URI Coastal Institute

09/23/2026

Cultivate your cross-cutting competencies with transdisciplinary and science communication training!

Check out the FREE Core Competencies badge in the Career Development Program (CDP) offered through the National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR Program Rhode Island Network for Excellence in Science and Technology (RI-NEST).

https://web.uri.edu/rinsfepscor/career-development-program-rinest/

A unique collection of modules and badges builds knowledge and encourages collaboration across institutions and disciplines, strengthening professional skills and relationships among undergraduates, graduate students, and early career professionals.

Learn more today!

URI Division of Research and Economic Development

09/22/2026

Looking to level up your transdisciplinary toolbox?

Check out the FREE Career Development Program (CDP) offered through the National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR Program Rhode Island Network for Excellence in Science and Technology (RI-NEST).

https://web.uri.edu/rinsfepscor/career-development-program-rinest/

A unique collection of modules and badges builds knowledge and encourages collaboration across institutions and disciplines, strengthening professional skills and relationships among undergraduates, graduate students, and early career professionals.

Learn more today!

URI Division of Research and Economic Development

06/11/2026

The URI Coastal Institute has received $24 million from the U.S. Department of State to continue the Fish Right Program in the Philippines, building on work started by the URI Coastal Resources Center. A big kudos to our colleagues from CRC who recently joined us and are leading the next phase of this work fighting illegal fishing and strengthening fisheries management.
The work continues!
Learn more: https://ci.uri.edu/international/

KINGSTON, R.I. – June 10, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute has received $24 million in new funding from the U.S. Department of State to continue its fisheries work in the Philippines. Led by principal investigators Elin Torell, director of the Coastal Institute, and Tyler ...

05/19/2026

12/15/2025

We’re excited to recognize the 2025 Emerging Coastal Leaders—an outstanding group of URI graduate students doing thoughtful, impactful work across coastal and marine science, policy, and communication. This year’s expanded cohort reflects the depth of talent at URI and the interdisciplinary approach needed to address real coastal challenges. We’re proud to support these students and look forward to seeing where their work leads next:

Four GSO students & one staff member were recognized for their research that advances understanding of coastal and marine systems and supports evidence-based decision-making in Rhode Island, the region, and beyond.

11/26/2025

🌊 For more than 50 years, the URI Coastal Resources Center has been a global leader in connecting science to policy and practice, working alongside communities in Rhode Island and around the world. Its impact on lives, ecosystems, and natural resources has been profound and enduring.

As part of a new organizational structure, the Coastal Resources Center has concluded its operations as a standalone center. Its important work continues through two units within : the international team is now part of the URI Coastal Institute, and the domestic “extension” team has fully joined Rhode Island Sea Grant.

➡️ Follow the URI Coastal Institute and Rhode Island Sea Grant to stay connected, and read more: https://buff.ly/c0snX9s

05/21/2025

🌊 Recognizing Dr. Talya ten Brink as a Coastal Institute Senior Fellow

We’re proud to recognize Dr. Talya ten Brink, a national leader in marine spatial planning and fisheries management, as a Senior Fellow of the Coastal Institute.

As Chief of the Project Management Branch at NOAA Fisheries, Dr. ten Brink has led critical efforts in GIS, spatial analysis, and sustainable ocean policy. A URI Marine Affairs Ph.D. graduate, she continues to elevate international marine governance as Chair of the ICES Working Group on Marine Planning and Coastal Zone Management.

Her contributions are shaping the future of our coasts—locally and globally. 🌍💙

05/14/2025

🦭 Recognizing Dr. Sarah Kienle — Wildlife Biologist & Apex Predator Expert!

Dr. Sarah Kienle leads the Comparative Ecophysiology of Animals Lab (CEAL Lab) at URI, where she studies how animals like seals, sea lions, wolves, and whales adapt to a changing world. Her work spans ecology, physiology, evolution, and conservation, connecting us to wildlife across five continents. 🌍

She collaborates with researchers, citizen scientists, and conservation groups around the globe to protect wild species and their habitats—and we’re thrilled to recognize her hard work! 🐋💙

05/07/2025

🌿 Meet Dr. Jane Buxton — Designer of Nature-Based Solutions!

As Program Director of Landscape Architecture at URI, Dr. Jane Buxton explores how design can promote climate resilience, equity, and well-being. Her research focuses on the relationships between people and place—integrating urban design, therapeutic landscapes, and environmental stewardship.

She’s especially passionate about visualizing climate impacts to help communities understand, adapt, and thrive. Her work aligns beautifully with the Coastal Institute’s mission of blending science, design, and communication for a better future. 🌎💚