Laura J. Ferrell

The alumni panel featured discussions on career paths and experiences in the neuroscience field. Participants shared their professional journeys, including roles in outreach and education, doctoral studies, clinical consulting for the pharmaceutical industry, and medical school. The discussion touched upon research methodologies, the importance of clinical experiences for medical school applicants, the application of neuroscience backgrounds in military medicine, and the value of transferable skills such as critical appraisal of scientific literature.

The Major to Career panel, hosted for Communication Disorders students, featured alumni from the program who discussed their career journeys in fields such as audiology, speech-language pathology, and behavior analysis. The panelists shared insights on their transitions from clinical fellowships to professional roles, emphasizing the importance of diverse clinical observations, building empathy when working with patients and their families, and gaining practical work experience in various settings.

The Kinesiology Department hosted a career panel featuring professionals from various fields including athletic training, clinical counseling, product delivery management, and occupational therapy. Panelists discussed their professional journeys following graduation, detailing transitions between roles, educational pursuits, and their current daily responsibilities. Key topics covered included workplace autonomy, injury prevention services, trauma processing, corporate fitness initiatives, and the flexibility of various healthcare practice settings.

The public health alumni panel featured discussions on career trajectories following graduation from the university. Panelists shared their experiences transitioning from undergraduate studies into various professional roles in public health, including program evaluation, food program management, clinical social work, and healthcare claims analysis. The conversation emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of public health, the importance of transferable skills, and the value of exploring different career paths to identify personal professional interests.

This strategic plan outlines a vision for the University of Rhode Island for the next decade, focusing on broadening its impact, enhancing student achievement, fostering an inclusive culture, and powering the university of the future. The plan is structured around four strategic priorities: Broaden Our Impact, Enhance Student Achievement, Foster an Inclusive Culture, and Power The University of The Future. It aims to position URI as a leading global research university that drives positive social, cultural, economic, and environmental change, while upholding its land- and sea-grant missions.