The University of Massachusetts Amherst

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Research Stories Archive-2026

Read the latest Research News & Stories.

Connecting the Dots Between Movement, Sleep, and Brain Development

Marie Fandy ’26 studies links between physical activity and cognitive outcomes in preschool-aged children.

Inventing New Ways to Study the Motion of Microplastics in Water

Milo Van Mooy’s ['26] physics research aims to improve understanding of how fluids transport particles in the environment.

Addressing Complex Health Challenges Using Engineering and Data Science

Biomedical engineering major Eden Vachtel '26 studies the social, economic, and health-related factors influencing nutritional insecurity.

Cultivating Sustainability in the Floral Industry

Logan Penney ’26 blends art and activism to raise awareness and push for changes to address environmental and ethical issues surrounding industrial flower production.

Building More Reliable and Ethical AI Systems

Computer science major Jason Huang Alexander ’27 is working to make artificial intelligence and large-scale algorithms work better for people in the real world.

Designing Better Crops for Food and Bioenergy

Kylie Campana’s ['26] research aims to shed light on the genetics involved in the development of grasses, making them better suited to a variety of environments.

Uncovering the Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease

Anna Vincze '26 studies how neurodegenerative diseases progress in the brain, in service of informing the discovery of potential therapeutic targets.

Wearable Tech to Provide Greater Control Over Personal Health

UMass Amherst researchers are developing innovative devices to closely monitor a range of health metrics outside the clinic.

Trailblazing Research to Protect Pollinators

Evolutionary ecologist Lynn Adler’s research is uncovering important new clues about interactions between pollinators, pathogens, and plants.

Creating a Roadmap for a Stronger Democracy

PhD student Adam Eichen’s research aims to find solutions for a more equitable and representative political system and civic life.

A Historical Antidote to Today's Fast Fashion Culture

PhD student Emily Whitted conducts research on the rich history of textile repair in early America.

Wearable Robotics to Power Human Movement

Banu Abdikadirova, a PhD student in mechanical and industrial engineering, develops wearable robotic systems and studies how they can enhance human performance and aid in rehabilitation.

Long-Distance Travelers: Research to Protect Migratory Shorebirds

PhD student Maina Handmaker is studying the behavior of the vulnerable whimbrel bird species and making a concrete impact to protect them.