Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawaii: A Trio United by Innovation
RISE-UP Initiative Bridges Coastal States for Intellectual Advancement
Across the vast expanse of the United States, three seemingly disparate coastal states—Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawaii—have forged an unlikely alliance, united by a shared vision of innovation and technological progress. This remarkable collaboration, known as the Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable Economies via University Partnerships (RISE-UP) initiative, is transforming intellectual landscapes and fostering entrepreneurial spirit within university campuses, propelling these states toward a future of boundless possibilities.
Faculty Fellows Program: Nurturing Innovation and Entrepreneurship at URI
At the forefront of this transformative endeavor is the University of Rhode Island (URI), a beacon of academic excellence that has embraced the RISE-UP initiative with unwavering enthusiasm. Recognizing the pivotal role of faculty in shaping the minds of future innovators and entrepreneurs, URI has unveiled its inaugural cohort of RISE-UP Innovation & Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows, a group of exceptional individuals dedicated to igniting the flames of creativity and ingenuity within the university community.
Meet the Inaugural Cohort of Faculty Fellows at URI
Hailing from diverse disciplines, the Faculty Fellows at URI embody the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual exploration that lies at the heart of the RISE-UP initiative. Their expertise spans a wide spectrum of fields, from the humanities to the sciences, reflecting the boundless opportunities for innovation that exist at the intersection of different perspectives.
Among the esteemed Faculty Fellows is Megan Echevarría, an accomplished author and faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her passion for language curriculum humanization and her involvement in shaping educational policies at the state and national levels make her an invaluable asset to the RISE-UP initiative.
Brice Loose, a renowned oceanographer from the Graduate School of Oceanography, brings his deep understanding of climate change and ocean processes to the forefront. His pioneering work in the field of marine/atmospheric chemistry and physical oceanography has earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades.
Brennan T. Phillips, also from the Graduate School of Oceanography, is a visionary in the realm of deep-sea exploration. His groundbreaking development of a compact deep-sea system with fiber optic reel for underwater livestream video feeds has revolutionized the way we study and interact with the ocean’s depths.
A Collective Drive for Innovation
United by a common purpose, the Faculty Fellows at URI are committed to cultivating an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. They recognize that the future of Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawaii lies in the ability to nurture creative thinking, embrace technological advancements, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic growth and prosperity.
Their unwavering dedication to excellence is evident in their ambitious plans to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into curricula, provide students with hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities, and establish a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university and beyond.
Fostering Collaboration and Leveraging External Funding
Christy Ashley, associate dean in URI’s College of Business, underscores the importance of leveraging external funding to support the development of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem at the university. She firmly believes that the Faculty Fellows program will act as a catalyst for collaboration among URI’s colleges and external partners, leading to regional prosperity and tangible local impact.
Stay Connected for Updates and Opportunities
The RISE-UP initiative and the Faculty Fellows program at URI represent a pivotal moment in the history of innovation and entrepreneurship in Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawaii. To stay informed about the latest developments, visit the official RISE-UP website and follow the program’s LinkedIn page. Join the conversation, share your ideas, and become part of this transformative movement that is shaping the future of these three coastal states.
Together, we can ignite the spark of innovation, empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, and propel Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawaii toward a future of sustainable growth and prosperity.