Biography

Barbara Costello is a Professor of Sociology, jointly appointed in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Chair of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Rhode Island. She is also a proud URI alum, Class of 1986, whose academic journey reflects resilience and discovery. After struggling academically in her first semester and initially starting in biology, she found her path in sociology, which ultimately shaped her career. She went on to earn her master’s and PhD at the University of Arizona and held a faculty position at Mississippi State University before returning to URI in 1999. Since then, she has earned tenure and advanced to full professor while taking on leadership roles across departments. Her research focuses on peer effects in opioid initiation and relapse, and she has taught a wide range of courses in sociology and criminology. As a mentor, Barbara encourages students to pursue majors they are genuinely excited about and not to over-focus on immediate job outcomes. She emphasizes that college is about building skills, exploring interests, and preparing for long-term opportunities, while also offering support with study strategies, major exploration, and time management.