URIs_MOMENTUM_Research_and_Innovation_Magazine_Spring_2026_M

Elle Desmarteau

“URI is an incredibly collaborative research institution, where I’m able to pop over to the machine shop to get my pipette tips cut off one moment, then get help from scholars at the AI Lab with image analysis techniquesthenext.Iamextremelygrateful for this amazing opportunity to learn more technical research skills, expand my network, and explore a whole new state with the support and resources of the URI Plastics Initiative REU program.” - Elle Desmarteau

engineering, oceanography, fisheries, pharmacy, textiles, and natural resources. During the summer Rowan Bixler worked on developing an optical microscopy method to identify and characterize different types of microplastics in environmental samples. The method involves tracking interference patterns created from light scattered by microparticles, which could make analyzing microplastics in samples more efficient and accessible. “This research project has provided invaluable experience with scientific experimental design, microscope operation, and data analysis,” Bixler said. “I am excited to contribute to sustainability

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