Dr. Molly Welsh is the Stormwater Program Manager for the Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC), an initiative led by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. The SIC focuses on research and monitoring, ecosystem restoration, public engagement and outreach, and fostering professional training opportunities. Though the Center’s core efforts are based in Roger Williams Park, a Coastal Institute Climate Response Demonstration Site in Providence, Rhode Island, the SIC is involved in collaborative projects to improve the health of coastal ecosystems throughout the northeast region.

Molly’s research explores how land use, climate, and environmental management influence hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology of urban and coastal ecosystems. Molly works closely in collaboration with the URI Hydrology and Environmental Water Quality Laboratory and the Watershed Watch program, mentoring monitoring assistants, students, and volunteers in field and laboratory analytical techniques. She is passionate about forging community partnerships to enhance collaborative watershed restoration and develop coastal resilience strategies.

Molly received a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, an M.S. in Earth Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a B.S. in Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island.