban

General Business Administration

Evan Urban, from North Kingstown, RI, is prolific. He is a triple major with four internship experiences and two study abroad experiences. Evan is excited to be starting as an HR Data Analyst for FM Global in May of 2021.

Sophie Vicedomine

Global Business

Sophie’s academic success is matched by her ongoing community service commitment to programs like Habitat for Humanity. While at URI she was on the rowing team, serving as secretary of the executive board, and on the club swim team. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and has been working as a lifeguard in order to save money for law school.

Bryelle Davis

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Brye is rising star in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship area who also possesses that initiative spirit and conviction to engage in risky start-up ventures necessary to launch innovative processes. Brye is a star in the classroom, challenging both her professors and fellow students! She is a success in the making.

Lucas Barth

Management

Lucas Barth hales from North Kingstown, Rhode Island. He has focused on Human Resources in his studies. Lucas is a strong leader who understands the importance and interconnectedness of those working together within an organization.

Olivia Godell

Marketing

Olivia Godell is a marketing major, public relations minor who is also a high-achiever, an empath, and a relator. She values themes of individualization and futurism. Olivia exhibits leadership in all her group projects, and stretches her professionalism as a social media strategist and barre instructor at a local fitness studio.

Kathryn King

Supply Chain Management

Kathryn King is a hardworking Supply Chain Management major with a minor in German. She is most proud of achieving an exceptional GPA throughout her college career, as well as her accomplishments at her year-long internship with Becton Dickinson. She looks forward to graduating and continuing her career as a Supply Chain professional.

Alexis Raiano

Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design

Alexis’s favorite part of being at URI has been the encouraging environment she has found here. She has felt supported throughout her experience doing what she loves in efforts to pursue her dreams. Alexis has had continuing opportunities to explore every aspect of the fashion industry and it has made her confident about her future. After graduation, Alexis aims to be a successful visual merchandiser and eventually cultivate something of her own.

Allie Kifyak

Textile Marketing

Allie Kifyak is a well-deserving recipient of this award. A native of New Jersey, Allie will be graduating this year with two degrees: a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Economics. She is an excellent student who participated in the honors program and has consistently been on the Dean’s List.

College of Engineering

Kate O’Rourke

Biomedical Engineering

Kate is a triple major in Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Animal Science and Technology. She volunteers at a local horse rescue and worked at an animal hospital. Currently, she analyzes Beluga Whale head size for Dr. Richard’s lab at URI. She hopes to apply her combined skills in three majors to promote animal health. Last year, she was elected president of Tau Beta Pi.

Emma Sudduth

Chemical Engineering

Emma Sudduth is a senior at URI studying Chemical Engineering and Spanish. Throughout her undergraduate career she has worked as a Resident Academic Mentor in the Engineering LLC and a research assistant in the NanoBio Laboratory, focusing on the optical and sensing properties of carbon nanotubes in biological systems. Next year, Emma plans on pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering continuing to focus on bionanotechnology.

Irina Perepelitsa

Civil Engineering

Irina’s favorite childhood book was the Encyclopedia of Great Structures. After completing high school in Russia, she came to the USA. Irina was able to enroll at a community college to study physics and mathematics where she excelled. She then enrolled in Civil Engineering at URI and was inspired by her professors. She has decided to continue her graduate studies in the Civil Engineering master’s program at URI.

Cameron Cruiz Marcille

Computer Engineering

Cameron Cruiz Marcille is proud to be a first generation college graduate who certainly excels academically. He was valedictorian of his high school class and has earned an outstanding GPA while at URI. He has been a researcher in Dr. Tao Wei’s Next Lab at URI since he was a sophomore. Cameron Cruiz plans to work in industry and gain experience before attending grad school. His interest includes Defense.

McKensie Sherlock

Electrical Engineering

McKensie is an Electrical Engineering and Chinese IEP student who spent time in Mainland China and Taiwan, which led to Flagship Certification. She interned at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and APLEX Technologies of Taiwan. McKensie was also part of Dr. Tao Wei’s Next Lab here at URI. She plans to continue at URI to earn a Master’s in Electrical Engineering.

