URI IT Services BlogNews, Updates & Articles Authors: Teaching & learning Research Computing Faculty Success Story Empowering Nutrition Education with BrightspaceUsing Brightspace tools and innovative teaching, Dr. Missimer engages her students and enriches their entire learning journey, both within and beyond the traditional classroom.Learn More Research Computing News Spring ’26 semester workshopsRead the details of our Spring '26 semester workshops. Our workshops are open to faculty, staff, and students for free. Find and subscribe to our events on the URI events calendar at events.uri.edu/group/aiLearn More Ed Tech News 5 Free OER Platforms to Transform Your Course MaterialsOpen Educational Resources (OER) empower educators to make their courses significantly more affordable, flexible, and accessible. In this post, we explore five free platforms that make it easy to swap out expensive textbooks for high-quality, fully customizable content.Learn More Recent Posts Modernizing AV Across Campus: URI Featured by Audio-TechnicaAn Audio-Technica case study spotlights how URI’s ITS team modernized audiovisual systems in over 150 learning spaces—improving hybrid learning experiences and supporting more flexible, connected classrooms.Learn MoreServiceNow Service Portal: Making IT Support Easier for EveryoneFor most IT issues, employees and end users can contact the Service Desk, but did you know you can also use the ServiceNow Service Portal? Learn more about the service portal now!Learn MoreSpring ’26 semester workshopsRead the details of our Spring '26 semester workshops. Our workshops are open to faculty, staff, and students for free. Find and subscribe to our events on the URI events calendar at events.uri.edu/group/aiLearn MoreSet Sail for Innovation: Hack@URI 2026The IACR is supporting a student-led Hackathon initiative. Additional information about the event is available here: https://hackaturi.com/.Learn MoreFaculty Spotlight: Manshu Yang (Psychology)Dr. Manshu Yang, associate professor of quantitative health psychology, uses advanced statistical methods and high-performance computing to improve how researchers analyze longitudinal data, missing data, and real-world health behaviors.Learn MoreFaculty Spotlight: Roxanne Beinart (GSO)Dr. Roxanne Beinart uses high-performance computing to study deep-sea microbial symbiosis—research that reveals how life adapts after volcanic eruptions and drives innovation in bioinformatics at URI.Learn More5 Free OER Platforms to Transform Your Course MaterialsOpen Educational Resources (OER) empower educators to make their courses significantly more affordable, flexible, and accessible. In this post, we explore five free platforms that make it easy to swap out expensive textbooks for high-quality, fully customizable content.Learn MoreCloud Computing in Higher Education: How AWS Powers Teaching, Learning and ResearchTechnology is one of the many challenges that many higher education institutions face today. Providing reliable access to computing resources, storing vast amounts of data securely, and scaling systems to meet demand are essential components of a modern academic environment. Cloud computing offers solutions that can transform how colleges and universities support their missions of teaching, learning, and research.Learn MoreURI Research Projects Featured at SC25 in the MGHPCC BoothSeveral URI research projects will be showcased this month at Supercomputing 2025, hosted at the MGHPCC booth—a global stage for innovation in high-performance computing.Learn MoreAI Lab Projects (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026)This is a report summarizing the activities and impact of the University of Rhode Island’s Artificial Intelligence Lab, specifically regarding our work during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 academic semesters. Learn MoreFaculty Spotlight: Rob Coyne (Physics)Exploring the Cosmos Through Computation: How URI’s Research Computing Fosters DiscoveryLearn MoreFaculty Spotlight: Rachel Schwartz (Biology)Decoding the Tree of Life: How Research Computing Enables Large-Scale Genomics at URILearn MoreBrightspace New Content ExperienceD2L is implementing a New Content Experience in Brightspace starting May 2026. You can opt in now to explore the improved, more intuitive interface. No action required—your content stays in place, and you’ll gain a cleaner design, better tool integration, and mobile accessibility.Learn MoreDiscovering AI @ URI Day Join us December 10 | 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. in The Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering, Rooms 040 & 045 Learn MoreEmpowering Nutrition Education with BrightspaceUsing Brightspace tools and innovative teaching, Dr. Missimer engages her students and enriches their entire learning journey, both