Biography

Graham Forrester is a Professor and Department Chair in Natural Resources Science at the University of Rhode Island. He is the first person in his extended family to earn a college degree and has built an academic career through each stage of higher education, completing a BS, MS, PhD, and postdoctoral training before becoming a professor. Throughout his journey, Graham has consistently navigated unfamiliar steps with curiosity and persistence, ultimately finding fulfillment in a career he enjoys. His path reflects a strong commitment to learning, growth, and embracing new challenges at every stage. As a mentor, he encourages students to recognize that it is okay to take a different path than those around them. He supports students in exploring identity, navigating college systems, selecting and exploring majors, building academic and time management skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, and considering opportunities such as research, internships, and graduate school.