Kathryn McCarthy

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Kathryn has completed two internships at local Rhode Island companies during her undergraduate career at URI. Her strong work ethic earned her a spot in the Engineering Honors Society, Tau Beta Pi. She will graduate in May after completing her Senior Capstone Project in Object Detection and Machine Learning. She has accepted a position with the USPS as an Operations Industrial Engineer post-graduation.

Ian Therrien

Mechanical Engineering

Rhode Island raised, Ian has strived for academic excellence throughout his academic career. A centennial scholar, Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program recipient and former URI concrete canoe competitor, Ian has worked hard to gain the most from his undergraduate studies. He plans to take these learned skills straight into the workforce, possibly pursuing graduate studies abroad in a few years’ time.

Michael Rock

Ocean Engineering

Michael is from Corpus Christi, TX. He is receiving his BS in Ocean Engineering with minors in Mathematics, Physics, and Robotics. Michael worked as a research assistant with Dr. Stephen Licht on novel methods for combating invasive corals in the South Pacific, glacial navigating autonomous underwater vehicles, and near-surface stability controls. After graduation, Michael plans to pursue his master’s degree at URI in Ocean Engineering.

College of the Environment and Life Sciences

Hannah Petit

Animal Science and Technology

Hannah Petit is an extremely hardworking student who has excelled both in and out of the classroom. Not one to shy away from a challenge, she has taken on a high level of responsibility, serving as an undergraduate T.A. and leading research on the social behavior of the imperiled New England cottontail. She will continue this work as a URI graduate student next year.

Eli LaChapelle

Aquaculture and Fishery Technology

Eli is an enthusiastic and dedicated undergraduate student and a pleasure to work with in both the classroom and laboratory. Eli played an integral role on several research projects with tuna and mahi, and is actively pursuing a graduate certificate in Fisheries and Aquaculture. After graduation Eli will intern at the Marine Science Magnet High School in Groton, CT working with the aquaculture program.

Abygail Chapdelaine

Biological Sciences

Aby Chapdelaine excelled in her classes and varied campus activities. As an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in introductory biology, she helped with in-person and virtual labs and produced an impressive series of instructional videos. Aby worked with Campus Recreation to create events that promoted academic, social, and emotional wellness and capped off her undergraduate career with a research project investigating drug treatments to reverse cellular damage resulting from ALS.

Eliza Clarke

Biology

Eliza has gone above and beyond to excel at URI. She has been a stellar undergraduate researcher in the Science Education & Society research program. A pre-physician’s assistant student, she has presented her research on faculty response to equity initiatives at major conferences, and is assisting in the development of an online course on inclusive teaching.

Jessica Alves

Biotechnology

Jessica Alves has been an exceptional student, not only because of her remarkable academic achievements, but her concern for her classmates and even instructors. She is a class leader often helping students with lab techniques and homework assignments. Jessica’s internship assignment at Vero Science went so well that they retained her on a part time basis and now are offering her a fulltime position after graduation.

Lila Berle

Cell and Molecular Biology

Along with her academic success, Lila kept herself busy gaining active research experience at URI and elsewhere, serving as a chemistry tutor and contributing as a teaching assistant. She volunteered at the RI Free Clinic, the URI EMS and the nearby offices of Coastal Medical. Upon graduation she will spend a year at NIH participating in the IRTA post-baccalaureate research program investigating multidrug resistant tuberculosis.

Molly Perkins

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Aside from her academic responsibilities, Molly held two jobs, one being at the Jonnycake Center, and also as a volunteer ENRE Student Association officer. She was an Energy Fellow working on the Solar Power Siting project. She helped raise her niece and nephew and believes the responsibilities involved helped her grow personally and professionally. She has been accepted into ENRE’s Accelerated Bachelor-Master’s program.

