From Indonesia to Rhode Island: Exploring Seaweed’s Potential for Skin Health to Human Impact

Graduate student Chalissa Dibya Iranisha, working in Hang Ma’s lab, explores how local seaweed could advance skincare

“Coming from Indonesia, I have always been fascinated by seaweeds and marine natural products. Studying seaweeds from the Rhode Island coast gives me the opportunity to explore how different marine environments can produce unique compounds with potential benefits for skin health.” — Chalissa Dibya Iranisha

Chalissa Dibya Iranisha, a Fulbright scholar from Indonesia, joined Hang Ma, Ph.D., research assistant professor, at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy in fall 2025 to pursue a master’s degree in medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy. Her research reflects both her academic interests and personal connection to natural products.

Growing up in Indonesia, a country known for its rich marine biodiversity, she developed a fascination with seaweeds and their potential health benefits. At URI, she is translating that interest into scientific discovery.

As part of her thesis, Iranisha is studying the chemical composition and biological activity of seaweeds collected from the Rhode Island coast, exploring how kelp-derived compounds may contribute to skin health and future skincare applications.

Her work takes place in the Bioactive Botanical Research Laboratory, where she is supervised by Huifang “Shelly” Li, a postdoctoral researcher. The lab focuses on the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds from plants and other natural resources. The college has established strong expertise in natural products chemistry and biomedical research, providing an ideal environment for studying their applications in health and wellness.

Connecting marine aquaculture and biomedical research

Iranisha’s project highlights URI’s interdisciplinary research environment. The work is conducted in collaboration with Azure Cygler, fisheries and aquaculture extension specialist at the Coastal Resources Center within URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography. Cygler and her team cultivate seaweed in Narragansett, providing locally grown kelp samples for laboratory analysis.

This collaboration connects marine aquaculture with pharmaceutical sciences. By examining the chemical composition and biological activity of Rhode Island seaweed, the research aims to identify compounds that may be useful for cosmetic and health-related applications.

Supporting student innovation

The project received seed funding from the URI Research Foundation through the RISE-UP program, which supports student-driven research initiatives. With guidance from the foundation, the team secured $5,000 to support laboratory assays and preliminary chemical and biological analyses.

This early-stage funding allows Iranisha to generate foundational data that may lead to larger research grants and future collaborations.

Potential benefits for Rhode Island’s blue economy

Beyond its scientific impact, the research may contribute to Rhode Island’s growing blue economy. Kelp farming and seaweed aquaculture are emerging industries that offer sustainable opportunities for coastal communities.

By identifying high-value bioactive compounds from locally cultivated seaweed, the research could help create new applications in cosmetics, nutraceuticals and personal care products. These value-added uses may increase the economic potential of seaweed farming while supporting innovation in marine biotechnology.

A global perspective on natural products

For Iranisha, the project bridges her background in Indonesia with her research experience in Rhode Island. While Indonesia has a long tradition of using marine plants, she is now studying how seaweed from a different coastal ecosystem may contain unique bioactive compounds.

Her work reflects a broader trend in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sciences that looks to nature as a source of new compounds for health and wellness.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and international programs such as Fulbright, Iranisha’s research illustrates how graduate students at URI are advancing scientific discovery while contributing to local innovation and global knowledge.

“URI has particularly strong expertise in natural products chemistry and skin biology. Chalissa’s research connects these strengths with Rhode Island’s marine resources. By studying locally cultivated seaweeds, we are exploring new bioactive compounds that could support future skincare innovations.”

Hang Ma, Ph.D.

RhodyRx – Research, Innovation & Impact

We have some exciting news… the newest issue of RhodyRx is here!

VIew the Full report