Our concerns about distracted students have intensified as we have shifted online. Indeed, this session with Dr. James Lang (author of Distracted: Why Students Can’t Focus and What You Can Do About It) draws upon scholarship from history, neuroscience, and education in order to argue that distractions are endemic to the human condition, and can’t be walled out of the physical classroom or online course. The solution? We should focus on creating educational experiences that cultivate and sustain attention. Faculty, postdocs, and graduate student participants will learn about a variety of ways to develop such experiences for their students. Co-sponsored by the Center for Teaching & Learning, the Graduate School’s Office of Professional Development, and the Provost’s Office.

It’s not uncommon for conflicts (small and large) to arise in our daily lives, and many require proactive discussion for successful resolution. In this session, Dr. Joanne Kamens, Executive Director of Addgene, will talk about common communication barriers, constructive strategies for conflict resolution, and tips for effectively communicating "bad news". Co-sponsored with the Biotechnology Training Program (BTP). 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School is proud to host its 5th annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition! These popular events have become a global phenomenon and offer graduate students the opportunity to communicate the significance of their research to a general audience, all in three minutes or less. Our campus 3MT Final will feature engaging presentations from UMass graduate students who advanced from the preliminary rounds; the winner of the Final will receive $1,000, with the runner-up and People’s Choice winner each receiving $500. Come and cast your vote for your favorite speaker! Winners will be announced live at this virtual event. This event will also showcase finalists from the Images of Research contest. Co-sponsored by the Amherst Jones Library. Zoom link will be posted here approximately one week prior to the event.