Best of 2023
(Re)discover our favorite homepage features of the year.
The Second to Last Lobsterman on Block Island
In a decade’s time, Ebben Howarth ’23 will likely be the last lobsterman living and working on Block Island. What does this say about the future of Rhode Island’s lobster industry?
“He had the chemistry and I had the bees”
Chemistry professor Matt Kiesewetter and entomology professor Steve Alm are putting their heads together to develop better ways to protect honeybees from varroa mites.
Evolving Education
David Upegui ‘21 was conducting public health research at Brown University and had every intention of pursuing his Ph.D. on the way to becoming a public health epidemiologist when something stopped him.
Feeding Your Why
URI women’s basketball coach Tammi Reiss on the mentor who made the difference, what turns individuals into teammates, and why she came to URI.
“Speech & Debate”
In a completely student-run production, URI Theatre goes back to high school for the dark comedy “Speech & Debate.”
Connecting
People with Animals
Megan Rossilli ’23, who earned a B.S. in animal science and technology in May, works with California sea lions at the Mystic Aquarium. Underpinning her work is a deep respect for animals she’s training.
Obama Scholar Studies Immigration
Jasmin Valdivieso Sanches ’26 has always been interested in public service and immigration reform. In 2023, the political science and gender and women’s studies major became an Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship winner.
The Secret Life of Pit Musicians
The musicians of Broadway’s pit orchestras are seldom visible, but they are essential to the productions that bring audiences to live shows. Nick Jemo ’06 and Jesse-Ray Leich ’17 have made careers in that unique space, delivering music, energy, and artistry to help tell the stories we love.
“All the Light We Cannot See”
For Aria Mia Loberti ’20, who brings the character of Marie-Laure to life in the new Netflix limited series “All the Light We Cannot See,” it is not only the role of a lifetime, it is her first role ever.
Mapping RI’s Shoreline Access
Though just 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, Rhode Island boasts 400 miles of shoreline. And graduate student Erica Meier knows most all of its 400-plus public access points.