You can read more about our programs in our annual Impact Report or our biannual E-Newsletter. Previous and current IDS E-Newsletters and short videos on our activities can be found here.
Get Engaged
Faculty, students, and staff: Attend a multidisciplinary seminar on one or all of our research themes — learning & work, health, and climate change. Listen, learn, and present your work. Start a new collaboration with researchers and practitioners who share your interests. Apply for funding from the institute to tackle a research problem related to equity or diversity.
Students: Work with us to invite underrepresented scientists to campus to share their research, professional experiences, and serve as informal mentors. Read more about IDS Student Fellowship.
UMass alums and friends: Be a mentor or an invited speaker, join our external advisory board, or make a gift.
Other ideas? Contact Nilanjana Buju Dasgupta, institute director, or Liz Smith, associate director.
Nilanjana Buju Dasgupta
Director
Buju Dasgupta is a professor of psychology in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, and also the director of faculty equity & inclusion in the College of Natural Sciences at UMass Amherst. Her research centers on unconscious or implicit bias with emphasis on the ways in which changes in social contexts produce corresponding changes in people’s implicit attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. Dasgupta’s research identifies academic and professional contexts that protect individuals' sense of self and aspirations against negative stereotypes. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the American Psychological Foundation.
Dasgupta focuses much of her time on translating scientific research to inform social problems such as educational disparities in science, engineering, and mathematics, and the underrepresentation of women and ethnic minorities in professional leadership roles. She has presented this work to K-12 teachers and administrators, university leaders and faculty, business leaders, policymakers on Capitol Hill, and at a White House roundtable in the Obama administration.
Dagupta’s work has been recognized through the Distinguished Academic Outreach Award in Research from UMass Amherst (2014), the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Research and Creative Activity (2016), and the Hidden Bias Research Prize awarded by the Level Playing Field Institute, a private foundation based in Silicon Valley (2012).
Liz Smith
Associate Director
Liz Smith joined the Institute of Diversity Sciences in January 2024 after serving for eight years as Director of Foundation Relations in UMass Amherst's Advancement division, where she assisted faculty and staff from across campus in securing funding from private philanthropic foundations. Prior to returning to UMass, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 2004, Liz spent six years working as a development professional in New York—at a Bronx-based youth development organization called Rocking the Boat and at WNET, New York City’s public media company. She also worked for two years for the New York City Bar Association’s Office for Diversity, which works to increase diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in New York.
Liz holds an MA in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware and a BA in Journalism and Sociology from UMass Amherst. She believes strongly in IDS’ mission and is excited for the opportunity to help the institute continue to grow, evolve, and deepen its impact.
Casandra Feen
Program Manager
Casandra Feen holds a Bachelor of Healthcare Management from the College of Our Lady of the Elms and an Associate of Sciences from Holyoke Community College. With a background in admissions, healthcare management, and community support, she brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Program Manager for IDS’ Programs. Casandra plays a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Institute and is instrumental in overseeing the day-to-day operations of its student facing programs, ensuring compliance with program goals, and fostering partnerships to enhance program outreach.
As Program Manager, Casandra is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists from diverse backgrounds, aligning with the core mission of the Institute. Her diverse skill set in data analysis, project management, and collaboration, coupled with her passion for diversity and inclusion in STEM, position her as an essential contributor to the impactful work of the Institute of Diversity Sciences.
Vince Mack
Business & Operations Manager
Vince Mack is a graduate of Springfield College, earning both his undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration, and his Master’s in Business Administration. Vince is an avid car enthusiast and has a range of hobbies and interests including botany, eclectic and vintage décor, and visual arts. Vince has worked in both the nonprofit and profit sectors, and he has multi-pronged experience in all aspects of operations. It has allowed him a solid understanding of collaborative practices and tools that promote successful and productive organizational synergy.
Vince began his career in the educational sector at University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT as Budget Manager for the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. Vince found the participation and student interaction with various projects very enjoyable, and he believes the creative and energetic environment of higher learning allows him to thrive.
The commitment of the Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS) to social justice within STEM matches his core philosophy about humanity and equality. Vince is deeply appreciative to be a part of the work that IDS is doing. He’s personally faced challenges regarding diversity and inclusion in his educational pursuits, as well as in the workplace. He believes IDS is a unique opportunity to advance diversity in a way that both educates and elevates individuals to fulfill their greatest potential.
Riley O. Brown
Communications Manager
Riley earned undergraduate degrees in both Interactive Media Design and Professional Writing from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He spent 7 years in the video game industry working as a production artist, eventually co-founding an indie studio and bringing 2 original products to release.
More recently Riley has been working as a freelance web developer, graphic designer, and illustrator, which allows him to pursue his other passions of cooking and supporting the local community. Riley has spent the last 10 years managing a Meals on Wheels program, which serves scratch-cooked meals to more than 850 people each day throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties. When not working, he can be found running many miles and looking at birds through binoculars.
IDS’ work is integral to the equitable and inclusive future Riley wants to live in. As Communications Manager he supports the team by maximizing the accessibility and visibility of this work.
Jessica DiPietro
Program Assistant
Jessica is a senior student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Public Health Sciences, and is a graduate of the Community Scholars Program at Umass. She possesses both an academic and personal dedication to social justice, and is working towards promoting equity here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Through this position, Jessica hopes to support STEM students of color and help create an open, inclusive educational environment.
As a Program Assistant for the IDS team, Jessica provides valuable administrative support for IDS initiatives ensuring efficient operations and seamless coordination within the program.
Emily DeGowin
Data Manager
Emily is a sophomore student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Having an aptitude for analytical thought processing, as well as experience in solution-based goal setting, having the opportunity to be a part of the IDS team has allowed her to expand her experiences and future impact.
Outside of IDS, throughout her academics Emily enjoys exploring research, as well as taking classes that continue to add world perspectives through critical thinking, both expanding her interests and further developing new ones to explore. Outside of academics, she is a member of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, as well as other ensembles on campus. Additionally, she enjoys reading and being outdoors.