Arielle Chaves (center) joined the ABE Rhode Island program in January 2024 after transferring from a research lab at the University of Rhode Island (URI). She came to URI 10 years ago after receiving her BS in biology and MS in plant pathology. She previously performed research in cellulose biosynthesis in the moss Physcomitium patens. Arielle currently serves as lead lab technician and program coordinator for ABE RI. She easily acclimated to the program and has helped make the program more efficient. More importantly, she organized the recent ABE RI PDI. In addition to training teachers, Arielle shared her knowledge of plants with them by offering a detailed tour. She also volunteered to help one teacher set up and proctor his National Occupational Competency Institute (NOCTI) exam in early 2024.

After a late December relocation of the ABE RI program from two campuses and the departure of their previous full-time technician, Arielle’s contribution to the program has been invaluable. The Program Office is extremely grateful to have Arielle as part of the ABE family.