Principal Investigator | Bryan M. Dewsbury, PhD
I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College, and a Masters and PhD from Florida International University (FIU). At FIU I explored a number of interesting questions in marine ecology and ecological economics and I developed a number of teaching approaches and programs relating to social belonging and higher education. I am personally inspired by the possibilities of education as a force to hold leaders accountable, and as a means to increase critical consumerism. In between, I am always trying to find time to keep up with my never ending reading list, try new microbrews, and teach myself and my wife Kizomba!
dewsbury@uri.edu | 401 874 2248 | @bmdewsbury
I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College, and a Masters and PhD from Florida International University (FIU). At FIU I explored a number of interesting questions in marine ecology and ecological economics and I developed a number of teaching approaches and programs relating to social belonging and higher education. I am personally inspired by the possibilities of education as a force to hold leaders accountable, and as a means to increase critical consumerism. In between, I am always trying to find time to keep up with my never ending reading list, try new microbrews, and teach myself and my wife Kizomba!
dewsbury@uri.edu | 401 874 2248 | @bmdewsbury
PhD Student | Cynthia Taylor
I am a PhD student in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology at URI with interests in evolutionary epistemology, biology education, and science communication and outreach. I hold an M.A. degree in Biological Anthropology from the University of Arizona, and taught for several years in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at URI and the Department of Anthropology at Rhode Island College. My decision to pursue a PhD through the SEAS program was based on my commitment to life-long learning and my passion for teaching. I am particularly interested in the social dimensions of biology education, and the influence of worldview, language, and affect on students’ perceptions of science.
cynthia_taylor@uri.edu
I am a PhD student in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology at URI with interests in evolutionary epistemology, biology education, and science communication and outreach. I hold an M.A. degree in Biological Anthropology from the University of Arizona, and taught for several years in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at URI and the Department of Anthropology at Rhode Island College. My decision to pursue a PhD through the SEAS program was based on my commitment to life-long learning and my passion for teaching. I am particularly interested in the social dimensions of biology education, and the influence of worldview, language, and affect on students’ perceptions of science.
cynthia_taylor@uri.edu
PhD Student | Holly Swanson
As a secondary science teacher for eight years, my experiences in schools that covered different socio-economic and geographical clines in both the public and private sector have shown me that “one size does not fit all” in regards to teaching science in different school climates. I currently hold a M.S. degree in genetics from Pennsylvania State University and during my PhD in the SEAS program I plan to investigate the preparation and achievement gaps in science for marginalized groups of students, specifically focused around students' transitions into their entry-level college biology class. I feel it is not enough to merely conduct educational research, but to disseminate the results to those whom it would directly prove beneficial: students, teachers, administrators, and policy makers. At the completion of my graduate program, I hope to have developed the skills needed to evaluate the validity of new pedagogical teaching initiatives and to share that knowledge with pertinent stakeholders.
hswanson@my.uri.edu
As a secondary science teacher for eight years, my experiences in schools that covered different socio-economic and geographical clines in both the public and private sector have shown me that “one size does not fit all” in regards to teaching science in different school climates. I currently hold a M.S. degree in genetics from Pennsylvania State University and during my PhD in the SEAS program I plan to investigate the preparation and achievement gaps in science for marginalized groups of students, specifically focused around students' transitions into their entry-level college biology class. I feel it is not enough to merely conduct educational research, but to disseminate the results to those whom it would directly prove beneficial: students, teachers, administrators, and policy makers. At the completion of my graduate program, I hope to have developed the skills needed to evaluate the validity of new pedagogical teaching initiatives and to share that knowledge with pertinent stakeholders.
hswanson@my.uri.edu
PhD Student | Desiree Harpel
I was born and raised in the Midwest, and my early academic focus was in Animal Science/Large Animal Veterinary. Soon after learning that the sight of blood wasn't for me, I switched career goals and found myself in the world of Biological Science. During my time in both my Undergraduate and Masters degrees, I developed many skills including bioinformatics, coding, and wet-lab techniques and explored several projects including novel proteins in Lepidoptera and speciation in crickets. However, what I truly found the most exciting was teaching. I have taught a broad range of educational levels, including K-12 and undergraduates. As I have become more integrated into the teaching culture, I have started to see the many problems that public school teachers face. I have decided to pursue a PhD in the SEAS program to explore these issues, develop solutions, and help implement them. My ultimate goal is to wind up in educational policy. When I'm not in a lab, my Fiancee and I are guaranteed to be at the beach, hiking a mountain, or curling up to read a good book.
