1st Place | Photo Title: “Working Hard–Hardly Working”
Renato Borras-Chavez, Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Natural Resources Science, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Renato Borras-Chavez was part of a team conducting fieldwork in Parry Fjord, an isolated part of Patagonia, Chile, to study the ecology of leopard seals and their genetic connection to Antarctic populations. The fieldwork was supported by a National Science Foundation grant, led by Sarah Kienle, assistant professor of natural resources science.
The image captures a critical moment from the expedition. After hours of patrolling the freezing waters looking for animals, the team came across a female leopard seal resting on an iceberg. “We were focused, pressured—piloting a drone, collecting data, and preparing to take a sample—but she was undisturbed, basking in the icy stillness. The contrast was clear: We were working hard, while she was hardly working,” says Borras-Chavez.
The judges praised the composition, texture, and balance; One said, “Such an incredible capture and backstory. I love a good drone photo, and this one is beautiful. The perfect composition between the boat and the seal, and the chunks of ice really set the scene.”
2nd Place | Photo Title: “Aurora Borealis Dancing Over the URI Bay Campus Beach”
Amirali Momeni, ’27, Doctoral Student
Department of Natural Resources Science, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Amirali Momeni’s research focuses on science communication, specifically how astronomy influencers use social media to engage the public. His photo of the aurora borealis—also known as the Northern Lights—taken at the URI Bay Campus beach in Narragansett in October 2024, was a way to put his studies into practice. “Auroras are typically seen at much higher latitudes. However, thanks to a powerful solar storm coinciding with the peak of the solar cycle, it became visible much farther south than usual,” Momeni says.
The shimmering curtains of light are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The vibrant colors are a result of atmospheric gases being excited by these solar particles. “In essence, this photograph encapsulates the core of my research: the power of visual communication to inspire awe, connect science with the public, and ultimately promote engagement with the wonders of astronomy.”
The judges praised the color and composition; One said, “This one is a beautiful photo of a rare event, and to have it captured on URI’s campus makes it even more special and deserving of a finalist spot.”
3rd Place | Photo Title: “Misty-Eyed Long-Tailed Macaque”
Paige Hojdar ’27
Departments of Marine Biology and Marine Affairs, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Paige Hojdar traveled to Indonesia with her classmates in the Winter J-term course “Biodiversity, Geology, and Water Resources.” In Indonesia, they hiked Mount Bromo, an active volcano in East Java. As they trekked down a hidden path to get a better view, they heard rustling in the trees. They paused and spotted a group of macaques. “Enamored by their playful personalities,” says Hojdar, “I sat in the mud and stared, camera poised and zoomed in tight. This monkey stayed still for a long while, eventually lifting his eyes to the heavens.”
Hojdar incorporated this photo into her group’s final project on marine pollution in Indonesia. “This course emphasized the importance of protecting these environments,” she says, “especially in areas of high tourism.”
The judges praised the engaging eye contact; One said, “This portrait effectively emphasizes the subject’s eyes, using a small depth of field to create a pleasing out-of-focus background.”
Honorable Mention | Photo Title: “The Glow of the Neuromasts”
Gus Bienenfeld ’25
Departments of Marine Biology, and Aquaculture and Fisheries Science, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
Gus Bienenfeld works in the lab of Professor Emerita Jacqueline Webb, focusing on the imaging, mapping, and analysis of superficial neuromasts—sensory receptor organs on fish that detect movement or vibrations in the water—in species of fish available in the aquarium trade. This photo is a composite image of a checkered barb with a mitochondrial binding stain that allows for visualization and quantification of neuromasts making up the fish’s lateral line system.
“This image highlights both the complexity and beauty of the mechanosensory lateral line system of fishes,” Bienenfeld says. “This species in particular exhibited superficial neuromasts all over the body with perfect lines radiating from around the eye on the cheek, on both the pre-operculum and operculum, every single scale in the lateral line series, as well as in horizontal lines on the caudal fin.”
