The URI College of Engineering is transforming; we hope you will be a part of our transformation.

As dean of the college, I am proud to report that the URI College of Engineering is in the process of implementing a series of transformational initiatives that will lead us to a very bright future.

With our ever-improving facilities, enrollment at the college has grown from 750 students at the turn of the century to nearly 1,200 students today. We will complete a Master Plan for the college by the summer of 2012. This plan will advance the vision of the college and will match the outstanding faculty members and their research with the expanding undergraduate and graduate student cohorts in dynamic engineering facilities.

Led by our associate dean of research, our experienced, results-driven faculty are conducting cutting-edge research in remarkably diverse fields such as nanoscience and nanotechnology, cybersecurity, biomedical instrumentation, sensors, materials in extreme environments, robotics, renewable energy and more.

New academic initiatives have included the development of opportunities for students to add emphasis in nontraditional areas such as nuclear engineering, pharmaceutical engineering and green engineering. The International Engineering Program stands as one of the most outstanding opportunities students in North America have today to experience global engineering.

This college has impressive stories to tell about the extraordinary accomplishments of our gifted faculty and talented students. Our marketing and communications plan includes new websites, videos on alumni, faculty and students and this new newsletter you are now reading, Innovations.

We welcome your response and input as these new print and electronic publications come to life.