The public event, from 5:30-7 p.m., will feature live music and the cooperative creation of a community arts mural with UMass creative arts therapist Cathe Bruso.

Attendees at the event, scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. at UMass Downtown, will learn about various volunteer opportunities and discover ways to contribute their time and skills to support local organizations and strengthen our community.

The doctoral student in polymer science and engineering in the College of Natural Sciences won the March 28 event, a follow-up from the 3MT finals held earlier this month, during which the contest’s finalists deliver ed their presentations again, this time in front of an audience made up of local community members including Chancellor Javier Reyes.

Attendees at the event, scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. at UMass Downtown, will learn about various volunteer opportunities and discover ways to contribute their time and skills to support local organizations and strengthen our community.

The conversations, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on April 24, May 6 and June 10 in the university’s new multipurpose retail, event and meeting space at 108 North Pleasant St. in downtown Amherst, are free and open to all.

James oversees the university's multipurpose retail, event and meeting satellite space in downtown Amherst, which opened this week.