Roger Williams University’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development operates one of three shellfish hatcheries in Rhode Island – the only one within a university. It produces shellfish seed for a variety of species and projects, including restoration and academic research. During a 30-45 minute farm tour, participants will see the nursery set-up where shellfish seed grows throughout the summer, and learn about their life after leaving the hatchery. Come learn about the farm and what it takes to grow shellfish.
Tours held between 10 a.m. and noon.
Tour Guides
Susanna Osinski
Susanna is the Shellfish Field Operations Manager at RWU. She coordinates off-campus shellfish-related fieldwork as well as extension and outreach work with our research partners, local aquaculturists and agencies, and our own RWU students. She also manages the RWU FerryCliffe Shellfish Farm and Nursery and works as crew for the lab boat classes on our vessel, the InVinceble Spirit!
Kristen Savastano
Kristen took the position of Shellfish Research Assistant after graduating from RWU in 2022 with a major in Marine Biology and minors in Sustainability and Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences. While studying at RWU, they worked in the CEED Marine Lab before moving on to the CEED Blount Shellfish Hatchery. Kristen is a part of all shellfish aquaculture here from microalgae culturing to hatchery and farm. She is also currently working on a research project looking at the impact of biofouling on oyster farms in Rhode Island.