Dean’s Message – January 2025
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As we begin the new semester, there is no doubt that our work in public health and health sciences will be challenged in many unprecedented ways. During challenging times such as these, we need to support one another and the communities we serve and strive to rise above the chaos. We need to remain committed to our shared mission of education and scholarship for a healthier world, to provide access and equity in order to improve population health for all, and to advance the science, education, and practice of public health and the health sciences.
I urge you to stay abreast of recent federal actions and their impacts on our university here: https://www.umass.edu/news/federal-actions
I was recently provided with a reminder of the tremendous impact that higher education can provide. During the winter session, I had the privilege of teaching a study aboard course in Cyprus for 25 of our amazing students. The course, arranged by the Office of Global Affairs at UMass and the University of Nicosia, explored food, culture, health and sustainability by combining classroom instruction with a series of field excursions over a 21-day period. Along with my co-instructor Gloria DiFulvio, our associate dean for undergraduate academic affairs, and a cohort of nursing students enrolled in a course led by Dr. Ann Becker, we were able to fully explore the connections between food and health within the rich history and culture of Cyprus.
The students loved taking part in such a high impact educational experience. We visited several medieval settlements, a haloumi cheese farm, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Cyprus Research Institute and an organic olive orchard, to name a few. In fact, we now have an olive tree named after UMass that is dedicated as a symbol of peace, friendship, and the connection between the university and the people of Cyprus.
The experience also opened our eyes to the consequences of war that occurred on the island during the 1974 invasion by the Turks. We were touched emotionally and physically by the experience of visiting Famagusta, a ghost town along the shoreline.
We all bonded, created new friendships and came away intrigued to learn more about the history and culture of Cyprus. And that, in essence, is but one of the many ways in which higher education can make an impact on the lives of our students.
As we return to campus, I encourage you all to take advantage of the numerous opportunities to expand your education and celebrate our diversity. Below are just a few.
Finding Hope and Connection in Cynical Times
Wednesday, February 5, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Campus Center Auditorium
Talk by Jamil Zaki, professor of psychology at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab.
Unfolding Convention by Jason Wolfe
UMass Fine Arts Exhibit
February 7 — March 7
Opening reception: Friday, February 7, 5-7 p.m.
Jason Wolfe presents a body of bold abstract paintings created by unfolding the conventional form into the unknown. His process takes what has been previously learned, seen, and practiced, and allows it to take on a new identity.
How to Ask Brilliant Questions: A Workshop for Aspiring Researchers
Sponsored by the Commonwealth Honors College
Wednesday, February 12, 12:15 pm
Virtual. Don't miss out and sign up online.
Stanford professor Tom Mullaney and University of British Columbia professor Chris Rea will talk about how “genius questions” stem from a remarkably simple method, one that’s readily available to researchers at all career stages, from first-year students to seasoned scholars.
Black Heritage Month Celebration
February 27 at 4:00 p.m.
Honors Events Hall
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Daphne Lamothe, Smith College’s provost and professor of Africana Studies. Her research and teaching explore Black consciousness, identity, and cultural belonging through topics like the Harlem Renaissance, migration narratives, and urban Black experiences.
Medical Cannabis: Time to Act
Massachusetts Health Policy Forum (virtual)
Wednesday, February 26, 12:15-2:00 pm
Details and RSVP coming soon.