College of the Environment and Life Sciences

From philosophy conferences to biomedical research, URI Assistant Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology Nic Fisk is examining how computational tools are changing how scientists talk about their research – and what the consequences might be.

Through hands-on learning in URI’s Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology, Justin Levesque has found community, mentorship, and a lasting connection to the natural world.

From switching majors to pursuing an array of opportunities on campus and studying abroad, Kate Zmich’s journey at URI shows that exploration–not certainty–is the key to discovering purpose.

Alexandra Elizabeth Sinno, who graduated from URI in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, was among the 2,500 students chosen out of nearly 14,000 applicants.

As trees come into bloom across Rhode Island, URI’s resident forestry extension specialist Christopher Riely answers questions about local trees in time for Arbor Day on April 24. Riely is a certified forester and arborist in URI’s Department of Natural Resources Science.

A new study by Terpase Gbaa, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences is surveying small-scale and backyard egg farmers across the region to assess their awareness of food safety practices and identify gaps that could put consumers at risk.

From global cancer disparities to rare disease diagnosis, two University of Rhode Island seniors highlight how laboratory science drives patient care with essential data.

Though patients never meet them, Kathryn Casey ’19 and Sabrina Metallo ’19 are often the first to detect life-changing diagnoses. They are passionate about revealing the critical yet often invisible role medical laboratory science plays in healthcare.

URI Cooperative Extension gardeners offer green suggestions and advice for novice gardeners looking to break ground this spring.

This year’s conference will be held on Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28 bringing together researchers, farmers, funders, and businesses at the forefront of the growing field of regenerative agriculture.

David Bidwell, professor of marine affairs at the University of Rhode Island, will share research results on offshore wind community discussions at a free public presentation on Wednesday, May 6, at 6 p.m., at the New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant St., New Bedford.

Plant Sciences’ Camilo Villouta's lab has been awarded a $296,000 USDA grant to study hydroponic spinach cultivation in controlled-environment agriculture. This is Villouta’s first time receiving an award from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and his first award of this size.

With a new exhibit on insects opening at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Steve Alm and Casey Johnson in URI's Bee Lab answer questions on the local bee population.

Lincoln Dark '21, M.E.S.M '22 uses geographic information systems technology to manage critical water infrastructure for Rhode Island communities.

From biological control of invasive pests to pollinator–plant interactions, URI students showcased hands-on research from multiple labs at a regional meeting of the Entomological Society of America.

Madison Geraci, a Ph.D. student in evolution and marine biology, received a Nature Conservancy award to study microscopic organisms that reveal how local salt marshes respond to restoration and change.

An international workshop led by URI Professor Laura Meyerson highlighted the urgent need for national coordination, monitoring, and public engagement to protect Iceland’s ecosystems, economy, and communities.

URI researchers are using a two-pronged approach to improve the New England cottontail’s prospects, combining genetic and behavioral approaches at two very different sites: busy Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence and the aptly named Patience Island, off of Warwick.