URI_Research_Magazine_2012-2013_Melissa-McCarthy

Enhancing Rhode Island’s Community: The Stage is the Thing!

To achieve that goal, the center has embraced a three-pronged approach: Identifying and neutralizing the materials used to make explosives, detecting explosives and IEDs and mitigating the blast damages to people and infrastructure caused by explosives. Needless to say, this isn’t dull work. “The best part of the job is that things are constantly happening,” said Oxley. The flip side of that intense level of activity for Oxley is that it is sometimes hard to finish all the work she has on her plate. But that may be because in addition to teaching and research, Oxley has assumed other significant responsibilities at URI, among them helping to develop a forensic science minor and forensic chemistry major. She is also a founding member and co-director of the Rhode Island Forensic Science Partnership, collaborators with Rhode Island’s Crime Laboratory, which is located at URI. Oxley co-organizes the Forensic Science Seminar Series. A popular attraction at URI, no doubt due to the influential visitors who speak, the seminars have developed a devoted following. The talks are free and open to the public. “There are several people who have been coming for 10 years,” she said. Oxley is one of URI’s innovative researchers whose work benefits the safety of our community near and far. Media interviews have become part of the workload; she is frequently interviewed by journalists and last year the Oxley/Smith group was featured in the magazine Popular Science. Oxley has also appeared on Good Morning America, 48 Hours, and the Huffington Post. As Oxley is watching out for our safety, the world is seeking her unique expertise.

Paula McGlasson, Professor and Department Chair, Theatre

If you are a theatre major at the University of Rhode Island (URI) under the watchful eye of Paula McGlasson, a professor of stage and theatre management and the chairperson of URI’s esteemed Theatre Department, here’s what’s in store for you: Hours upon hours of rehearsals – much of it in the evenings and on weekends; hours upon hours of research into the history of plays and the times in which they are set to achieve authentic productions; a structured core curriculum that distinguishes URI’s Theatre Department from other universities by making students study all aspects of theatre production, not just acting or another favorite activity. “This is a very disciplined, very rigorous program,” said McGlasson, who has produced more than 60 plays since she came to URI in 1985. URI’s 80 or so undergraduate theatre majors work very hard, but they also have a blast, which is one of McGlasson’s criteria for success. They hold dozens of big performances throughout the year in a 550-seat theater in the Fine Arts Center. “I love my kids. That’s why I do this,” she said. Unlike many other schools, whose programs of theatre studies result in a Bachelor of Arts, URI awards a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), a significant difference which reflects the program’s demanding curriculum and conservatory training. A BFA is preferred to pursue a Master’s in Fine Arts. Students study acting, directing, stage and theatre management, plus theatre design and technology, graduating with an array of skills that makes it easier for them to find jobs. “Some schools allow you to follow only one path, but the more you know, the more you will find work,” McGlasson said. Contrary to the popular perception of theatre as an impractical field of study, McGlasson maintains that the major prepares students for a wide variety of occupations with its interdisciplinary philosophy and emphasis on public speaking and research skills. Not only that, URI’s theatre department plays a significant role in Rhode Island’s arts community and economy by providing high-quality entertainment for the public at a very reasonable price. In 2012, the department opened its season with Marvin’s Room, a play by Scott McPherson that raises provocative questions about how people deal with illness. The production was part of URI’s Honors Colloquium series on health care. “Whether we’re reaching senior citizens or freshmen in high school, it’s our job to be part of the community,” she said.

Jimmie Oxley, Ph.D., Professor, Chemistry

URI Research: Impacting Rhode Island Economic Development 15