Joseph Manetta

Environmental Science and Management

At URI Joe was a star on the track team, the URI soils team, and as a research assistant, and student within the Department of Natural Resources Science. Along with his degree in Environmental Science and Management, Joe has a minor in Soil-Environmental Science. He will start graduate school in the fall at URI studying salt marsh soils and carbon accounting.

Sarah Cook

Geology and Geological Oceanography

Sarah’s path to a degree in Geology and Geological Oceanography occasionally encountered rough seas, but after years of hard work while holding a regular job she is graduating magna cum laude. Sarah’s love of the outdoors and the water is unmistakable in her chosen courses and research activities. Sarah plans on continuing her education at URI by pursuing a Masters in Oceanography.

Sara Uzatmaciyan

Marine Affairs

Sara’s passion for defending the environment led her to pursue a degree in Marine Affairs. While at URI, Sara was an active member of The Coastal Society, regularly volunteered in beach clean ups, interned for the People’s Disability Advocates of America, and served as an undergraduate teaching assistant. Sara plans to pursue a career as an environmental lawyer.

Allison Gallagher

Marine Biology

Allison, a major in Marine Biology and minor in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, did research in two faculty laboratories and was an undergraduate teaching assistant and Marine Biology Program peer mentor. Her 2020 study abroad semester in South Korea was cancelled by COVID, but this did not dissuade her. Allison is now a Master’s student in marine ecology at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea.

Justine Chelette

Medical Lab Sciences

Formerly a Marine Biology major at URI, Justine took a break for 12 years. She returned in 2018 with a newfound passion for Medical Laboratory Science, in which she has exceled over the past three years. After graduating, Justine aims to work in a hospital lab for two years before pursuing a doctorate in Medical Laboratory Science with plans to teach in the future.

Emma Paton

Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Emma has exhibited excellence in the classroom, graduating Summa Cum Laude in December, and also outside of the classroom. As a student, Emma conducted research on salamanders in New Mexico and seabirds off the coast of Maine. In her downtime, she enjoys cooking and reading poetry. Emma hopes to do work that will inspire generosity and directly impact the world for the better.

College of Health Sciences

Daniella Bryan

Communicative Disorders

Daniella is an outstanding student who will graduate Summa Cum Laude with a major in Communicative Disorders. She has also been a member of the URI Sign Language Club. In the fall, Daniella will be pursuing her doctoral degree in Audiology at the City University of New York.

Owen Manahan

Health Studies

Owen has been an outstanding health studies student. He excelled in the classroom, participated in faculty lead research, and co-founded the URI Public Health Club. He has been actively involved in the Rhode Island Public Health Association and received the outstanding public health student award from the American Public Health Association, the largest public health association in the United States. Owen studied abroad in 2019 in Costa Rica where he gained an intercultural perspective towards public health. Owen is graduating from URI in two and half years, and will be attending graduate school to earn a master’s of public health this fall.

Darien Dinaro

Human Development and Family Studies

Darien is a deeply kind individual who has applied her knowledge of human development and family science to a range of diverse experiences. Among them, Darien is a policy intern for the Governor’s Office, a Creative Connector at Providence Children’s Museum, and a Resident Assistant for URI. Darien has volunteered with Volunteer Educators and AmeriCorps. Darien is taking a year to work in the field before attending graduate school.

Curtis Bitton

Kinesiology

Curtis is an accomplished and well-rounded scholar, who maintained excellent academic record while serving as TA for Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Chemistry courses. In his senior year, he collaborated in a research study determining the pulmonary rehabilitation benefits on major chronic lung diseases, which he will present at the American Thoracic Society conference in May 2021; and completed a research internship at the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center at Lifespan. Curtis plans to attend PA school in the upcoming year.

Kelly Bouchard

Nutrition and Dietetics

Kelly Bouchard is graduating from Nutrition and Dietetics spring 2021. Given her research experience (already co-authored a peer-reviewed manuscript) and strong academic standing, the department asked Kelly to apply to the accelerated bachelor-to-master’s program. She applied, was accepted and is currently excelling in graduate level courses. Kelly is creative, passionate, detail-oriented, and will greatly contribute to the field of public health nutrition.