within and beyond the traditional classroom.Learn MoreAI and the Art of Effective CommunicationAI tools like Microsoft Copilot help students and educators at URI strengthen public speaking skills by offering feedback, refining language, and boosting confidence before presentations.Learn MoreIACR seed funding program is back!Over FY ’25, ~70 submitted proposals included the CCR as an affiliated Center/Institute and historically, we have averaged a ~50% acceptance rateLearn MoreURI gets nod in LIGO media blitz!Our own computational researchers Deborah Ferguson, Derek Davis and Rob Coyne are credited in LIGO’s 10th anniversary of the first detection media blitz! Learn MoreFall ’25 AI/ML SeminarsThe full schedule for the Fall semester AI/ML seminar series is being developed! Please find the details here: https://web.uri.edu/iacr/seminars/Learn MoreSummer ’25 AI Lab Student ProjectsWe are happy to share the wide variety of completed student projects in the AI Lab over Summer ’25: https://web.uri.edu/iacr/ai-lab-projects-summer-25/Learn MoreFall ’25 WorkshopsRead the details of our Fall '25 semester workshops!Learn MoreFrom Ideas to Impact: URI’s AI Strategy Session Charts the Path ForwardFaculty and staff across URI are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to streamline everyday tasks and boost productivity.Learn MoreURI Uses National Open Storage Network for Research DataURI is part of the NSF-funded Open Storage Network, providing over a petabyte of high-speed research storage via its Pod at OSHEAN.Learn MoreSupporting Student Success with Rhody ConnectRhody Connect offers students personalized tools, resources, and navigation to stay informed and succeed at URI.Learn MoreUnity Cluster Expansion Boosts Performance and Efficiency for URI ResearchersNew Intel and Nvidia nodes expand the Unity Cluster, boosting performance and energy efficiency for URI researchers.Learn MoreContract Management Services TransitionIT Contract Review has moved to Strategic Procurement, with current processes unchanged and improvements on the way.Learn MoreBe Mindful When Using AI Tools: Your Input May Persist When using AI tools, your input may be stored or reused—learn how to protect sensitive data and use these tools responsibly.Learn MoreITS Research Computing Supports Critical State Weather ServicesState-funded weather tools like CHAMP and StormTools rely on ITS Research Computing to deliver critical modeling and flood risk data for Rhode Island.Learn MoreA New Industrial Revolution: AI and Quantum ComputingAI and quantum computing are powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, transforming industries through smarter systems, faster insights, and breakthrough innovation. As these technologies converge, the challenge is not just advancement—but how we prepare, adapt, and lead responsibly.Learn MoreEnhancing Chemistry Education Through AI-Powered Feedback AnalysisGeorge Dombi leverages LibreChat to analyze student feedback from his pre-semester Chemistry Boot Camp, revealing evolving patterns in student engagement and providing data-driven insights for continuous course improvement.Learn MoreCCR is now an Institute!The Center for Computational Research (CCR) is now the Institute for AI & Computational Research (IACR).Learn MoreCreate Personalized Learning Paths for Students with Release Conditions in BrightspaceLooking to guide students through your course more effectively? Brightspace’s Release Conditions let you control access to content based on student progress, performance, or group membership—making it easier to support personalized, paced learning.Learn MoreAI Lab’s Hendawi Wins Best Demo Paper AwardDr. Abdeltawab Hendawi of URI’s AI Lab has won the Best Demo Paper Award at the 26th IEEE MDM Conference.Learn MoreEnhancing Global Engagement Through Collaborative Online Interactive LearningTom Hospod, Assistant Director of the Global Initiatives Office, is advancing global learning at URI through innovative virtual exchange programs like COIL, making international collaboration accessible to all students.Learn MoreBrightspace Tips & Tricks: Get the Most Out of Your LMSWhether you're new or experienced, this quick guide highlights practical tips to help you save time, stay organized, and enhance student engagement. Explore how features like Bulk Edit, Manage Dates, and final grade visibility can make your course management more efficient.Learn MoreCCR AI Lab Summer WorkshopsRead the details of our Summer '25 workshops!Learn MoreCCR affiliate publishes Nature paperDr. Liqun Zhang, a computational scientist in URI’s Department of Chemical Engineering, recently published a paper in Nature Chemistry.Learn MoreURI is part of the Open Storage Network for research data storage and sharingURI has been part of the National Science Foundation's Open Storage Network (OSN) for 