Join us for lunch as we create space to share your experiences on campus, discuss current events, and connect with other students. Lunch will be provided. Feel free to bring your own lunch as well.Fostering an inclusive and welcoming community is at the heart of the Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) ‘s work. All events hosted by or in collaboration with the MSSC are open to the entire URI community. We are committed to making URI a place where everyone feels valued, included, and has a true sense of belonging. We look forward to welcoming you!Thursdays 12:30pm- 1:30pmDates:1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/27, 4/10,4/24Visit URInvolved for complete event details and to RSVP.

Interfacial colloidal interactions, dynamics, and assembly: from biomembranes to ordered 2D materialsAbstract:Soft matter interfaces are ubiquitous across diverse technologies ranging from pharmaceuticals to chemical formulations. The presence of surfactant molecules or colloidal particles at fluid interfaces gives the interface distinct properties in response to flow, deformation, and external fields that must be measured, understood, and manipulated for desired functionalities. This talk will focus on colloidal interactions in two such systems: crowded artificial biological membranes and anisotropic particles at air-water interfaces. In the first part of the talk, we discuss the effects of increasing concentration of model membrane inclusions in an artificial cell membrane on inclusion diffusivity and the apparent viscosity of the membrane. In the second part of the talk, we highlight our recent discovery that particle surface porosity severely attenuates the capillary attraction between colloidal ellipsoids at fluid interfaces, enabling the development of ordered anisotropic 2D monolayers. By monitoring the dynamics of two particles approaching one another, we find that porous particles exhibit a strikingly shorter-range capillary interaction potential. Interferometry measurements of the fluid deformation surrounding a single particle quantitatively confirm the decrease in capillary interaction energy and point to roughness-induced changes to interfacial pinning as the mechanism for reduced attraction. Lastly, we show how this reduction in interparticle capillary attraction and alteration in interfacial pinning manifests in the overall 2D interfacial assembly and mechanics of particulate monolayers, informing an approach for the development of anisotropically ordered 2D materials.Short Bio:Peter Beltramo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at UMass Amherst. He earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 2014, where he studied the electrokinetics and self-assembly of colloidal suspensions. Before starting at UMass Amherst in 2018, he completed a postdoc in Soft Materials at ETH Zurich. At UMass, his lab studies interfacial soft matter in contexts ranging from membrane biophysics and biomimetic materials to particle stabilized emulsions and ordered 2D materials. His recent recognitions include the NSF CAREER Award, ACS-PRF Doctoral New Investigator Award, and a Lilly Teaching Fellowship at UMass Amherst.

Come spice it up with BASIL, the therapy dog at the Military and Veteran Education Center (MAVE). Open to ALL students.Visit URInvolved for complete event details and to RSVP.

There are many benefits to studying abroad or away. This is your first step to learn about the benefits and explore international and national study away opportunities! Once you attend this session you can begin meeting one-on-one with an education abroad advisor and filling out your application for a study away program.The session will explain the different types of study abroad/study away programs offered at URI, their basic financial structures, and a review of helpful tips to navigate our website to gain even more important information. You will also be able to ask questionsMake sure to register by clicking the event website below.

In collaboration with the South Asian Students’ Association, the Muslim Student Association is providing Iftaar, an evening meal to break your religious fast, on March 6th. This South Asian meal shall be shared by Muslim students and members observing the religious fast of Ramadan on this day. We highly emphasize that only members who are observing a fast from dawn to dusk RSVP for this event, as we have limited food and space.Visit URInvolved for complete event details and to RSVP.

Bi weekly meetings for URI's Planned Parenthood Advocacy club! Held in Memorial Union room 318 from 5:30-7pm.Visit URInvolved for complete event details and to RSVP.