One judge noted that the image is “a great example of something fundamentally scientific, yet aesthetically powerful.”
Honorable Mention | Photo Title: “Cerebella-Melon”
Emily Potts ’25 and Alicia Collins ’26, Doctoral Students
Department of Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy
Emily Potts and Alicia Collins took this immunohistochemistry (IHC) image of a rat cerebellum in the lab of Claudia Fallini, assistant professor of cell and molecular biology. There, they study how changes to essential proteins such as TDP43 contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“The image distinctly showcases the layered organization of the cerebellum,” say Potts and Collins. “This staining combination provides valuable insight into neuronal structure, cellular organization, and potential neurodegenerative processes in the cerebellum. This helps us uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, identify affected neuronal populations, and explore potential therapeutic targets to mitigate disease progression.”
One judge noted that the image, paradoxically, is “a beautifully soft abstraction for such insidious diseases,” and that it “offers a kind of understanding and hope for future cures.”
Honorable Mention | Photo Title: “A Moment of Focus”
Enzo Zambito ’26
Department of Sports Media and Communication, College of Arts and Sciences
Enzo Zambito took this photo of URI center David Fuchs at the free-throw line on February 26, 2025, during the URI vs. Dayton men’s basketball game. The image highlights Fuchs’ concentration as he is surrounded by cheering fans. “Fuchs is locked in with intense focus as he prepares to take his shot,” says Zambito. “The lighting and composition emphasize the intensity of the moment.”
For Zambito, capturing moments like this allows him to combine his passion for sports with his skills in photography and storytelling. “The photo not only showcases the game itself but also represents the intensity and emotions that define sports,” says Zambito.
The judges agreed, commenting that the photo shows “crisp focus and a great moment,” and is a “great sports shot.”
The 2024-2025 University of Rhode Island Research and Scholarship Photo Contest
is now closed.
The University of Rhode Island Magazine, the URI Division of Research and Economic Development magazine, Momentum: Research & Innovation, and the Rhode Island Sea Grant/URI Coastal Institute magazine, 41°N: Rhode Island’s Ocean and Coastal Magazine, are sponsoring a research & scholarship photo contest, open to all current URI faculty, staff, and students. We invite you to enter a photo or digital image of your own research/scholarship in any field.
All entries will be considered for use in University of Rhode Island magazines, websites or other outlets, with credit to the creator.
PRIZES:
- 1st Place – $500 in Amazon gift cards
- 2nd Place – $250 in Amazon gift cards
- 3rd Place – $150 in Amazon gift cards
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any URI faculty, staff, or student currently associated with a research/scholarship project at URI.
JUDGING:
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Winning entries will be impactful images with strong connections to the research or scholarship they represent.
Winners will be announced in April.
Winners will be recognized at URI’s Annual Research and Scholarship Excellence Awards.
RULES:
- All entries must be submitted below by Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
- Individuals may submit more than one entry, but may only win one prize.
- Images must be a minimum of 10MB-35MB in size, and may be photographs or other digital images (e.g., model output, x-ray) in .jpg formats only.
- Images must be of your own work, or a project that you are affiliated with at URI and have permission to photograph/output must be taken within the last two years.
- The photo you submit must be taken by you. Photos of you taken by another photographer are not eligible.
- Entry forms must be fully completed for consideration.
- By submitting an entry, the photographer grants the right to the University of Rhode Island to publish their photo, agreeing that the photo may be used in print (magazine, newspaper) or electronically (web, social media). Although the photographer may not receive monetary compensation for their photo, they will be credited accordingly. Employees of 41°N, Momentum and the University of Rhode Island Magazine are not eligible to enter.
- All photos should be taken safely and legally, i.e no trespassing.
- All photos must be submitted by a current URI student, faculty or staff member (current: taking classes or employed during the 2024-2025 academic year).
- Prizes are subject to tax.
Please complete the Photo Contest Submission Form below to be eligible.
Photo Contest Submission Form
Congratulations to our past URI Photo Contest winners!
Questions? Please email urimag@uri.edu.