Health Sciences Students Shine at the Annual RI-SURS Symposium
It was amazing to share the science we had been working so hard on with others, and for us to be able to learn from them about their innovative work. It was so great to be a part of such a large gathering of people who value scientific advancement and understand its importance as a driving force of change.
Kate DeVincent ’28
The annual Rhode Island Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium (RI-SURS) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) showcased the exceptional talent of seven expectational health sciences students. This event provides undergraduate students from around the state with the opportunity to present their summer research findings to the larger scientific community.
Our students demonstrated the power of undergraduate research in advancing knowledge and contributing to important conversations within the field. The following Health Sciences majors, along with their faculty mentors, presented their research at the symposium:
- Abby Sousa ’27, Kirsten Meyers ’27, and Abby Kiritsy ’26 worked with Dr. Brett Romano Ely, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
- Shea Podbelski ’27 collaborated with Dr. Matt Ely, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
- Liz Helsley ’28 was mentored by Dr. Maggie Morrissey-Basler, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
- Kate DeVincent ’28 worked with Dr. Hannah Gavin, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
- Marifer Sanchez ’26, a Health Policy and Management student, contributed her research as a summer research assistant with Dr. Robert Hasson in the Department of Social Work
The projects were as diverse as the professional pathways our students are pursuing. These projects spanned a wide range of topics within health sciences, highlighting the broad scope of this field. From exploring cardiovascular health responses to heat and exercise, to understanding the effects of slow breathing rates on heart rate variability in female athletes, each project offered a unique perspective on health. Students also investigated the clinical implications of trauma in adult refugees, the role of laboratory equipment in reducing microbial contamination, and the impacts of nighttime heat exposure on blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Faculty mentorship is a vital part of the undergraduate research experience at Providence College, and these faculty members—Dr. Romano Ely, Dr. Ely, Dr. Morrissey-Basler, Dr. Gavin, and Dr. Hasson—played an integral role in guiding students through the research process, providing support, and fostering an environment for intellectual growth.
We are incredibly proud of these students for their impressive work and the bright futures they are shaping in the field. Their participation in the RI-SURS Symposium highlights the dedication of both our students and faculty to advancing meaningful research and exploring innovative solutions that make an impact on the future of healthcare.
Congratulations to Abby S., Kirsten, Abby K., Shea, Liz, Kate, and Marifer for their achievements!
