Revisioning Research Administration for Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs)

Principal Investigators: Peter Wong, Roger Williams University, Soul Brown, Rhode Island School of Design, Kris Monahan, Providence College, Joyce Botelho, Salve Regina University

Over recent decades, research administration as a profession has been impacted by increased federal funding, institutional closures and dramatic work shifts in the higher education marketplace. Now, as the demand for, and the complexities of the research enterprise continue to evolve and specialize, the need for a talented pipeline of future research administration leaders grows to develop a robust infrastructure of professional support necessary to promote the progress of science. This collaboration of five Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs) in the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR jurisdiction of Rhode Island (Providence College, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams University, Rhode Island School of Design and Salve Regina University) addresses collective challenges in the Rhode Island research administration landscape. Read the full award abstract and press release from Roger Williams University. 

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Risks, Impacts, & Strategies for Coastal Communities: Advancing Convergent Science to Support Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience

Principal Investigator: Emi Uchida, University of Rhode Island

Coastal communities face growing and compounding risks that are exacerbated by the effects of climate change and sea-level rise. Advancing our scientific understanding of the physical risks and vulnerabilities to coastal hazards, such as flooding and salinization, is essential for identifying vulnerable communities and assessing how threats are likely to impact the wellbeing of people in these areas. The Risks, Impacts, & Strategies for Coastal Communities (RISCC) project brings together researchers and community stakeholders from three EPSCoR jurisdictions representing the lowest-lying states in the country: Delaware, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. The overarching goal of the project is to empower disproportionately affected communities to make effective and inclusive adaptation decisions that support long-term climate resilience to threats of flooding and salinization. Read the full award abstract and press release from URI. 

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Equitable, Nature-based Climate Solutions (ENACTS)

Principal Investigators: Soni Pradhanang, University of Rhode Island, Johanna Barthmaier-Payne, Rhode Island School of Design

This project engages stakeholders to drive research and workforce development on equitable design and implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS). The research will be conducted around three living hubs in New Hampshire (NH), Rhode Island (RI), and Kentucky (KY). The project’s community-engaged, transdisciplinary approach will empower community members as change agents for increased climate resilience, and its research will contribute to improved decisions about NbS in the three jurisdictions and help to address the urgent global need for improved decision tools for climate resilience. A recruitment program for underrepresented students and mentorship plans for all early career personnel will significantly develop capacity for climate resilience research across the three jurisdictions while developing leadership skills and collective efficacy. Read the full award abstract and press releases from the University of Rhode Island and the RI School of Design. 

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Community-Driven Coastal Climate Research & Solutions for the Resilience of New England Coastal Populations (3CRS)

Principal Investigator: Emanuele Di Lorenzo, Brown University

The “Community-Driven Coastal Climate Research & Solutions (3CRS)” project is a significant and timely initiative that addresses the pressing issue of climate change in low-lying, working waterfront communities in New England. These communities, which are deeply intertwined with ocean resources, are disproportionately vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. With large parts of these communities, including critical infrastructure, projected to be increasingly impacted by nuisance flooding and potentially permanently underwater by the end of the century, the need for climate adaptation strategies is urgent.

The 3CRS Hub seeks to address and explore solutions for the intersect of fundamental issues of poverty, limited healthcare access, inadequate infrastructure, and limited climate change adaptation capacity in waterfront communities. It also aims to advance the field of climate resilience, support education and diversity through the mentorship of early career scientists, and benefit society by increasing the resilience of communities that play a crucial role in the nation’s economy and cultural heritage. Read the full award abstract and visit the project’s webpage.