Lightning Talks
Date/Time: November 7, 2026 from 12-2 pm
Location: Inside the Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield
Lightning talks are bite-sized presentations where members of the UMass community will share their knowledge and experiences. Topics will cover the wide range of research happening in the Springfield area. Drop into the Henry M. Thomas III Center anytime between 12 pm and 2:00 pm to catch a talk that sparks your curiosity. With a new speaker taking the stage every few minutes, you're guaranteed to discover something unexpected.
Below, you will find a sampling of lightning talks. Please check back for more details as the event date approaches.
Where There is Water, There are Fish
College of Natural Sciences, Department of Environmental Conservation
Professor Adrian Jordan will discuss the UMass Department of Environmental Conservation's work in the Connecticut River watershed and the many challenges of managing migratory fish in human altered landscapes.
Teaching Practical AI
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Resource Economics
Students in the iCons program generate prototypes of AI driven solutions to improve learning. Professor and Department Chair Christian Rojas will introduce practical ways to use AI in teaching.
What Citizens Think, Why it Matters, and How You Can Join Us
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, UMass Poll
Professor and Co-Director of the UMass Poll Ray La Raja discusses what polls reveal about citizens' thoughts and why they matter for decision-making in our communities. Explore the findings and the methods behind the research, and learn how you can join in.
Hearing and Communication in Older Bilingual Adults
School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Along with with community recruitment partners, professors Sara Mamo and Dee Canales will present research related to hearing, communication, and engagement for older bilingual adults that was conducted on site at Baystate Place.
Community Engagement, Placemaking, Research in Springfield
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning (LARP)
Professor Frank Sleegers discusses LARP's Springfield-based projects that create healthy connection around green spaces, public art, and engaging urban neighborhoods.
Art, Education, and Climate Action
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning (LARP)
Professor Carolina Aragon will describe two participatory public art projects developed in collaboration with middle school students at Springfield’s Duggan Academy. The artworks, Temperature Quilts and sWARM, focused on increasing students’ knowledge and agency on issues of extreme heat in their school and homes.
The Experiences of Immigrant Origin Students at UMass
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Policy
Learn about how immigrant students are navigating higher education in this cultural moment. Professor Carolina Bank Muñoz will discuss the how immigrant origin students fit into the UMass Amherst landscape, creating a sense of belonging and learning about resources available to them.
Managing Finances with Those You Love
Isenberg School of Management, Marketing Department
Marketing Professor Alicia Johnson will delve into consumer behavior related to financial decision making, looking at barriers to financial conversations with aging parents and life partners. Explore some of the research methods used to understand these topics.
Experiences in Reproductive Public Health Research
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Policy
Brittany Houston will talk with PhD student Briana Myran about her experiences conducting research in partnership with Springfield-based organization Tapestry Health. Briana was a public policy undergraduate, a UWiL fellow, and is now a DACSS MS student at UMass.