News Highlights
UMass iCons’ Idea Slam Tackles the Challenge of Unstainable Chocolate Production
On October 25, 2023, current and aspiring students in the Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) Program teamed-up to present innovative solutions addressing the issue of unsustainable chocolate production in Colombia during the annual iCons “Idea Slam.” This initiative was led by Dr. Marianny Yajaira Combariza ’03G and Dr. Cristian Blanco-Tirado ’03G, esteemed professors at Universidad Industrial de Santander in Bucaramanga, Colombia, who are also UMass Amherst Chemistry graduate alumni.
Sasha Adkins Named 2023-2024 iCons Teaching Fellow
Story from UMass News: The UMass Amherst iCons Program has announced that Sasha Adkins, senior lecturer in environmental health sciences, has been named the 2023-24 iCons Teaching Fellow. The award provides funding for faculty to join the iCons teaching team while receiving professional development funds. Selected faculty learn to teach student-driven courses with inclusive values while bringing their own expertise and unique experiences to the iCons Program.
Edward Marram and Karen Carpenter Gift to Support New Academic Track on Food-Water-Climate
UMass Amherst has announced a donation from Edward Marram ’59, ’61G and Karen Carpenter to support the launch of a Food-Water-Climate track within the UMass Amherst Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) Program. This gift will enhance the program’s ability to address critical challenges in the areas of food security, water resource management and climate change.
U.S. Census Bureau Recruits UMass iCons Program Students to Work on Equitable Access to Electrical Power
Story from UMass News: Students from UMass Amherst’s Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) Program were recently recruited by the U.S. Census Bureau’s The Opportunity Project (TOP) for a 10-week sprint challenge called “Improving Access to Electrical Power for Climate Resilience,” which is helping the Department of Energy (DOE) to more equitably address lapses in the electrical grid during emergency situations.
Longtime iCons Instructor Jared Starr Leads Study Linking America's Wealthiest to 40% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Story from UMass News: A new study, led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, reveals that the wealthiest Americans, those whose income places them in the top 10% of earners, are responsible for 40% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The study, published in PLOS Climate, is the first to link income, especially income derived from financial investments, to the emissions used in generating that income. The authors suggest that policymakers adopt taxes focused on shareholders and the carbon intensity of investment incomes in order to equitably meet the goal of keeping the global temperature to 1.5 C of warming.
UMass iCons Program Celebrates Success in Promoting Women and Diversity in STEM at its 10th Graduation Ceremony
The UMass Amherst Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) program proudly concluded its 10th Annual Senior Exposition, showcasing its remarkable success in promoting women in STEM and fostering their success as innovators. The event, held on May 18, 2023, marked another milestone in the program's dedication to empowering underrepresented voices in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Western Mass Economic Development Council Joins UMass iCons' Industry Consortium to Enhance Local Economy Through Internships
Story from UMass News: The Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) and the UMass Amherst iCons Program, under the umbrella of the iCons Industry Consortium, are joining forces to provide UMass iCons students with exceptional internship and career opportunities in western Massachusetts. This partnership highlights the collective strength of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the iCons Program, and the EDC, demonstrating their commitment to fostering talent and economic growth in the region.
Recent iCons Graduate – Audrey Gabriel – Receives 21st Century Leader Award
We are proud to announce that Audrey Gabriel '23, a recent iCons graduate who double-majored in Microbiology and Public Health Sciences, has been selected as a recipient of the UMass Amherst 21st Century Leader Award. This prestigious award recognizes graduating seniors at UMass Amherst who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
iCons Announces the 2023 Crowley-Nowick Award for iCons Student Leadership and Philanthropy
We are excited to announce the 2023 recipients of the Crowley-Nowick Award: Sriya Munugoti ‘25 (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) and Jack Minella ‘24 (Environmental Science).
Making the STEM World a Better Place
iCons senior, Kathryne (Kitty) Lovell ‘23, was recently selected as one of ten members of the Class of 2023 to be awarded the 21st Century Leader Award. This prestigious award recognizes graduating seniors at UMass Amherst who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
When asked why she joined the UMass iCons Program, Kitty said, “I joined iCons because I wanted to find a group of people who are interested in making the world a better place within their field of STEM.” Through her senior thesis work, Kitty is working towards this goal and helping to make the world of STEM education a more inviting and inclusive atmosphere.
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