URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Fall_2021_Melissa-McCarthy

“Having a focus in this area creates an intentional and coordinated effort to work with the largest sector of the government that provides significant funding, it’s incredibly important for our

local economic development as well.” - Col. Erik Brine

Ocean Engineering Assistant Professor Lora Van Uffelen, with the Seaglider, an autonomous underwater vehicle used for taking oceanographic measurements 1000 meters deep. Coming to the surface every few hours for satellite communication it can be in the ocean for months.

Throughout his time in Washington, Brine saw firsthand how challenging advancing technology and defense related initiatives can be. But part of what excites him about his new role at URI is the ability to dig into creating change on the local and tactical level. “One of the amazing things about research universities is that you have experts on just about everything,” he says. “If you bring them together, that’s

how you really can move the needle, whether you’re starting a new business or advancing a new technology. “There’s this incredible group of individuals who are pushing to make things happen at URI, and I’m personally excited to invest in this community. I’m growing strong roots here locally (Brine is also serving as a member of Jamestown’s Town Council). I want to make Rhode Island better, and this is one of the ways I can do it.”

FALL | 2021 Page 29