3 years.Learn MoreReadSpeaker & TextAid: Making Learning More AccessibleReadSpeaker and TextAid support inclusive learning by making content more accessible. ReadSpeaker lets students listen to Brightspace materials, while TextAid adds tools like writing support and web page reading.Learn MoreHave You “Engaged” with the Local Community?New for 2025: URI now offers a simplified storefront for non-credit and professional development courses via Course Merchant and Brightspace Engage, streamlining registration, payment, and enrollment.Learn MoreRecognizing Our Graduating ITS Student EmployeesWe're celebrating our graduating ITS student employees and their lasting contributions across Service Desk, Networking, Endpoint Support, and Research Computing.Learn MoreStaff Milestones: Celebrating Years of ServiceJoin us in recognizing ITS team members who reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and even 40 years of service—an incredible testament to their dedication to the URI community.Learn MoreSecuring Our Inbox: URI ITS Implements Stronger Email ProtectionsURI ITS has fully implemented DMARC enforcement to block spoofed emails and reduce phishing risks - bringing pass rates from 47% to 99.85% in just one year.Learn MoreCCR supports research in Environmental EconomicsProf. Corey Lang and postdoctoral researcher Jarron VanCeylon, supported by the CCR, recently published a paper in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management exploring how homebuyers’ preferences for environmental amenities align with their political leanings.Learn MoreCCR AI/ML Seminar: Machine Learning Approaches for Characterizing Global Sea Surface Temperature FieldsThe Center for Computational Research is planning a series of monthly talks on AI/ML techniques and applications across various scientific domainsLearn MoreWorld Quantum Day 2025Celebrate World Quantum Day at URI on April 11th!Learn MoreAI Big Data Forum — Spring ’25April 18th noon, Galanti Lounge. Details in the attached flyer! Event FlyerLearn MoreFaculty Alert: Brightspace Updates Coming May 16thBrightspace is getting two key updates on May 16, including a refreshed Quiz Evaluation interface and upgraded integrations for Top Hat and McGraw Hill. Learn what’s changing and how to prepare.Learn MoreCCR/RC staff Michael Puerrer publishes in Nature journal!Machine-learning algorithm analyzes gravitational waves from merging neutron stars in the blink of an eyeLearn MoreAndromeda HPC cluster to merge into Unity HPC/AI system at MGHPCCURI’s Andromeda HPC cluster will merge into the Unity HPC-AI system at MGHPCC, enhancing computational power and research capabilities—learn more about the transition and its impact.Learn MoreAcademic Summit: AI@URI 2.0Come with me on a journey exploring AI in teaching learning @ URI. The URI Academic Summit welcomed faculty to discuss AI @ URI 2.0, reflecting on progress since 2024 and the future of generative AI in education and research.Learn MoreCalling All GamersRhody eLab, URI’s first dedicated eSports space, is now open in Room 317 of the Memorial Union. Featuring high-performance gaming stations and a growing game catalog, it’s open to all students after completing a Code of Conduct.Learn MoreURI Speed Networking Event for Graduate & Senior StudentsGraduate and senior students are invited to URI’s Speed Networking Event—connect with industry professionals, expand your network, and explore career opportunities.Learn MoreAsh Giri Recognized at the White House!URI’s Ash Giri was honored at the White House for his contributions to research and innovation—celebrating excellence in technology and academia.Learn MoreSpring Semester Workshops by URI CCR / AI LabThe details of our CCR / AI Lab semester workshops are available here.Learn MoreUpdate Required for University ComputersTo ensure all University computers continue to operate smoothly and securely, ITS will begin implementing periodic automatic updates on a weekly basis, or as needed.Learn MoreShining a Spotlight on Jill Rasmussen: IAM Expertise and Upcoming OpportunitiesJill Rasmussen of ITS continues to make a significant impact in cybersecurity, including facilitating EDUCAUSE's IAM Learning Lab and serving as faculty for the Cybersecurity and Privacy Managers Institute.Learn MoreMajor Unity Upgrade!We are pleased to announce that a major upgrade to our primary HPC/AI platform UNITY is finally complete!Learn MoreMultifaceted Teaching & Learning: Leveraging Digital Tools for Large-Scale EducationPeter Phipps uses Mentimeter, Brightspace Groups, and Google Docs to enhance student engagement and collaboration in his large journalism classes.Learn MoreIlluminate with Lumi Education: HotspotsTransform images into interactive content and experience with Lumi's free Hotspot tool, available on desktop or cloud platform.Learn More
