News

Biophysicists unravel cellular 'traffic jams' in active transport

Inside many growing cells, an active transport system runs on nano-sized microtubule tracks that resemble a highway, complete with motors carrying cargo quickly from a central supply depot to growing tips or wherever materials are needed. In spite of the cell’s busy, high-traffic environment, researchers know the system somehow works efficiently, without accidents or traffic jams.    
 
Now a team of UMass Amherst biophysicists, using a special technique and unique microscope, have improved upon earlier studies that used too-simple models not able to account for the densely crowded, dynamic

Schreyer's book expands understanding of architectural CAD software

Alexander C. Schreyer, assistant director and lecturer of the Building and Construction Technology (BCT) program and faculty member in the Architecture +Design Program, has released a book on SketchUp, a popular three dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software, titled “Architectural Design with SketchUp.”
 
Published and released as paperback and e-book editions, the book is now available through online and local bookstores. SketchUp is a popular three dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software owned by Trimble Navigation Ltd of Sunnyvale, Calif.
 
Schreyer has taught courses

MLA honors Fleming for 'From Form to Meaning'

The Modern Language Association of America is awarding its 32nd Mina P. Shaughnessy Prize to English professor David Fleming for his book From Form to Meaning: Freshman Composition and the Long Sixties, 1957–1974, published by the University of Pittsburgh Press. 
 
Awarded for an outstanding work on language, culture, literature or literacy with strong application to the teaching of English, the prize will be presented Jan. 5 during the association’s annual convention in Boston.
 
The members of this year’s selection committee were Jennifer Holberg of Calvin College, Richard Miller of Rutgers

SPHHS toy drive benefits children at Springfield's Square One

The School of Public Health and Health Sciences is conducting a holiday toy drive for Square One, an early childhood education program in Springfield whose building was condemned after it was damaged in the Nov. 23 gas explosion.
 
New, unwrapped toys appropriate for children 15 months to 5 years of age are being through Dec. 17 accepted at the following locations:
 
  • 102 Arnold House, Adrian Grace
  • 213 Chenoweth Lab, Eileen Giard
  • 130B Totman Building, Rebecca Thibault
  • 201 Communication Disorders Building, Joy Holhut
 
 

Obituary: Rudolf Schuster, professor emeritus of Botany

Rudolf M. Schuster, 91, of Stanwood, Wash., professor emeritus of Botany, died Nov. 16 following a recent stroke.

Born in Altmühldorf, Germany, he immigrated to the United States in 1930 with his parents and brother and settled in New York City. He became an American citizen in 1937.

He was a student at Stuyvesant High School, where science and mathematics were emphasized. He studied at Cornell University where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees in entomology. He then studied at the University of Minnesota, majoring in entomology with a minor in botany, and earned his doctorate.

Obituary: Candace Burnham, retired Admissions receptionist

Candace (Watson) Burnham, 64, of Amherst and Marco Island, Fla., retired receptionist at the Undergraduate Admissions Office, died Nov. 28.
 
Born in Winchester, she graduated from Danvers High School in 1966. In 1968 she received her associate’s degree in art from Lasell Junior College.
 
After college, Candy began her six-year career as an airline stewardess.

Prior to joining the campus staff, she earned her real estate broker's license and had a small business selling her hand-painted apparel. She worked on campus from 1989 until her retirement in 2004.
 
She leaves her husband,

Obituary: Janet Fleury, former Placement Office clerk

Janet M. Fleury, 85, of Amherst, a former junior clerk/stenographer in the Placement Office, died Nov. 29.
 
Born in Holyoke, she grew up in Hadley, where she attended local schools. She graduated from Northampton Commercial College.
 
She worked on campus from 1947-61.
 
She leaves her husband, Horace (Leo) Fleury, her daughter Lori and son-in-law William Saylor of Hadley; her son Timothy Fleury and daughter-in-law Patricia Halpin of Sunapee, N.H., and daughter-in-law Maria Fleury of Jacksonville, Fla., and six grandchilden.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Dec.

Hollot named interim dean of College of Engineering

Christopher Hollot, head of the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been named interim dean of the College of Engineering by Provost James V. Staros.
 
Hollot’s appointment was effective Dec. 1 and he will serve until the arrival of a new dean, which is expected in spring 2013, said Staros.
 
A faculty member since 1984, Hollot has served as department head since 2007. Hollot is an authority on the theory and application of feedback control and was recognized for his work by election as an IEEE Fellow in 2004.
 
Hollot succeeds Ted Djaferis, who was named interim dean in

Campus Center Way closed to through traffic Dec. 4

The contractor for the Old Power Plant Demolition Project will be closing Campus Center Way, from Flint/Holdsworth Way to the Lower Garage Service Road on Tuesday, Dec. 4 to make steam line repairs in the area.

The Campus Parking Garage will remain open and accessible from Commonwealth Avenue via Holdsworth Way. There will also continue to be controlled access to the Lower Garage Service Road.

The work zone will be open, as necessary, to emergency vehicles only. UMass Police will direct traffic. Through traffic on Campus Center Way should resume by the end of the day.

Questions about this

Innovation Challenge pitch competition is Dec. 4

A dozen teams of young entrepreneurs seeking $10,000 in prize money will be pitching their innovative business concepts to a panel of judges at the UMass Innovation Challenge Executive Summary and Elevator Pitch competition on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Union's Cape Cod Lounge.
 
Competitors are interdisciplinary student/alumni teams working with faculty members and external advisors. For example:

  • Team Green Latrine offers a solution for sustainable global sanitation, a latrine that purifies waste water at the same time as it produces electricity and compost for rural

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