Meet the Team : Institute of Diversity Sciences : UMass Amherst

Director's Welcome

I founded the Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS) in 2018 with a simple but ambitious goal: to connect STEM to social justice.

From day one, our mission has been to break down silos—across disciplines, institutions, and communities—to solve real-world problems. At IDS, we bring together people who believe that science and technology should serve equity, inclusion, and the public good.

We’re a collaborative hub for faculty, students, and community partners who are tackling critical issues like health disparities, environmental justice, and equity in education and the workplace.

Today, over 412 faculty, students, and staff at UMass Amherst and across the Five College Consortium in Western Massachusetts (Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, and Mt. Holyoke Colleges) are affiliated with IDS. And the impact of our programs reaches well beyond Western Massachusetts—supporting students, research, and partnerships across the country.

—Nilanjana (Buju) Dasgupta, Founding Director

Meet Our Staff

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.

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.

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.

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. He believes IDS is a unique opportunity to advance diversity in a way that both educates and elevates individuals to fulfill their greatest potential.

McKayla Mills

Communications Manager

McKayla Mills serves the Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS) team as the Communications Manager, bringing expertise in graphic design, photography, social media strategy, and digital communications to support the the institute’s mission and outreach.

Emily DeGowin

Data Manager

Emily is a graduate student pursuing a masters degree in the Data Analytics for Computational Social Sciences (DACSS) program. She graduated from UMass Amherst with a BA in Political Science. Emily enjoys exploring research and is particularly interested in applying data analytics, quantitative methods, and theory in her work and throughout her future endeavors.

Arsen Sekmokas

Communications Assistant

Arsen is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. With a strong background in visual design and a passion for interdisciplinary work, Arsen brings a creative and technical lens to his role with the Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS). He enjoys exploring how technology and design intersect to solve problems and tell meaningful stories.