The Department of Natural Resources Science has the unique ability to conduct comprehensive, multidisciplinary research within a single academic department. Our faculty have diverse expertise in environmental science and the commitment to work cooperatively.

The Department enjoys excellent research relationships with many federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

The U.S.G.S. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's Coastal Field Station and the National Park Service's Inventory and Monitoring Program, both located at the University of Rhode Island, afford research opportunities for faculty and students in this department. The National Park Service also maintains a Field Technical Support Center for Geographic Information System (GIS) activities in the Department and this provides an excellent opportunity for research using GIS technology.

Although Rhode Island is the principal experimental arena for NRS scientists, faculty conduct research projects throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia.