Meet Dean Paula Bontempi: biological oceanographer, proud GSO alum (Ph.D. ’01), and leader of URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography. Since stepping into the dean’s role in 2020, Dr. Bontempi has guided GSO through transformational growth — from Bay Campus renewal to innovative academic programs and a deep commitment to community building and engagement. Before returning to Rhode Island, she spent nearly two decades at NASA shaping Earth science missions. Now, she’s charting the future of ocean science from the URI Bay Campus!
Get to know our Dean and hear her vision for the GSO community!