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Inside this issue: Aria Mia Loberti notes how much her academic background has helped her successful launch into her acting career. written by Molly Stevens ’20 10 Two URI Professors Honored as AAAS Fellows 6 Finding the Light

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

34 Why Pathogenic Bacteria Cause Disease As an assistant professor of cell and molecular biology, Kathryn Ramsey studies why pathogenic bacteria cause disease. written by Allison Farrelly ’16 40 The Impacts of Technology on Communication Technology is rapidly changing the world we live in—especially the way we communicate and connect. written by Allison Farrelly ’16

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

Michael Blanding Allison Farrelly ‘16 Shaun Kirby ‘07 Molly Stevens ‘20

The American Association for the Advancement of Science named Oceanography Professor Steven D’Hondt and Clinical Professor of Environmental Communication Sunshine Menezes to its fellowship. written by Molly Stevens ’20

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

44 Artificial Intelligence

16 Tackling Plastics at URI

Professor Zhu (Drew) Zhang has dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the study and advancement of AI spanning from financial markets to health care.

URI hosted its inaugural Global Plastics Forum, bringing together more than 80 local, national, and international experts tackling the impact of plastics throughout the world. written by Shaun Kirby ’07

written by Molly Stevens ’20

48 Rhode Island Rising

20 Made to Degrade

A new multimillion-dollar Navy grant called the Resilient Innovative Sustainable Economies via University Partnerships (RISE-UP) is helping students create their own companies—and spur

URI’s Melissa Omand works with transdisciplinary team to develop plastic products that break down in the ocean. written by Shaun Kirby ’ 07 28 Beat of the Music (Therapy) Assistant Professor Nicole O’Malley uses music therapy to treat patients with physical, cognitive, communicative, and social/emotional challenges. Her lab will be the first in the region that focuses on the neurobiological impact of music. written by Shaun Kirby ’07

the state’s innovation economy. written by Michael Blanding

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

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