Success After Graduation
The Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences (SSNS) trains students to be scientists and practitioners through fieldwork and research projects that develop skills in analytical thinking, research methods, quantitative reasoning, and sociocultural learning.
RWU Equips You for a Great Career
Science Success
Percentage of 2019 SSNS graduates who are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Applying Their Skills
SSNS graduates are agile and can leverage their skills with employment across eight different industry sectors.
Global Engagement
Percentage of 2019 SSNS graduates who participated in short-term or semester study abroad.
Alumni Stories of Success
Across all our programs, alumni find success in graduate programs and their fields.
“My education at RWU taught me to work collaboratively with other scientists, to have meaningful conversations about science and to constantly be trying to learn new things.”
REBECCA METIVIER '17, Research Associate II at Dana-Farber Cancer Clinic, Boston, MA
Major: Chemistry and Marine Biology
RWU Connections Make Big Things Happen
“The wild thing about our story is that [two alumni] who became best friends at RWU can connect with a farmer in Kentucky to create a product that will save not only hundreds of thousands of lives in Africa, but potentially millions more over its course with malaria and the potential for cancer.”
ADAM MAUST '05, CEO of ArtemiFlow USA
Major: Political Science
More: RWU Alumni Launch a New Way to Wage the Fight Against Malaria
Research Opportunities Sooner
“Grad school is about researching and being able to apply yourself outside the lecture hall, and my NASA research project was like a practice run. I was able to do it way sooner than grad school and that’s a real advantage.”
HIEN NGO '18, Math and Science Teacher at St. Michael’s Country Day School, Newport, RI
Major: Applied Mathematics and Biology
More: Designing a Craft for Manned Expeditions on Mars
“The physics and mathematics programs at RWU prepared me for a career in analysis where I can apply theory to come up with practical solutions to address urban environmental issues. Specifically, the ability to work closely with faculty on research projects allowed me to gain a skill set that I would not have acquired from the classroom alone.”
JOSHUA CASTIGLIEGO ’17, Researcher at Applied Economics Clinic, Arlington, MA
Major: Math and Physics
Real-World Experience Sets Up Success
“With so much of the education at RWU, you’re put into positions that take you outside of your comfort zone – not knowing what challenges may arise and having to make decisions on your feet, and that’s excellent preparation for real-world experiences. Roger gave me the foundation to move on to grad school and to this fellowship.”
ELIZABETH LeMASTERS '10, Microbiology, Quality and Compliance specialist at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Laboratories, Atlanta, GA
Major: Chemistry
More: From RWU Lab to the CDC
“I took advantage of every opportunity I could and the whole experience has been so much more than I expected. When I look back and think of all the things I’ve been able to do while [at RWU], it’s just unbelievable.”
AVA MASTROSTEFANO '18, student at Cummings School for Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Grafton, MA
Major: Marine Biology
More: Closer to Her Dream
“The political science department prepares you very well with the skills you’ll need and the quality of the educators is top notch. Class sizes were small enough that I was able to develop good relationships with professors and have great intellectual debates that let you hone your ideas. They believed in me, encouraged me, and were always there for me and pushed me.”
JAKUB LIS '17, District Scheduling and Outreach Coordinator for U.S. Congressman David Cicilline
Major: Political Science, Economics, German
More: Connecting His RWU Experience to a Career in Politics
Students Experience Real Issues First-hand
Cutting-Edge Labs and Resources
In addition to small class sizes and making connections with expert faculty, SSNS students enjoy top-notch facilities and research tools.
- The Marine and Natural Sciences building contains state-of-the-art laboratories, including an open seawater lab. With saltwater drawn straight from the bay, our shellfish hatchery and tropical fish aquaculture facility provide opportunities to pioneer research and technology development alongside faculty members.
- The Center for Economic and Environmental Development conducts research that promotes the environmentally sustainable development of marine and maritime industries in Rhode Island. Its facilities include a Wet Lab, Shellfish Hatchery, Dockside Aquaculture, and Aquatic Diagnostic Lab.
- RWU launches a 30-foot vessel outfitted for coastal research out onto Mount Hope Bay and waters beyond every week of the year. Our new experiential learning research vessel (InVinceble Spirit) allows an entire class to be on board in the bay and directly experience our coastal ecosystem dynamics.
Become a RISE Scholar
For talented students interested in a career in research and industry in science and engineering, RWU offers a $10,000 scholarship to become a RISE Scholar. Bridging science, computer science, engineering and forensic science, RWU RISE Scholars are an inclusive community of science communicators dedicated to advancing public understanding of STEM concepts.
