URIs_MOMENTUM_Research_and_Innovation_Magazine_Fall_2024_Mel

Inside this issue: 8 Growing the Biomedical Sciences Ecosystem in Rhode Island Building on the success of the George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, URI seeks support for a state of-the-art biomedical science research facility to grow and strengthen the capacity of the state and the University to combat neurodegenerative diseases. 18 URI’s ESTEEMED Program: Paving the Way for New Undergraduate Research Opportunities The URI ESTEEMED program is giving students from underrepresented backgrounds hands-on research experience in the cutting-edge fields of biomedical, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, and health sciences. 22 Expanding Rhode Island’s Research Capacity for Life-Saving Discoveries URI’s College of Pharmacy has distinguished itself as one of the most prolific pharma research institutions in the country. A new life sciences building could clinch its status. 30 Building a Robust Environment to Support Nursing Research and Education at URI’s College of Nursing URI’s new transformational leader, Dean Danny Willis of the College of Nursing envisions expansion through growth in research funding, advocates for state-of-the-art facilities for research faculty and collaborative workspaces, and being prepared for an ever-changing healthcare landscape—including advanced information technology, telehealth, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality.

THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND Marc B. Parlange, Ph.D. President, URI Bethany D. Jenkins, Ph.D. Vice President URI Division of Research and Economic Development

34 URI Nursing Researchers Track Long Term Impact of Preterm Birth For more than 30 years URI nursing professors have researched the impacts of preterm birth and the effects on individuals as they age. 38 On the Horizon for URI’s College of Health Sciences With URI’s new leadership in the College of Health Sciences, Dean Patrick Viver is looking to the future by offering new degrees and building interdisciplinary collaboration to create synergistic opportunities in health care. 41 Research in Motion Susan D’Andrea’s cutting edge research utilizes innovative technologies in her biomechanics lab to help stroke patients walk better and amputees use their prosthetics better. 44 Empowering People with Parkinson’s Disease URI physical therapist Assistant Professor Clarkin works with patients suffering from ALS, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and spinal cord injuries to educate clinicians, to improve interventions, and to engage the community. 48 A New Fine Arts Ushers in a New Era of Creativity URI nears the completion of the Fine Arts Center. The renovation includes 93,000 square feet of new and renovated space to foster collaboration among faculty and students in the many departments in the center.

Professor, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Oceanography Editorial Board Melissa McCarthy, M.A. ‘99, Editor-in-Chief Chris Barrett ‘08 Amy Dunkle Allison Farrelly ‘16 Shaun Kirby ’07 Molly Stevens ‘20 Contributing Writers

Chris Barrett ‘08 Michael Blanding Matthew Brady ‘25 Allison Farrelly ‘16 Nicole Maranhas Molly Stevens ‘20

Layout & Design: Krisanne Murray, DesignRoom.co Photography: Beau Jones ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Momentum: Research & Innovation is published by the vice president for Research and Economic Development with editorial, graphic design, and production by the Office of University Research External Relations.

For more information contact: Melissa McCarthy, M.A. ‘99, Editor-in-Chief Director, University Research External Relations University of Rhode Island

75 Lower College Road Kingston, RI 02881 USA Telephone: 401.874.2599 E-mail: melissa@uri.edu Website: web.uri.edu/research

Photo: This is a new generation recording electrode called the Neuropixels 2.0, which allows recording the electrical impulses of hundreds of neurons at a time.

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