Roger Williams University

In sharing their latest research, professors Andrew Rhyne and Koty Sharp collaborate on coral reef conservation strategies among 2,500 scientists and policy makers

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Two marine science experts from Roger Williams University joined 2,500 scientists, policy makers and environmental managers from 70 nations this week to share the latest research and devise strategies for conserving and protecting coral reefs around the world at the 13th Annual International Coral Reef Symposium in Honolulu.

Andrew Rhyne, an assistant professor of marine biology at RWU and research scientist at New England Aquarium, will present an original invention and an online database – both developed in partnership with Michael Tlusty of New England Aquarium – and discuss how real-time information on the aquarium trade can help inform policy decisions for more effective fisheries management. With Aquariumtradedata.org, Rhyne and Tlusty have synthesized several years’ of tropical fish export invoices for the aquarium trade into an interactive map that allows users to query by species and location for information on export numbers and sources. As a spinoff from that database, the scientists also created a tool that digitizes export invoices and feeds it into an online data system that automatically checks species identity and origin using optical character software to advance the port inspection process and, potentially, curb the illegal wildlife trade.

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From the need for tracking the marine ornamental fish trade to reasons for pioneering tropical fish aquaculture, RWU’s marine biologist Andrew Rhyne examines the pros and cons of the aquarium hobbyist

BRISTOL, R.I. – Planning to join the millions of people to catch the debut this weekend of Pixar’s highly anticipated sequel, Finding Dory? In anticipation of those viewers desiring to buy their own version of the star to keep as a pet, marine science experts from Roger Williams University and New England Aquarium offer a research-based argument to leave Dory on the reef.

Andrew Rhyne – a marine biology faculty member pioneering the development of marine ornamental fish aquaculture at Roger Williams’ Wet Lab – and Michael Tlusty – director of ocean sustainability science at New England Aquarium – recently co-authored the article “Finding Nemo – and Dory – is easy. Deciding whether they should be pets is harder” in The Conversation.

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Kobi Dennis says he’s dedicated his career to boosting educational and employment opportunities for those most in need in Providence.

The downtown resident’s work as co-founder of Unified Solutions, which finds education, employment and workforce-development opportunities for young people, involves neighbors and friends; their battles are his battles.

He thinks the group’s efforts will get a boost with the opening of Roger Williams University’s new city campus at One Empire Plaza.

A partnership was forged between RWU’s School of Continuing Studies and multiple community organizations, including Unified Solutions, to address the lack of higher education and employment opportunities available to inner-city residents.

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