# @universityofri on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DSKykWijUOq
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/37895473-universityofri-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f20eff7087.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-12-12T15:34:23.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** URI — University of Rhode Island (@universityofri) — https://gondola.cc/universityofri

## Caption

Meet Iris Ribeiro, a graduate student from East Greenwich and the Fall 2025 graduate student commencement speaker, earning her Master of Arts in English.

Twelve years after finishing her bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii, Iris came to URI with a deep love of writing and a new academic focus: exploring how neurodiverse characters are represented in literature. Inspired by her experience as a mother to twin daughters, both of whom are neurodiverse, her research led her to present at the Beyond Labels International Conference for Disability, Different Ability and Neurodiversity in London in September.

A former actress and current real estate professional, Iris says her first day back in the classroom felt like a “new beginning,” transforming her into a better version of herself.

“What I realized at URI is that there is a world outside of this bubble we sometimes live in,” Iris said. “Sometimes, when you’re surrounded by big thinkers and thought leaders, you just push limits and find things that didn’t exist until you put yourself in this environment. Education took me to London this year, so I’m going to continue to push the limits to see where else it can take me.”

Looking ahead, Iris plans to submit her thesis for publication and create short stories that could lead to a neuro novel. At commencement, she’ll reflect on how our defining moments often come from the opportunities we take to connect with others. 

Read the full story at the link in our bio ⬆️

📸 courtesy of: Iris Ribeiro
#GoRhody #RhodyGrad #RhodyGrads #URI2025 #ClassOf2025

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## Tags

gorhody, classof2025, rhodygrad, uri2025, rhodygrads

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