Spring 2022

A dictionary laying open on a turquoise surface.

Chasing Language

Five alumni at Merriam-Webster reveal how dictionaries evolve

Hidden Gems

Nooks, niches, and curiosities

Extra Credit

For those who like to read ahead
In Brief
A red and blue pop art style photo of a falcon.
Watch

Banded together

W. E. B. Du Bois Library is making conservation efforts to keep falcons off the endangered species list

Long Read
Person smiling outside in front of a brick building.

A Quantum Leap

Leading experts on the future of quantum computing

Short Read
A traffic light featuring microscope slides of bacteria in front of a double helix pattern background

The promise of mRNA

A look into the future applications of mRNA therapies

Long Read
University chapel and students
Glimpse

Behind the flash

UMass photographer John Solem shares his most memorable shoots

Long Read
Illustration of a person tying a tie in a mirror
Wow

Aging Expertly

UMass experts and alums share advice on how to stay healthy as we age

In Brief
Three women’s lacrosse players layered on top of green and yellow paint splattered background

Sticking Together

A new rule allows for an extra year of play—and learning

In Brief
Blue and white artistic tiles on background with Arabic calligraphy.
Watch

The Ambassador

Aimée Froom ’93MA bridges cultures to teach history

In Brief
Black and white realistic pencil drawing on two hands holding a mason jar of fireflies on a black background. Text on mason jar reads “Art Room ‘Ah-Ha’ Moments”.

Braving the blank page

Kristyn Shea ’06 shares her journey from student to top teacher

In Brief
Headshot of a man wearing a blue windbreaker over brown polo smiling and standing in front of trees.

Accomplished

Creating a place for every student

Keeping native languages alive and well

In Brief
Two students in a classroom collaborate with each other while looking at a laptop
Watch

Around the Pond

New names, new possibilities

Innovation station

Homage to humanity

Short Read
Color blocking art featuring plants sprouting from a power strip that plugs are getting

Plugged In

How UMass is helping to build a greener energy system

In Brief
Bubble sheet with cartoon personalities filling in the dots.

Pop quiz!

We all have our favorite campus eatery. What does your go-to say about you? Take the quiz to find out!

Bits

Connections

Class Notes and more

In Memoriam

Remembering a generous co-worker, a trailblazing pathologist, and more

SEEN

SomneuroLab offers hands-on experience, groundbreaking research