Amanda Rode’s summer research project studying the biochemistry of male infertility is a long way from what she started out majoring in—civil engineering. But her experience at URI has opened up numerous doors she didn’t expect when she enrolled.

That research project, for instance, was conducted through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows program, and she was selected from among the more than 100 participating students as the Governor’s Fellow. So when Amanda presented her research at the end of the program, Gov. Gina Raimondo was there to discuss it with her.

“It was a fantastic opportunity, and she seemed genuinely interested in learning about my project,” Amanda said. “It also forced me to think more about how to explain the science and focus on the big picture of what the governor and the general public would be interested in.”

Amanda wasn’t nervous about meeting the governor, though. As president of the URI Student Senate, she has had plenty of opportunities to engage with key officials on campus and off. She even teaches leadership skills at national and regional conferences through the Student Leadership Training Program. And she helped start a chapter of a service and leadership fraternity on campus, Alpha Phi Omega.

Ultimately, though, she wants to work on the business side of a biotechnology company. But for now she is excited to be leading the Student Senate and responding to the needs of the campus community. “I love to engage other students and provide them with opportunities to get involved,” she said. “If I can help other students find their niche, then I feel like I did my job.”