Seed Grants
SSIREP Faculty Seed Grants are small grants (up to $5,000) awarded to faculty who require funding to execute a pilot study that uses social science methods. Faculty then apply for a larger external funding source to support a broader study. Supported by The College of Arts and Sciences.
Public Policy Fellows
The Public Policy Lab engages students and faculty in policy and program analysis and evaluation for government and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Rhode Island.
2026 Seed Grants
Laura Hamman-Ortiz; Assistant Professor of TESOL & Bilingual Education; Project Title: “Project TRANSFORM: TRANSlanguaging as Family-ORiented Multilingual Pedagogy”
Ashlea Rundlett; Associate Professor of Political Science; Project Title: “Does Great Power Competition Transform Public Attitudes Toward Strategic Technologies?”
2025-2026 Public Policy Fellows
Exploring Cyber Dating Aggression in Real-Time Among Young Adults – 2026
2026 Public Policy Lab Fellowship: Dr. Shaun Wallace, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Project Title: “Exploring Cyber Dating Aggression in Real-Time Among Young Adults,” with co-investigators Hans Saint-Eloi Cadely (Human Development & Family Studies) and Jill Scheer (Psychology).
Digital Repression & Governance of Networks and Surveillance (DRAGONS) Dataset – 2025
2025 Public Policy Lab Fellowship: Dr. Skip Mark, Assistant Professor of Political Science & Director of the Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies
Abstract: How can we predict and prevent violations of internet freedoms to ensure continued global digital rights advocacy and governmental accountability for engaging in digital rights violations? This project aims to investigate the growing use of digital repression through a new data collection effort that uses qualitative and quantitative information to develop more robust measures of whether digital repression occurred, where it occurred, who was targeted, and who was responsible for the repressive act. Using these data, we intend to (1) demonstrate the degree to which tactics such as internet shutdowns, online censorship, throttling of telecoms services, or digital surveillance serve to abet other human rights abuses and (2) develop a global analysis of digital repression tactics used by every country.
Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Develop Measures of Readiness for Reduction of Marijuana Use and Driving After Use Among College Students
2025 Public Policy Lab Fellowship: Dr. Andrea Paiva, Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology
Abstract: Marijuana use among college students remains a prevalent public health issue with associated risks including impaired driving, especially with the legalization of marijuana in RI in December of 2022. Understanding and enhancing readiness to change these behaviors is critical for developing targeted interventions. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) provides a robust framework for assessing and promoting behavior change across a wide range of health-related behaviors. However, its application to marijuana use and driving after use remains underexplored. Developing specific, validated measures based on the TTM can fill this gap, providing tools for researchers and practitioners to better address these behaviors. Working with MADD RI (Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Rhode Island) on this initiative will help broaden their scope from alcohol use and driving, to impaired driving which can include marijuana use.
Ocean State Politics Podcasts
Professor Emily Lynch, of URI’s Department of Political Science, asked her students in Rhode Island Politics course (PSC 305) to make podcasts on local political issues in Rhode Island. Topics range from affordable housing policy to proposed educational reforms. Find the podcasts below and have a listen!
Top 2026 Podcasts
Marley Ahlijanian, Jacob Farber, & Javon Jennings on Sustainable living in Rhode Island
James Abbott & Myke Yeskewicz on Corruption and Rhode Island
Josh Bairos, Shane Jones, & Erik Lopez on Surveillance Concerns and Flock Safety in Rhode Island