The top images from the 2025 University of Rhode Island Research and Scholarship Photo Contest were selected from a particularly strong field of entries this year. Judges considered both the quality of the images and the image’s connection to the entrant’s URI research or scholarship.

This annual contest showcases the work of URI scholars working in a variety of disciplines. Students, faculty, and staff have an opportunity to share creative perspectives of their work. Images from laboratories to libraries to the depths of the ocean and beyond have been entered over the years and have been featured in the three URI magazines sponsoring this contest: University of Rhode Island Magazine; the Division of Research and Economic Development magazine, Momentum: Research & Innovation; and the Rhode Island Sea Grant/URI Coastal Institute magazine, 41° North: Rhode Island’s Ocean and Coastal Magazine.

First Place

Renato Borras-Chavez was part of a team conducting fieldwork in Parry Fjord, an isolated part of Patagonia, Chile, to study the ecology of leopard seals and their genetic connection to Antarctic populations. The fieldwork was supported by a National Science Foundation grant, led by Sarah Kienle, assistant professor of natural resources science.

The image captures a critical moment from the expedition. After hours of patrolling the freezing waters looking for animals, the team came across a female leopard seal resting on an iceberg.  “We were focused, pressured—piloting a drone, collecting data, and preparing to take a sample—but she was undisturbed, basking in the icy stillness. The contrast was clear: We were working hard, while she was hardly working,” says Borras-Chavez.

The judges praised the composition, texture, and balance; One said, “Such an incredible capture and backstory. I love a good drone photo, and this one is beautiful. The perfect composition between the boat and the seal, and the chunks of ice really set the scene.”

Second Place

Amirali Momeni’s research focuses on science communication, specifically how astronomy influencers use social media to engage the public. His photo of the aurora borealis—also known as the Northern Lights—taken at the URI Bay Campus beach in Narragansett in October 2024, was a way to put his studies into practice. “Auroras are typically seen at much higher latitudes. However, thanks to a powerful solar storm coinciding with the peak of the solar cycle, it became visible much farther south than usual,” Momeni says.

The shimmering curtains of light are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The vibrant colors are a result of atmospheric gases being excited by these solar particles. “In essence, this photograph encapsulates the core of my research: the power of visual communication to inspire awe, connect science with the public, and ultimately promote engagement with the wonders of astronomy.”

The judges praised the color and composition; One said, “This one is a beautiful photo of a rare event, and to have it captured on URI’s campus makes it even more special and deserving of a finalist spot.”

Third Place

Paige Hojdar traveled to Indonesia with her classmates in the Winter J-term course “Biodiversity, Geology, and Water Resources.” In Indonesia, they hiked Mount Bromo, an active volcano in East Java. As they trekked down a hidden path to get a better view, they heard rustling in the trees. They paused and spotted a group of macaques. “Enamored by their playful personalities,” says Hojdar, “I sat in the mud and stared, camera poised and zoomed in tight. This monkey stayed still for a long while, eventually lifting his eyes to the heavens.”

Hojdar incorporated this photo into her group’s final project on marine pollution in Indonesia. “This course emphasized the importance of protecting these environments,” she says, “especially in areas of high tourism.”

The judges praised the engaging eye contact; One said, “This portrait effectively emphasizes the subject’s eyes, using a small depth of field to create a pleasing out-of-focus background.”

Honorable Mention

Gus Bienenfeld works in the lab of Professor Emerita Jacqueline Webb, focusing on the imaging, mapping, and analysis of superficial neuromasts—sensory receptor organs on fish that detect movement or vibrations in the water—in species of fish available in the aquarium trade. This photo is a composite image of a checkered barb with a mitochondrial binding stain that allows for visualization and quantification of neuromasts making up the fish’s lateral line system.

“This image highlights both the complexity and beauty of the mechanosensory lateral line system of fishes,” Bienenfeld says. “This species in particular exhibited superficial neuromasts all over the body with perfect lines radiating from around the eye on the cheek, on both the pre-operculum and operculum, every single scale in the lateral line series, as well as in horizontal lines on the caudal fin.”

One judge noted that the image is “a great example of something fundamentally scientific, yet aesthetically powerful.”

Honorable Mention

Enzo Zambito took this photo of URI center David Fuchs at the free-throw line on February 26, 2025, during the URI vs. Dayton men’s basketball game. The image highlights Fuchs’ concentration as he is surrounded by cheering fans. “Fuchs is locked in with intense focus as he prepares to take his shot,” says Zambito. “The lighting and composition emphasize the intensity of the moment.” 

For Zambito, capturing moments like this allows him to combine his passion for sports with his skills in photography and storytelling. “The photo not only showcases the game itself but also represents the intensity and emotions that define sports,” says Zambito.

The judges agreed, commenting that the photo shows “crisp focus and a great moment,” and is a “great sports shot.”

Honorable Mention

Emily Potts and Alicia Collins took this immunohistochemistry (IHC) image of a rat cerebellum in the lab of Claudia Fallini, assistant professor of cell and molecular biology. There, they study how changes to essential proteins such as TDP43 contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

“The image distinctly showcases the layered organization of the cerebellum,” say Potts and Collins. “This staining combination provides valuable insight into neuronal structure, cellular organization, and potential neurodegenerative processes in the cerebellum.  This helps us uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, identify affected neuronal populations, and explore potential therapeutic targets to mitigate disease progression.”

One judge noted that the image, paradoxically, is “a beautifully soft abstraction for such insidious diseases,” and that it “offers a kind of understanding and hope for future cures.”