I was born and raised in the Midwest, and my early academic focus was in Animal Science/Large Animal Veterinary. Soon after learning that the sight of blood wasn't for me, I switched career goals and found myself in the world of Biological Science. During my time in both my Undergraduate and Masters degrees, I developed many skills including bioinformatics, coding, and wet-lab techniques and explored several projects including novel proteins in Lepidoptera and speciation in crickets. However, what I truly found the most exciting was teaching. I have taught a broad range of educational levels, including K-12 and undergraduates. As I have become more integrated into the teaching culture, I have started to see the many problems that public school teachers face. I have decided to pursue a PhD in the SEAS program to explore these issues, develop solutions, and help implement them. My ultimate goal is to wind up in educational policy. When I'm not in a lab, my Fiancee and I are guaranteed to be at the beach, hiking a mountain, or curling up to read a good book.
PhD Student/Anatomy Lecturer | Jessica Adams
I was born and raised in Alaska where I fell in love with all things related to the biological sciences. After graduating from the University of Alaska with a degree in biological sciences, I married a military man and have had the great privilege to teach diverse populations across the country. As we moved, I enjoyed learning about local flora and fauna, as well as experiencing regional scholastic approaches, different instructional strategies and educational pedagogies. As a certified teacher with two graduate degrees, an MS in Biology from the University of Nebraska as well as an MS in Secondary Education from Texas A&M, I have spent my entire career in science education, teaching 7thgrade through college, in traditional formats as well as web blended and online courses covering a wide variety of biological topics. My research interests primarily focus on pedagogical methods for teaching human anatomy and general biology to create successful learning experiences for students. When I am not working or being a student, I am kept active by my teenage children, enjoying the outdoors (although not the ticks), gardening and reading.
jessica_a_adams@uri.edu
I was born and raised in Alaska where I fell in love with all things related to the biological sciences. After graduating from the University of Alaska with a degree in biological sciences, I married a military man and have had the great privilege to teach diverse populations across the country. As we moved, I enjoyed learning about local flora and fauna, as well as experiencing regional scholastic approaches, different instructional strategies and educational pedagogies. As a certified teacher with two graduate degrees, an MS in Biology from the University of Nebraska as well as an MS in Secondary Education from Texas A&M, I have spent my entire career in science education, teaching 7thgrade through college, in traditional formats as well as web blended and online courses covering a wide variety of biological topics. My research interests primarily focus on pedagogical methods for teaching human anatomy and general biology to create successful learning experiences for students. When I am not working or being a student, I am kept active by my teenage children, enjoying the outdoors (although not the ticks), gardening and reading.
jessica_a_adams@uri.edu
Lab Manager/Undergraduate Technician | Mikaela Gonzaga
I am thoroughly interested in pursuing a career in education reform through research, foreign exploration, and government policy. Growing up in the inner city public school system I encountered many who struggled with an interest in education. My fascination with psychology has drawn me towards the study of both the internal and external factors that compose learning. Education as an experience cannot be universally fashioned. I strive to find a more effective method of exposing student's hunger for a deeper level of intellectual, emotional, and personal improvement. I believe those who feel a sense of security and happiness in their lives perform significantly better academically, and hope to someday evaluate the validity of these theories. Apart from studying Psychology and Sociology at URI I am an active member of the Leadership department. I am a member of Student Organization Leadership Consultants (SOLC), Civility Mentors, and am on the Student Senate Cultural Committee. When I’m not studying or volunteering, you can find me either drawing or with my nose in a book.
mikaela_gonzaga@my.uri.edu
I am thoroughly interested in pursuing a career in education reform through research, foreign exploration, and government policy. Growing up in the inner city public school system I encountered many who struggled with an interest in education. My fascination with psychology has drawn me towards the study of both the internal and external factors that compose learning. Education as an experience cannot be universally fashioned. I strive to find a more effective method of exposing student's hunger for a deeper level of intellectual, emotional, and personal improvement. I believe those who feel a sense of security and happiness in their lives perform significantly better academically, and hope to someday evaluate the validity of these theories. Apart from studying Psychology and Sociology at URI I am an active member of the Leadership department. I am a member of Student Organization Leadership Consultants (SOLC), Civility Mentors, and am on the Student Senate Cultural Committee. When I’m not studying or volunteering, you can find me either drawing or with my nose in a book.
mikaela_gonzaga@my.uri.edu
Undergraduate Technician | Frances Vazquez
As an aspiring environmental scientist, I am determined to battle the lack of education directed towards environmental epidemics such as: over population, over fertilizing, lack of conservation and more. I plan to do this by becoming a researcher, an environmental activist, and eventually a university professor. I hope to educate not only students, but also common citizens through relatable conversations and increasing environmental visibility. I will accomplish this through a non profit organization I aspire to create. I am blessed and thankful to have the opportunities to follow my passions. I look forward to evolving personally, intellectually and professionally.
