James F. Manwell, director of the Wind Energy Center and professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was the primary author of a section of a wind-energy paper just published inthe journal Science. The article also generated the theme – the Grand Vision for Wind Energy – of the NAWEA/WindTech 2019 conference taking place at UMass Amherst Oct. 14-16. The Science article is part of the rollout for the conference. Manwell was the primary author of the offshore portions of the section “Second grand challenge: aerodynamics, structural dynamics, and offshore wind hydrodynamics of enlarged wind turbines.”

Foresters and ecologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst this month released a new statewide guide, “Planting for Resilience: Selecting Urban Trees in Massachusetts,” a manual designed to help tree wardens, urban foresters, professional arborists, nonprofit volunteers and private residents in selecting and planting trees well suited to thrive in the Commonwealth’s cities and towns. Graduate researcher Ashley McElhinney wrote the 106-page guide as part of her master’s degree work in environmental conservation with a focus on urban forestry with her advisor Richard Harper, an extension associate professor of urban and community forestry. The manual is available online as a downloadable pdf; there is also a web-based video in which McElhinney discusses the work.

UMass Amherst this week launched its new brand campaign at a special kick-off event in the Fine Arts Center. “Be Revolutionary” captures the essence of the university’s exceptional students, brilliant faculty, cutting-edge research and extensive outreach.

The School of Earth and Sustainability has announced that Curt Griffin, environmental conservation, and Rob DeConto, geosciences, will serve as co-directors of the school.