Skip to main content
The University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
  • Search UMass.edu
College of Natural Sciences

Main navigation

  • Academics
    Undergraduate programsGraduate programsCertificate programsFlexible and online learningAll academic programsCourses
    See all departments
    Degree requirementsInfo for prospective studentsPre-college programs
  • Student Success
    CNS Student Success CenterAcademic AdvisingCareer and Professional DevelopmentGraduate Student SuccessPre-Med/Pre-Health AdvisingBelonging and Strategic EngagementYour Academic Deans
    First Year OpportunitiesAdvising FAQsScholarshipsStudent Organizations
  • Research
    Research centers & institutesUndergraduate researchGreenhousesIndustry partnershipsResearch supportCNS Bridge and Seed Funding (BSF) programScientific glassblowing laboratory
  • Campus & Outreach
    Diversity, Equity & InclusionStudent Success and DiversityEureka!Community ConnectionsGivingCenter for Agriculture, Food, and the EnvironmentUMass Extension
  • About
    NewsStoriesEventsPeopleMeet the leadershipBuildings and facilitiesContact
    Information for faculty & staffInformation for alumni

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Student Success
  3. Graduate Student Success

CNS EDGE Program

Overview 

The CNS EDGE program is a unique opportunity for graduate students to further develop as academic scholars with the support of a community of practice. The program provides space and support to discuss challenges, create community, and build skills that will help graduate students navigate higher education and further develop as leaders in their field. The program will center the voices and affirm the life experiences of graduate students from backgrounds historically underrepresented and marginalized in STEM. By participating in the EDGE program, fellows will:  

  • Have a better understanding of their skills and strengths 
  • Be better equipped to navigate conflict and difficult conversations 
  • Have developed a stronger network of peers and mentors

EDGE meetings will be held 1-2 times a month with the goal of providing low-stakes, collaborative spaces and skill building opportunities not offered elsewhere on campus. Program offerings will focus on communication and dialogue, networking, and the hidden curriculum of graduate school. Those selected as EDGE fellows are expected to attend the majority of program meetings. 

Eligibility

All CNS graduate students are eligible to participate in the EDGE program. In the spring, a call for self-nominations and nominations from faculty and staff will be advertised to the college community. Graduate students will be notified of their participation in the program in the summer.

Local Navigation Links

Graduate Student Success
Current Graduate Student Resources
Prospective Graduate Student Resources
CNS EDGE Program
CNS Graduate Ambassador Program
Graduate Student Symposium
Graduate Program Directors

Contact

Image
Lara Roach

Lara Bourdon-Roach

Director of Graduate Student Success and Engagement
Email: lararoach [at] umass [dot] edu

Site footer

College of Natural Sciences
  • Find us on X
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Find us on YouTube
  • Find us on LinkedIn
  • Find us on Instagram
Address

101 Stockbridge Hall
80 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9248
United States

Phone number
(413) 545-2766

Info for...

  • Current students
  • Faculty and staff
  • Alumni

Academics

  • Explore our programs
  • Departments

The college

  • About CNS
  • News
  • Events

Contact

  • Contact CNS
  • Directory
University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • ©2026 University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Site policies
  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination notice
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of use