Research Opportunities from Oyster Health to Aquatic Robots Empower Marine Biology Student to Carve His Own Path at RWU

January 14, 2026By Kelly Brinza

Konnor Collins found a passion as a student researcher in RWU's Aquatic Diagnostic Lab, where he focused on marine pathogens, diagnostics, and environmental DNA.

BRISTOL, R.I. - For Konnor Collins, the ocean wasn't just a distant fascination, it was a calling. Growing up in landlocked Broken Arrow, Okla., he developed an early curiosity about marine life.

"I didn't grow up around the ocean, so it was always something kind of distant and unknown to me," Collins said. "That mystery really drew me in."

Collins transferred to Roger Williams University in the fall of 2022, after having spent a year in Kansas. "It was scary. It was the furthest I've ever lived from home. But if you're not where you want to be, you have to be willing to make a change and take control of your life."

Now, having graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biologyand minors in Mathand Sustainability Studies this past December, he turned that curiosity into real-world research.

Finding Purpose in the Lab

Collins found a passion as a student researcher in the university's Aquatic Diagnostic Lab(ADL), where he focused on marine pathogens, diagnostics, and environmental DNA (eDNA).

"It's what I liked best about this program, the student involvement," he said. "Everyone I know is doing something, whether it's in the lab, on research projects, or fieldwork."

Abigail Scro, Molecular Research and Lab Manager for the ADL and adjunct faculty member in the Marine Biology program, worked closely with Collins during his time in the lab for more than two years.

She says Konnor honed the skills of a scientist and researcher in a short time. "He really focuses on getting the details right, which is important when working with pathogens and diseases," Scro said.

Collins holds JaiaBot from Jaia Robotics. It's an autonomous, torpedo-shaped research vehicle fitted with sensors and a custom DNA pump.

In the spring of 2025, Collins worked on a project with Jaia Roboticsto help validate an eDNA collection method using a JaiaBot - an autonomous, torpedo-shaped research vehicle fitted with sensors and a custom DNA pump. His role was to test water samples for oyster diseases using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques. Collins said this technology could change how oyster farmers manage disease outbreaks.

"With tissue diagnostics, it's often too late, the oysters are already infected," Collins explained. "This eDNA method allows us to detect pathogens in the water before that happens, giving farmers a chance to act earlier."

The summer of 2025 was also significant for Collins, being selected as one of RWU's first Blue Fellows, students equipped with real-world internships in labs and businesses driving blue economy innovation. His main focus was to examine the impacts of rust tide on larval oyster behavior, something he said helps researchers learn more about toxic algae and could aid in saving aquatic industries that rely on larval oysters.

"There is currently very little known about how rust tide can impact oysters, especially when they are young, in their larval stages, so we hope our studies will support a more sustainable aquaculture industry," said Collins.

But one of the standout experiences for Collins' was studying abroad in Belize for a Tropical Ecology course. "It was amazing to see how what we learned in New England applies in totally different environments."

Leading On and Off the Court

As captain of the Men's Tennis team, Collins guided the Hawks through an impressive 17-match win streak in the spring of 2025.

Outside the lab, Collins is just as driven. As captain of the Men's Tennis team, he helped lead the Hawks through an impressive season including a 17-match win streak last spring.

"Being in a leadership role is definitely challenging," he said. "But it's worth it. I love seeing how players grow."

The team's head coach, Barry Gorman, praised Collins' growth and leadership, saying it's helped build team cohesion.

"Coaching Konnor for the past three years has been a very rewarding experience," Gorman said. "I have watched him thrive in both on-court technical skills and mental toughness. He has shown each one of his teammates the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying committed to their goals each day when they step on the court."

Collins, who recently accepted a job as an Observer with Fathom Resources, plans to continue his education in graduate school with the goal of ultimately becoming a professor.

Looking Ahead

Collins' future is as multifaceted as his time at Roger. He plans to pursue graduate studies in molecular biology. He said his time as a Blue Fellow helped him focus where his marine biology passions lie: disease research and microbiology.

"There's life everywhere and I want to study how it works at the genetic level," he said. "

For now, Collins is taking time off from school to gain work experience. He accepted a job as an Observer with Fathom Resources in Middletown, R.I. where he will work with commercial fisherman to record their catch and ensure they're meeting NOAA regulations and report anomalies.

"I'll be out at sea for up to 10 days at a time," he said. "I'll be on boats that leave from ports all over Massachusetts and sometimes out of state. I'm very excited to start!"

But his dream job is ultimately to become a professor. "My favorite part of being tennis captain has been watching how people grow. That's what draws me to teaching. Plus," he laughed, "talking about things I love while students have to listen for a grade? That sounds great!"