From the Lab to the Court: How One Student-Athlete Built a Path in Science at Roger Williams University

BRISTOL, R.I. – Curiosity shaped nearly every step of Lily Winsten’s time at Roger Williams University. The senior from Rockledge, Fla., who is double-majoring in Biology and Public Health, has consistently sought out opportunities that challenged her to grow. Whether stepping into a research lab during her first year, leading teammates on the volleyball court, or immersing herself in global learning, she has spent the past four years building a path grounded in science, service, and exploration.

Her academic journey began early. As a first-year student, Winsten joined a biology research lab led by Marcie Marston, Professor of Biology, where she learned foundational laboratory skills.  She then moved into research examining viruses, where she developed an interest in infectious disease research at the molecular level.

“I started by learning how to do lab work,” Winsten said. “Then I became really interested in the infection side of things and how viruses interact with host cells. That’s where it all started for me.”

As her academic interests expanded, so did her coursework. When she later entered the Public Health program, Winsten was introduced to the data-driven side of disease research. Through epidemiology projects with Jacob Bueno de Mesquita, Assistant Professor of Public Health, she gained experience analyzing public health data and began to see how laboratory science and population-level research intersect.

“That overlap between biology and public health really stood out to me,” she said. “It showed me how different disciplines come together in infectious disease work.”

Studying abroad played a pivotal role in shaping that perspective. During her sophomore year, Winsten participated in a Marine Biology-focused study abroad trip in Panama. The 11-day trip was led by Biology professors Brian Wysor and David L. Taylor. Though the Marine Biology was outside her major, the experience exposed her to hands-on learning and new cultural contexts, including collaboration with Panamanian students.

While observing the effects of climate change on the low-lying island communities, Winsten saw how environmental shifts directly affect public health and displacement. The experience helped solidify her interest in Public Health and led her to declare it as her second major.

“That trip made everything feel real,” she said. “Seeing how people were impacted made me realize this was the field where I wanted to make a difference.”

She later spent a semester studying abroad in New Zealand during the spring of her junior year, where coursework integrated Indigenous Māori perspectives and emphasized learning through place and culture. The experience broadened her understanding of how public health, environment, and community are connected.

Back on campus, Winsten balanced her academic commitments with a demanding athletic schedule. As a member of the women’s volleyball team, she served as team captain during her junior and senior years. She credits the experience with strengthening her time management skills and teaching her how to navigate teamwork and conflict.

“Being a student-athlete teaches you discipline,” she said. “But it also teaches you how to work with people and build a strong team culture. That’s something I’ll carry with me into my career.”

Her leadership extended beyond athletics. Winsten has worked as a tutor in the Science Center since her freshman year, supporting students in genetics and biostatistics courses. The role, she said, reinforced her own understanding of the complex material while allowing her to mentor others.

“Being able to explain science to someone else helps you understand it more deeply,” she said. “It’s also really rewarding to watch students have that moment when everything clicks.”

For the past three years, Winsten has also served as a resident assistant, first in first-year housing and later in Almeida Hall. She said the role allowed her to support students during key transitions and build meaningful relationships within the campus community.

“I’m really proud of being able to balance everything,” she said. “I’ve been involved in research since my first year, taken on leadership roles, and built strong connections with students and professors. The university created an environment where that was possible.”

After graduation, Winsten plans to attend graduate school to study epidemiology, with the goal of continuing research in infectious diseases. She has been accepted into programs at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health.  She said that while she hasn’t made a decision on where to go yet, she hopes to remain in a research-focused environment while contributing to public health efforts.

Looking back, she credits Roger Williams University for providing early access to opportunities and the support needed to pursue them fully.

“I’ve been able to do the research I wanted, get involved on campus, and make meaningful connections,” she said. “I don’t think there could have been a better place for me to learn.”

Her advice to incoming students is simple.

“Be curious,” she said. “Ask questions, make connections with your professors, and take advantage of what’s here. This school has so much to offer if you’re willing to go after it.”