By Nancy Sheehan

While high-tech satellites orbit hundreds of miles above the Earth, a group of students is bringing that data back down to the pavement. Led by Dr. Nabin Malakar, associate professor in the Department of Earth, Environment, and Physics, a new research initiative is blending “big data” with neighborhood-level action to tackle the invisible threat of air pollution.

The project addresses a critical gap in environmental monitoring. Traditional monitoring stations are expensive and sparse, often missing the hyper-local spikes of the fine particles in the air that affect specific blocks or neighborhoods. By integrating ground measurements with satellite and meteorological data, Dr. Malakar’s research reveals when, where, and why these pollution spikes occur.

What makes this work especially impactful is that Dr. Malakar serves as a mentor who facilitates experiential learning, ensuring students are at the center of the process while gaining hands-on experience with data collection and coding to solve real problems affecting public health. Some of this research is supported by funds through the Aisiku STEM Undergraduate Research Summer Fellowship grants, NOAA (Department of Commerce) grant and Summer Undergraduate Research Grant (SURG).

The research team isn’t just crunching numbers; they are bringing lived experience from across the globe to the streets of Worcester. Pola Faris ’27, an international student originally from Egypt, offers a unique perspective on the importance of this work. While using a hand-held device to collect neighborhood data, he is continually impressed by the relatively clean air in the United States compared to his home country.

“Back home in Egypt, you can often see and taste the density of the air,” said Faris, a biology major with a chemistry minor. “Walking through Worcester with a sensor in my hand, I realized that ‘clean’ is relative. Even here, the data shows invisible spikes that people breathe every day without knowing it.”

His firsthand comparisons highlight the global importance of monitoring. “Data doesn’t have a nationality,” he said. “Whether I’m looking at a neighborhood in Massachusetts or a city in North Africa, the goal is the same: making the invisible visible so people can live healthier lives.”

This commitment to clarity and communication is a hallmark of the program’s standout researchers, including Julia Casavant. An exemplary transfer student who found her roots quickly at 91�ֿ�, the biology major first began collaborating with Dr. Malakar during the Summer STEM Bridge Program. Combining rigorous curiosity with strong collaboration, she traced smoke from Western Canadian wildfires across the continent and documented its measurable impact on particulate matter in Massachusetts and Maine. By analyzing complex environmental data, Casavant translated her findings into a visually compelling research poster that illustrates how transboundary wildfire events result in poor air quality across the Northeast.

“Climate change is a universal challenge, and understanding the risks from threats like wildfires is now a matter of public safety,” Casavant says. “Our research shows that smoke and particulate matter can travel thousands of miles to impact the air we breathe right here at home. We should all pay as much attention to our air quality as we do to our food or water, especially for those in high-risk groups.” Casavant hopes her work ensures that the “big picture” of climate events is distilled into clear, actionable information for the public.

Dr. Nabin Malakar goes over air pollution data with student Islambek Karagulov ’28.

In a similar vein, Islambek Karagulov ’28, a double major in computer science and mathematics, contributes a macro-perspective through his research on transboundary air pollution. He utilizes satellite remote sensing techniques to study how pollution drifts across international borders in South Asia. By applying statistical methods and machine learning algorithms, Karagulov identifies patterns that define the air we breathe.

“The biggest challenge is deriving meaningful knowledge despite the noise or distortion that can exist in the data,” he said. “But leveraging satellite data allows us to cover vast territories—reaching uninhabited mountains and open oceans. We are beginning to observe how pollution levels in major cities link to broader regional trends.”

For students like Emily Walls ’28, a chemistry major and environmental science minor, the project serves as a launchpad for a career in science and advocacy. After participating in the STEM Summer Bridge Program, Walls gained intensive experience in field data collection. She has since become an enthusiastic public speaker, presenting her research via posters and advocating for student engagement in scientific inquiry.

“I realized this data truly meant something when I began comparing our local findings to national trends,” she said. “Not every community has access to air quality monitors, but if these tools were more readily available, they could keep people safe.”

Walls believes this project is more than just a lab credit; it’s a way to gain the confidence and technical skills necessary to back up community advocacy with hard evidence. “Everyone is affected by air quality,” she said. “By enforcing better air quality through policy, we can help not just the United States, but every country that shares our atmosphere. Being a scientist in the 21st century means looking at the big picture to understand the smallest molecular details, because those details impact every living species.”

As Dr. Malakar said, the project does more than advance air-quality research; it builds a scalable, student-driven model for workforce preparation. By immersing students in data analytics and climate resilience, 91�ֿ� is ensuring that the next generation of scientists is ready to tackle the environmental challenges of the future. The transition from space-based observations to street-level solutions creates a powerful loop of discovery, where global data informs local action and students are prepared to lead in a changing world.

