KINGSTON, R.I. – Feb. 20, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension in partnership with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Environmental Management Fellows Program and to congratulate eleven exceptional students selected for the inaugural cohort.
The Environmental Management Fellows Program builds on the success of URI’s existing Energy and Agriculture and Food System Fellows programs. A three-year agreement between URI and DEM, spanning fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2028, will successfully launch the program and provide experiential learning through real-world environmental management projects, deliver targeted professional development training, and cultivate a strong talent pipeline for entry-to mid-level environmental professionals. This interdisciplinary opportunity focuses on finance and management, environmental protection, natural resources and construction management, and strategic communications.
“Cooperative Extension at URI is uniquely positioned to bridge partnerships between our state agency colleagues and academic programs at the university,” said Lisa Townson, associate dean, extension and agricultural programs in URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences. “It’s one of the key ways we fulfill our land grant mission.”
DEM and URI promoted the program in partnership with other governmental agencies, non-profit environmental advocacy organizations, and environmental engineering and consulting firms, resulting in the placement of three additional fellows at Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin; Audubon Society of Rhode Island; and the Narragansett Bay Commission. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of environmental leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to address Rhode Island’s evolving environmental priorities.
By investing in emerging talent, DEM and URI strengthen the state’s environmental workforce and advance long-term stewardship and sustainability of Rhode Island’s natural resources.
DEM Aquatic Invasives Outreach Fellow
Alex Van-Meeteren ’27, East Greenwich, R.I.
Major: Environmental Science and Management
DEM Climate Change Communications Fellow
Cailey Mingolla ’27, Holbrook, Mass.
Major: Environmental Science and Management, Political Science
DEM Environmental Communications Fellow
Rose Cavallaro ’27, Coventry, R.I.
Major: Environmental Science Management (master’s program)
DEM Office of Water Resources Engineering Fellow
Monika Kosiorowski ’27, Pawtucket, R.I.
Major: Chemical Engineering
DEM Environmental Grant Administration Fellow
Alyssa Bernal ’28, North Kingstown, R.I.
Majors: Finance, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
DEM Rising Environmental Leaders Program Fellow
Ryan DeGirolamo ’27, Mansfield, Mass.
Major: Marine Affairs
DEM Division of Agriculture, Year of the Woman Farmer
Paige Reynolds ’29, Coventry, R.I.
Major: Animal Science (Pre-Veterinary)
DEM Capital Projects Engineering Fellow
Mia Corradino ’29, Lancaster, Penn.
Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Spanish
Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin Environmental Science Fellow
Ethan Yoos ’26, Oceanside, Calif.
Major: Environmental Science and Management
Audubon Society of Rhode Island Land Stewardship Management Planning Fellow
Sydney Brown ’27, North Kingstown, R.I.
Major: Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Narragansett Bay Commission Grant Development & Funding Fellow
Bel Johnson ’27, Dudley, Mass.
Major: Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM)
“URI has a long and distinguished history of inspiring students through outstanding environmental programs, and we are honored to partner with the University on this new fellow’s program,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “By harnessing the curiosity, creativity, and passion of URI’s students, we look forward to advancing meaningful environmental work together with our team at DEM.”
For more information on Cooperative Extension programs and initiatives, visit https://web.uri.edu/coopext/. The Environmental Management Fellowship is open to students in any major from URI and the Community College of Rhode Island. Applications for next year’s cohort will open in Sept. Sign up for the Cooperative Extension newsletter here. For questions, contact kate@uri.edu.