Two research teams led by Brown faculty members are recipients of Rhode Island Research Alliance Collaborative Research Grants from the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC). Jeremy Rich, assistant professor of ecology and environmental biology, will lead a team looking at how whole marine communities respond to ocean acidification. Gary Wessel, professor of biology, will lead a team with ecological, veterinary, molecular, microbial, and aquacultural expertise to determine the mysterious cause of a deadly infectious disease attacking starfish from New Jersey to the Gulf of Maine. The projects were among eight that will share $810,541 in research funds. “Supporting collaborative research, development, and innovation is an important investment that yields significant and enduring benefits,” said Clyde Briant, Brown’s vice president for research and a STAC co-chair. “These funds inspire leading scholars in our state to join forces to explore and advance knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, identifying solutions to critical environmental challenges, and positioning Rhode Island to compete effectively for additional research funds to fuel continued discovery. It’s clear from this process that we have a wealth of talent in our small state.’

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