The Coastal Institute Senior Fellows Network comprises over 200 scholars and practitioners with expertise in environmental science, policy, engineering, and community engagement. This interdisciplinary group collaborates to address complex coastal challenges, advancing sustainability and resilience in Rhode Island and beyond.

Structure and Contributions

The Senior Fellows Network supports and enhances the University of Rhode Island’s research mission by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, securing external funding, and producing applied solutions to critical coastal issues. Senior Fellows are nominated by peers within the network, including the Coastal Institute Core Team and Associate Directors.

Fellows benefit from:

• Access to Expertise: Resources and support from the Coastal Institute Core Team.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Cross-disciplinary partnerships that drive research and applied solutions.
• Funding Mechanisms: Access to RAF, leverage, and catalyst grants to support research and innovation.
• Engagement Platforms: Opportunities to share findings and insights with broader academic and professional audiences.

The network is integral to URI’s ability to conduct impactful research, offering unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary dialogue and translational science.

Annual Meeting and Field Trip

Each year, Senior Fellows convene at the Annual Meeting, where they present research updates and explore connections between their work and the Coastal Institute’s mission. The meeting includes cross-disciplinary discussions to identify collaborative opportunities and promote research integration.

In conjunction with the meeting, the Fellows participate in a field trip to sites exemplifying effective coastal or watershed management. These excursions emphasize the historical, ecological, or societal context of environmental challenges and solutions, fostering a broader understanding of applied management practices.

Mentoring Emerging Leaders

In 2023, the Coastal Institute launched the Emerging Coastal Leaders Program, designed to support URI graduate students engaged in integrated coastal and marine research. This program offers funding, mentorship from Senior Fellows, and opportunities to participate in the Coastal Institute’s interdisciplinary initiatives, building a pipeline of future leaders in coastal sustainability.

Advancing URI’s Research Impact

The Coastal Institute Senior Fellows Network strengthens URI’s position as a leader in coastal research and policy. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the network advances interdisciplinary solutions to pressing environmental challenges, enhancing the university’s research capacity and societal impact.

For additional information, contact Amber Neville at amneville@uri.edu.