Sarah Richer

Psychology

Sarah Ashley Richer has a stellar GPA, a double major in psychology and Spanish, with a minor in Art. She is a recipient of a Walter & Catherine Eckman Memorial Scholarship, a Picerne Family Scholarship, a member of the National Honor Society and Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. Sarah also served as a psychology teaching assistant — achieving all of this while working at Butterfield Dining Hall.

College of Nursing

Bailey Vogt

Nursing

Bailey is a gifted student who immerses herself in every opportunity that expands her knowledge and nursing experience. She exhibits excellent academic performance, eagerness to learn about and participate in research and a commitment to nursing. She is motivated to understand theoretical concepts and material and confidently applies them in the clinical setting. She earned the prestigious position as an Emergency Department Clinical Assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she still works today.

College of Pharmacy

John Church

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Smithfield native and Eagle Scout, John Church started at URI studying engineering. Seeing the light, he transitioned into the College of Pharmacy as a B.S.P.S. major. Focused on medical school, John maintained a stellar GPA, performed research in Dr. Kathryn Ramsey’s laboratory, and played rugby as a flanker. His hard work has paid off – he enters medical school this summer.

Alyssa Falleni

Pharmacy

A champion of public health, Alyssa leads through living her values, volunteering to improve the lives of underserved and vulnerable populations through hepatitis research and service in COVID-19 vaccination clinics. She also earned membership in the Rho Chi pharmacy honor society for sustained academic excellence. She will pursue post-graduate residency training at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, continuing to give voices to the voiceless.

Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies

Lindsey StClair

Early Childhood Education

Lindsey StClair came to URI to become a preschool teacher in a public school. Throughout her four years, she has gained rich field experience in various public-school districts throughout RI as well experience in both the Kingston and Providence Child Development Centers. Upon her graduation, she will teach at Sunshine Child Development Center in North Kingstown, RI as a head teacher.

Angelina LaMonica

Elementary Education

Angelina’s academic excellence is evidenced by her exceptional GPA status and numerous awards. Her greatest strength is commitment to all members of the learning community as demonstrated by her community involvement and leadership activities. Angelina’s professionalism, her excellent rapport with students, families, and colleagues, and her ability to collaborate to help students succeed, bode well for Angelina’s success in her first teaching position.

John Heroux

Interdisciplinary Studies

An excellent student, and a tremendous leader, John Heroux has produced an informative “life’s business plan” presentation connecting with adult students to share real life experiences, enhancing others academic and professional paths. John’s drive for success and enthusiasm for learning are contagious. He is a competitive person who enjoys golfing in New England and Myrtle Beach (when he’s assisting with the care of his parents). A man of tremendous character and a new addition to our Master’s of Adult Education program.

Emily Mamunes

Secondary Education

Emily is an outstanding scholar and teacher. She has been recognized on the Dean’s List for several semesters and has distinguished herself both as an undergraduate teaching assistant and a student teacher in science. After she receives her degrees in Biology and Education, she plans to begin her teaching career in the fall.

Stephanie Leigh Nelson

Finish What You Started

Stephanie Leigh Nelson joined the Finish What You Started program in 2019 after contemplating finishing her degree for many years. She is graduating Magna Cum Laude in Psychology after a 12 year journey. As a champion of others and wellness initiatives, Stephanie knew she wanted to study psychology. Balancing life, school, and a professional life has not been easy, but she has done it with excellence and a great sense of personal style. Stephanie is an inspiration in the classroom and in her community. Stephanie hopes to have the opportunity to use her education to serve social justice movements and find ways to inspire and empower women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color to achieve their career goals and practice self-love. She will be continuing this work as a graduate student in the Labor Relations and Human Resource Master’s degree Program at URI this coming fall.