Department of Communications and Marketing

The University's 2008 Honors Colloquium, “People and Planet - Global Environmental Change,” will explore human-caused global change, its consequences and potential responses through a series of lectures, films, exhibits and a cabaret. The free weekly events featuring international experts and URI faculty members will run from Sept. 9 to Dec. 9. Most events will take place on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Chafee Social Science Center, 10 Chafee Rd., on the Kingston campus.

>>> Field Notes From a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change author, Elizabeth Kolbert, will open the series on Sept. 9. More...

Facts about Fall 2008: The University welcomed its largest freshman class, about 3,200 students, and its entire student body of nearly 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students back to school this fall. Link here for some facts and fall semester highlights planned.

News President Robert L. Carothers opposes effort to lower the drinking age. Nationally known and recognized for his leadership and commitment to addressing the problems of college student alcohol and drug use, Carothers has been asked by national media for his position on the issue. The interviews were prompted by a recent movement to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. This effort is being led by presidents of about 100 universities nationwide. Read more...

Alternative energy research receives $1.5 Million federal boost: In an effort to help reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and grow the economy, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) announced federal support for URI's Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences. A new plant biotechnology laboratory at the center will serve faculty working to develop renewable energy technologies and improve consumer access to alternative fuels.

Ecologist says insects' fear of predators may be a bigger killer than the predators themselves: When biologists consider the effects that predators have on their prey, they shouldn’t just count the number of individuals consumed. They must also examine the effects of fear.

Powerful new professor: As the newest member of the Department of Kinesiology, Disa Hatfield should not have any trouble carrying her weight here. In fact, she is one of the world’s strongest women -- the No. 4-ranked powerlifter in the world.

Wondering where in the world URI scientists might be found? How about exploring the maritime cultural landscapes of Placentia Bay and the Grand Banks, Newfoundland? Graduate School of Oceanography marine research scientist Dwight F. Coleman shared his recent explorations there while aboard URI's Endeavor for this week's Geo Quiz on the PRI program, "The World." Hear how Coleman described the Grand Banks of Newfoundland for the program.

Scientist documents ozone levels: If a small orange parachute attached to a white Styrofoam box drifts gently into your yard from high above, don’t worry. That’s the reassuring word from John Merrill, an atmospheric chemist at the University of Rhode Island, who releases a weather balloon from the URI Bay Campus in Narragansett every week as part of a research project to collect information about ozone concentrations in the atmosphere.

From child laborer to wealthy industrialist: Irish Titan, Irish Toilers, by Scott Molloy, professor of labor and industrial relations, tells the story of child laborer who became wealthy industrialist. Escaping starvation and death in Ireland, Joseph Banigan came to Rhode Island only to experience brutal poverty, child labor and vicious discrimination in the United States.

"Know Where It Goes" campaign: URI has teamed with other state deparments and organizations to help educate residents about some of the steps they can take to help protect our most valuable resource: Rhode Island's waterways. Read more about the steps all can take to reduce stormwater pollution.

New governor of a nation: Former professor's experience as a Boston Red Sox fan played a major role in his being named the first Rhode Island Governor of Red Sox Nation – the team’s official fan club. As part of his new post, Schmidt was interviewed for NESN (New England Sports Network).

Spring 2008 Dean's List

Link here to read about the University's branding initiative.

Papers shed light on last R.I. trial to end in execution: Calling it the most important find of his professional career, labor and industrial relations Professor Scott Molloy, and a URI staff member have found papers belonging to Job Durfee, the 19th century Supreme Court chief justice who presided over the last case involving capital punishment in Rhode Island.

Professor analyzes rare textiles from Honduran ruins: Very few textiles from the Mayan culture have survived, so the treasure trove of fabrics excavated from a tomb at the Copán ruins in Honduras since the 1990s has generated considerable excitement. Professor Margaret Ordoñez spent a month at the site in 2004 and has since been analyzing tiny fragments of 49 samples she brought back to her lab to see what she could learn from them.

Have you seen the most recent issue of the online newsletter, *inAdvance@URI*? Sent to more than 50,000 subscribers on alternate Thursdays, inAdvance offers University news and opportunities of interest to alumni and friends. Stay in the loop and subscribe today.
		Link here for live images of construction projects in progress

Spring 2008 Dean's List

More Headlines...