Changemakers in the Making
In classrooms, labs, and community spaces across UMass Amherst, students are applying theory in ways that shape lives right now. Whether it’s testing climate solutions, launching startups, or exploring social justice through the arts, the work happening here is immediate and tangible. Far from just schoolwork, an education at UMass prepares students to think boldly, act collaboratively, and carry forward the skills to lead in whatever future they choose.
At the UMass Student Farm, students grow organic produce that supplies campus dining and local markets. Beyond agriculture, it’s a living classroom in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community resilience—equipping the next generation to lead in food systems and climate action.
The Elaine Mareib Center for Nursing and Engineering brings together two disciplines to solve complex healthcare challenges. Students gain interdisciplinary experience, working on innovations that improve patient care and reimagine what’s possible in medical technology.
UMass food science researchers are pioneering breakthroughs in nutrition, safety, and food technology. From plant-based alternatives to food security solutions, this program trains students to tackle global challenges where science, health, and sustainability intersect.
In partnership with footwear manufacturer PUMA, UMass researchers are working on a robotic hip exoskeleton project, creating technologies that enhance human mobility. It’s a glimpse into how UMass is redefining the future of health, athletics, and rehabilitation through cutting-edge research and design.
In Theater design and production, students learn to merge creativity with technical skill—crafting the sets, lighting, and costumes that bring stories to life. It’s hands-on experience in collaboration, artistry, and innovation that prepares students to shape culture and imagination.
The UMass Transportation Center is where students and researchers work to make travel safer, smarter, and more sustainable. From infrastructure improvements to policy insights, the center works closely with the MassDOT to drive change in communities across Massachusetts and beyond.
Experiments, field research, and projects unfolding across campus are less about completing assignments and more about shaping tomorrow’s world. By developing bold solutions now, UMass students are challenging convention, questioning systems, and showing what it means to lead with purpose.
