Profiles
Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina
Professor of English, former dean of the Commonwealth Honors College, and Paul Murray Kendall Chair in Biography at UMass Amherst, Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina is a prolific author and media host. She has written or edited nine books. From 1997 to 2012 she hosted the nationally-syndicated public radio program "The Book Show," and interviewed guests like Toni Morrison, Julian Barnes, Kazuo Ishiguro, A.S. Byatt, Salman Rushdie, Tracy Chevalier, Maya Angelou, and Philip Roth. In 2020, she has experienced heightened interest in her work as writer specializing in Black British Studies.
Sonali Khanna '18
Sonali Khanna, a third-year Architecture major, explains her experiences as an architectural intern, the detail-oriented work that goes into a design, and the increasing passion and drive instilled in her by the rigorous academic programming in the department of Architecture.
More >
Tenzin Thargay '18
Through his pursuit of a dual degree in Chinese and Political Science, Tenzin Dawa Thargay has been exposed to many thought-provoking issues that have changed his views on the world and international relations. Tenzin discusses his background as a first-generation Tibetan-American and shares his thoughts on the humanistic and political aspect of his education and what he plans to do after graduation.
More >
Peter Breslow '77
A global traveler and award-winning reporter, Peter Breslow '77 boasts decades of work for National Public Radio (NPR), the Washington, D.C.-based news syndicate that serves nearly 1,000 member stations across the country. He talks about his work in the field of journalism, his progression through the ladder of positions, and the skills UMass gave him to get there.
More >
Paul Dennis
Paul Dennis is an Associate Professor the the UMass Amherst Department of Music and Dance, as well as a Co-Director of the University Dancers and a coordinator of HFA's New York Professional Outreach Program. Professor Dennis discusses his journey with dance and how his experiences have shaped his relationship with the art form.
More >
Taylor Lopatofsky '17
As an artist and member of intersecting communities, Taylor Lopatofsky has experimented with many mediums, ultimately landing on a digitally-based, interdisciplinary work. She discusses her current projects, faculty partnerships, and the crucial role art plays in the mind.
More >
Emma George '18
A double major in Dance and Kinesiology, Emma George ‘18 is focused on the human body: when it works the way it should, and when it doesn’t. Her passion for dance started when she was just four years old. Emma is currently working with one of her professors on a dance intervention for people with Huntington’s disease. She eventually hopes to work for Cirque du Soleil and intertwine work with travel. She also wants to become a physical therapist, helping dancers and other athletes heal and recover from injuries.
More >
