Sarah Weinstein Knowlton

Sarah Weinstein Knowlton serves as a Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences at Rhode Island College, where she maintains an active research program and teaches specialized courses in chemistry and oceanography from her office in Building No. 2 - East Campus, Room 111 Education.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.S. from Bates College
• Ph.D. from University of Rhode Island

Dr. Knowlton's research program focuses on applying analytical chemistry to environmental challenges in aquatic systems, with particular emphasis on human impacts on water resources. Her laboratory investigates critical regional issues through three interconnected projects: the transport and fate of road salt contaminants in Rhode Island freshwater ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling processes in marine environments, and quantitative analysis of chlorophyll as a biomarker for marine productivity. These studies combine field sampling with advanced laboratory techniques to address pressing environmental concerns.

She mentors undergraduate research students through CHEM 491-493 coursework, providing hands-on experience in environmental analytical methods within the newly renovated Clarke Science Building facilities. Her teaching portfolio spans foundational and advanced topics including General Organic and Biochemistry, Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Marine Environmental Chemistry, and Introduction to Oceanography.