URI Day Highlights Student Research and the Future of AI Education in Rhode Island
At the Rhode Island State House on March 26, the University of Rhode Island community gathered with state leaders to celebrate innovation, research, and statewide impact during the annual URI Day. The event featured interactive exhibits from across the University, offering legislators and visitors a firsthand look at how URI’s work is shaping Rhode Island’s future.
Among the standout exhibits was the CYPHER Research Center, whose table drew steady attention throughout the afternoon. Students and faculty showcased cutting-edge cyber-physical systems research through hands-on demonstrations, including robotics, immersive technologies, and security-focused applications. The display highlighted CYPHER’s interdisciplinary approach and its role in advancing workforce development and technological innovation.
“From robots to virtual reality, CYPHER showcased cutting-edge technology at the State House,” said student Andrew Oxley. “The exhibit highlighted modern smart systems built with resilience in mind.”
In addition to research demonstrations, the CYPHER team promoted the College of Engineering’s newly approved artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) certificate. Attendees were invited to participate in a one-question survey asking what the most important step the College of Engineering can take in 2026–2027 to advance AI/ML education in Rhode Island—encouraging direct engagement with policymakers and the public on the future of technology education in the state.
The team—composed of students, faculty, and staff—engaged directly with policymakers and attendees, explaining how their work contributes to both national security and real-world problem solving. Their presence reflected the broader mission of URI Day: to demonstrate the value of continued investment in research, education, and public impact.
Luke Pepin, a CYPHER graduate student participant, reflected on the value of sharing the center’s work with state leaders and the public. “The State House demonstrations highlighted the delicate balance of resiliency and connectivity, informing some of Rhode Island’s most influential decision-makers about our indispensable work,” he said. “It also provided insight into engaging new directions for communicating this work in fun and interesting ways, helping decision-makers of all backgrounds keep an eye on what CYPHER is doing.”
“The CYPHER table was dynamic, grabbing everyone’s attention,” said Mehmet Seckin, assistant teaching professor in electrical, computer, and biomedical engineering. “I’m proud to see this effort and confident that visitors left with ‘CYPHER’ etched in their minds. Great things happen when passion meets teamwork!”
Held in the State House rotunda, the event underscored URI’s role as the state’s flagship research institution and reinforced the importance of collaboration between academia and government.
Photo, from left: Chelsie Sullivan, Yan (Lindsay) Sun, Romesh Prasad, Ved Patel, Demtrios Petrou, Anissa Elias, Juan Lopez, Jack DeMarinis, Stephen Eacuello, Luke Pepin, Andrew Oxley, Mehmet Seckin