francesnicole@my.uri.edu
As an aspiring environmental scientist, I am determined to battle the lack of education directed towards environmental epidemics such as: over population, over fertilizing, lack of conservation and more. I plan to do this by becoming a researcher, an environmental activist, and eventually a university professor. I hope to educate not only students, but also common citizens through relatable conversations and increasing environmental visibility. I will accomplish this through a non profit organization I aspire to create. I am blessed and thankful to have the opportunities to follow my passions. I look forward to evolving personally, intellectually and professionally.
francesnicole@my.uri.edu
Undergraduate Technician | Marisa Decollibus
In primary school I learned to value my educational community as a source for acquiring the softer-skills key to a successful life. From these experiences my interests in the non-cognitive aspects of learningand academic success have grown. More specifically, I seek to answer how mindfulness can encourage the development of focus, empathy, meta-cognition, and social and emotional awareness in the 21st century learner. Outside of studying Psychology and Education at The University of Rhode Island, you can find me sailing, practicing yoga, or biking to the farmer’s market with friends.
mdecollibus@my.uri.edu
In primary school I learned to value my educational community as a source for acquiring the softer-skills key to a successful life. From these experiences my interests in the non-cognitive aspects of learningand academic success have grown. More specifically, I seek to answer how mindfulness can encourage the development of focus, empathy, meta-cognition, and social and emotional awareness in the 21st century learner. Outside of studying Psychology and Education at The University of Rhode Island, you can find me sailing, practicing yoga, or biking to the farmer’s market with friends.
mdecollibus@my.uri.edu
Undergrad Technician | Omogbolahan Oladosu
I am Omogbolahan Oladosu my name comes from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria where I was born and semi raised and it means the child that shows and carries wealth. Fortunately my experience with education and its systems comprise of Providence Rhode Island’s public and private school systems and Badagry Lagos Nigeria’s private school system. Now I am a fortunate Talent Development student at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Biological Sciences with great intentions of going to Dental School. Dentistry as an art and practice is important to me because it will allow me to care for those who seek oral care and create an atmosphere of intimacy, positivity and truth. On campus I am an active member of the multicultural organization known as Brothers On a New Direction who’s values are leadership, mentorship, responsibility, brotherhood and service and also the proud production manager of URI’s new seminary series called Confluence: Where life and science meet, where our intent as a collective is to connect students to professionals to promote setting professional goals. When time permits me I enjoy meditating, building Legos listening to audio books and creating and mixing music.
gboladosu@gmail.com
I am Omogbolahan Oladosu my name comes from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria where I was born and semi raised and it means the child that shows and carries wealth. Fortunately my experience with education and its systems comprise of Providence Rhode Island’s public and private school systems and Badagry Lagos Nigeria’s private school system. Now I am a fortunate Talent Development student at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Biological Sciences with great intentions of going to Dental School. Dentistry as an art and practice is important to me because it will allow me to care for those who seek oral care and create an atmosphere of intimacy, positivity and truth. On campus I am an active member of the multicultural organization known as Brothers On a New Direction who’s values are leadership, mentorship, responsibility, brotherhood and service and also the proud production manager of URI’s new seminary series called Confluence: Where life and science meet, where our intent as a collective is to connect students to professionals to promote setting professional goals. When time permits me I enjoy meditating, building Legos listening to audio books and creating and mixing music.
gboladosu@gmail.com
Undergrad Technician | Nick Bush
As an aspiring social psychologist, I have an interest in the social influences and relationships and their affect on learning. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunities to go to an academically challenging school. Education has been a very important core part of my life and I want to understand how people from various backgrounds and cultures learn. I want to be able to use this research in my own life to help those who have not been as fortunate as I have been. I am also an aspiring professor and I want to use this research to help benefit my understanding to help the future generations succeed in their academic goals. When I am not doing research or studying, you can find me writing for The Good Five Cent Cigar and reading obscure literature.
nicholas_bush@my.uri.edu
As an aspiring social psychologist, I have an interest in the social influences and relationships and their affect on learning. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunities to go to an academically challenging school. Education has been a very important core part of my life and I want to understand how people from various backgrounds and cultures learn. I want to be able to use this research in my own life to help those who have not been as fortunate as I have been. I am also an aspiring professor and I want to use this research to help benefit my understanding to help the future generations succeed in their academic goals. When I am not doing research or studying, you can find me writing for The Good Five Cent Cigar and reading obscure literature.
nicholas_bush@my.uri.edu
