As the spring semester draws to a close at University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Center for Research on Families (CRF) reflects on a dynamic and intellectually rich semester of Tay Gavin Erickson Lectures. This annual series continues to serve as a cornerstone of CRF’s mission: fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, advancing family-focused research, and connecting scholars with leading voices across a range of fields.
The Spring 2026 lineup brought together researchers and thought leaders whose work spans health, neuroscience, data storytelling, and digital communication—offering both depth and breadth in exploring the complexities of family life and well-being.
Advancing Patient and Caregiver Outcomes Through Behavioral Science
On March 12, Faculty Family Research Scholar, 2026 (FRS) Dr. Alissa Nolden welcomed Dr. Kathrin Milbury of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her lecture, “Dyadic Behavioral Interventions to Improve Patient and Caregiver Outcomes,” explored how interventions designed for both patients and caregivers can lead to improved health and psychosocial outcomes.
Dr. Milbury’s work underscored the importance of addressing the specific needs of both the patients and the caregivers. Offering a compelling framework for more holistic approaches to care.
Dr. Nolden remarked on how "Making connections with professionals that do something very different can be very insightful, learning new methods and techniques"
Centering Narrative in Data: Black Data Stories
On March 31, Dr. Sindiso MnisiWeeks (FRS 2026) hosted Dr. Kenton Rambsy of Howard University for a lecture titled “Black Data Stories Matter.”
Dr. Rambsy’s presentation challenged conventional approaches to data by emphasizing the importance of narrative, cultural context, and representation. His work highlighted how data storytelling can illuminate lived experiences often overlooked in traditional datasets, particularly within Black communities.
Dr. Mnisiweeks stated "I honestly underestimated just how valuable and impactful and plain helpful having this dedicated and focused time to workshop my project would be"
Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring the Locus Coeruleus
On April 14, Dr. Elena Vazey (FRS 2026) welcomed Dr. David Weinshenker from Emory University. His lecture, “Mechanisms and Consequences of Locus Coeruleus Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease,” examined the role of a critical brain region in the progression of neurodegenerative disease.
Weinshenker’s research provided important insights into early pathological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, with implications for early detection and potential therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Vazey noted “One of the biggest benefits is both dedicated time for proposal development and providing intermediate targets (prior to the actual submission). By putting an external expert within reach, I had a lot of motivation to critically evaluate and tighten my proposal. The consultancies, strengthen/develop new relationships with highly meaningful interactions”
Health Communication in a Digital Era
The series concluded on April 28 with Dr. Soo Young Bae (FRS 2026) hosting Dr. Alicia Hong of George Mason University. Her lecture, “From Information to Intelligence: Health Communication in a Digital World,” addressed the evolving landscape of digital health communication.
Hong’s talk explored how health communication has transformed, from early internet use to the integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence in patient care, and how this will shape the future of health communication.
Dr. Bae stated that “The biggest benefit was that it provided me with access to outside expertise that can meaningfully strengthen my project at its current stage. Having the consultant review my work with such care and attention allowed me to receive high-level, intensive feedback from someone with significant grant writing experience.”
Strengthening Scholarly Community Through Collaboration
Across disciplines and methodologies, this semester’s Tay Gavin Erickson Lectures demonstrated the power of collaboration and intellectual exchange. Each visiting scholar not only contributed cutting-edge research but also engaged meaningfully with Faculty Family Research Scholars—sparking new ideas, challenging assumptions, and strengthening ongoing work.
As CRF looks ahead, the impact of these visits will continue to resonate through future research, partnerships, and scholarship.