Research Rewards: Innovation at URI
Janett Trubatch, URI Vice Provost for Graduate Studies, Research, and Outreach
Janett Trubatch came to URI in 2000 from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, where she was the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies. She served as Treasurer of the Muldoon Community Development Corporation that provided youth programs, job training and experience, and affordable housing development for the northeastern Anchorage area. Trubatch earned a PHD in physics from Brandeis University, conducted post doctoral research in Physiology at Cal Tech, and earned an MBA from the University of Miami. In addition to faculty appointments at Cal State, Los Angeles, and New York Medical College, she has been a program officer at the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
I live on the edge of a bird sanctuary beside
the salty, tide-driven stream of water known as the Narrow River. Surrounded
by vegetation, birds, and water, the house with its wonderful views is a sanctuary
for me. I have been told that fishing, crabbing, and clamming are all possible
along the shore. But I have been advised not to eat the results of such an expedition.
Too bad. I moved in just this winter. I feel I have made a small contribution
to the cleanliness of the river by connecting my waste water system directly
to the city sewer system as part of the deal when I bought the house. Now that
the days are longer, I wake up and come home to lovely river views. I watch
the birds in the trees, in the air, on the ground, and on the water, searching
for food and sometimes for love.
As a new denizen of this maritime state and fortunate
owner of such a lovely property, I feel personally invested in the health of
the marine environment— both locally and worldwide. The waters that flow
behind my house are physically and synergistically connected to the distant
waters that make up the largest portion of our planet. My job at URI, Vice Provost
for Graduate Studies, Research, and Outreach, is directly related to this endeavor
as well. The majority of the research and education programs at URI have a marine
and environmental connection. Our Graduate School of Oceanography, located directly
on the Bay, brings in nearly $25 million each year for externally funded projects.
Marine programs in the other colleges bring in another $5 million. These funds,
supporting salaries, products, and services purchased mostly within the state,
provide a sizable infusion of funds to Rhode Island. Further inland, the main
campus in Kingston houses the College of Environmental and Life Sciences, the
marine science program in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the brand new
second home of the Coastal Resources Center, all major contributors to marine-related
education, research, and outreach programs.
This journal, Maritimes, was created to
increase the awareness and understanding of the maritime- related activities
at URI and to demonstrate their value to the policy makers and people of the
state. This issue, "The Research Enterprise," contains articles on
continuing long-term surveys of sea life, the chemical analysis of an oil spill,
a short history and description of the activities of the Coastal Institute,
and an example of an educational and research program that is designed to transfer
technology from research into useful products and services. Data gathered from
the survey studies provide the basis for hypotheses development and testing,
to explain past and predict future changes in fish and invertebrate populations,
especially the commercially and recreationally important sea life of Narragansett
Bay. Chemical analyses of oil spills provided data on toxicity which resulted
in increased restoration funding. Data also indicated when it was safe to reopen
fishing grounds after the spill.
The Coastal Institute, now ensconced in buildings
on the Bay and Kingston Campuses, draws on intellectual resources and expertise
throughout the University. It serves as a neutral venue for debate and discussion
of complex environmental issues in coastal ecosystem management and provides
the information and research for federal and state officials who manage these
systems. Peter August, appointed the Institute's first director in June 2000,
describes several of the initiatives and programs dedicated to sustaining our
coastal resources.
Life began in the oceans. Oceans circulate water
and energy that have major influences on our climate and weather. Until recently,
oceans have provided what was thought to be a limitless source of food. Now
fisheries are depleted and coastal waters are polluted or lacking sufficient
oxygen to support animal or plant life. Scientists are monitoring global warming,
increased CO2 in the atmosphere, and a thinning of the
ozone shield in the stratosphere that is letting in extra and dangerous ultraviolet
light. We must begin to understand the complex interrelationships between land
and sea, wetland and river, predators and prey, fish and their habitats if we
are to create a sustainable community where people, animals, and plants as well
as commerce and recreation can thrive. URI is committed to achieving this end.
Maritimes will keep you abreast of our efforts to reach this lofty goal.