The post Using Satellites to Find a Breath of Fresh Air appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.

What can you tell us about the movie?

It’s a coming-of-age story. Set in a small coastal town in Maine, Summer Interlude follows a high school graduate during the last week of summer as he decides whether to pursue college or his personal dreams of becoming a filmmaker. The events are set in motion when the main character connects with a girl he went to school with, who’s going down a more unorthodox path. She plans to travel and he’s really inspired by her. I know a lot of young people who grow up watching others who seem to be doing amazing things and it makes them feel stuck in their own small town. That’s what this film is about.

Assistant Professor Brittany Severance helped a great deal with the film. What did that partnership entail and how did it come together?

I took a scriptwriting class with Professor Severance, who is also an amazing filmmaker. One of the projects she gave us was to write the first act of a feature film, and Summer Interlude was born. I knew I wanted to write something I could actually picture making, and she kept encouraging me. I wasn’t always sure what I was doing, but at every step of the process we worked together to figure out what comes next. She’s been an amazing mentor.

How was it balancing the production side of the project with the creative?

Producing the film was a massive undertaking. Figuring out how to pay the cast, schedule the shoots, feed everyone, and put everyone up in an AirBNB was a major challenge. But I learned so much about the production side of the filmmaking business. We were also really successful crowdfunding—the support we received was amazing and came from all over the community: family, friends, anonymous donors, even old teachers and coaches.

Where has the film been screening?

I was able to screen an early version of the film on campus at 91�ֿ�. We just had our first festival screening and we’re currently submitting it for others. 

What comes after the festival circuit?

I’m planning to screen it for friends, family, cast, and crew at my hometown movie theater in Gardner, Mass. At that point, it’ll be out in the world. I know so many people back home want to see it, and I want to have it on the big screen, of course. I want people to see the movie and hear this story. I hope you can see in the movie all the effort we put in and all the fun we had making it. That’s the most important part.

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Working alongside Dr. Weichu (Brian) Xu, Associate Professor of Chemistry, brothers Joshua Fung-A-Fat ’23, MS ’24 and Daniel Fung-A-Fat ’25 are helping to lead a “rare-earth revolution” that could change how the entire world communicates. 

Their work is key to building a “quantum internet,” defined, in the simplest of terms, as a network of highly advanced, incredibly fast computers that are physically impossible to hack. For years, scientists have struggled to create such a secure network, because the quantum information these computers transfer is incredibly fragile; in most materials, data disappears in a tiny fraction of a second.

However, the team, which included researchers from UMass Chan Medical School, discovered that a special group of rare-earth elements called lanthanides acts as a “secret sauce.” These elements have specific electrons tucked deep inside the atom, protected by outer layers that act like built-in noise-canceling headphones. While typical materials might hold onto a signal for only a thousandth of a second or so, these lanthanides can store information for up to six hours.

This massive leap forward means we could eventually move data, securely, over long distances. Most importantly, one specific lanthanide called erbium works with the fiber-optic cables already buried under our streets. Instead of digging up every road to build a new system, Dr. Xu and his students are showing how we can simply upgrade the highways of the internet we use today.

“Collaborating on this project with Dr. Xu and Joshua was an incredible experience; both were instrumental to my growth as a scientist,” said Daniel, who now serves as a laboratory technician at Quinsigamond Community College. “The skills I gained—from conducting rigorous literature reviews to managing experimental variables—have fundamentally shaped my approach to the ‘why’ behind every step of the process.”

The two brothers each brought unique skills and specialties to the research. 

Daniel spent last summer supported by an Undergraduate Summer Research Grant building “light translators.” These tiny nanoparticles catch invisible laser light and turn it into visible colors. 

Joshua is a researcher at UMass Chan Medical School, whose expertise in material fabrication proved vital to the project’s success. Since joining UMass Chan in 2022, Joshua has focused on the synthesis of silica-based nanoparticles and the investigation of alternative polymerization methods. By bridging the gap between technical chemical synthesis and functional application, Joshua helped provide the physical framework necessary for the team’s “light translators” to function.

This world-class research was recently published in the prestigious journal Advanced Functional Materials. The team reached a milestone most scientists don’t hit until much later in their careers: co-authoring a professional paper shared with global experts. And opportunities like these “drive student retention and success,” according to Linda Larrivee, dean of the School of Science. 

“Mentors like Dr. Xu provide the experiential learning and personal guidance necessary for our students to excel in graduate school and the global workforce,” she said.

Meanwhile, the road to a perfect quantum internet is still long, but the work done by Dr. Xu, Joshua, and Daniel is helping remove one of the biggest hurdles. By finding a material that is stable and compatible with current technology, they have provided a blueprint for the future of the web. As Dr. Xu put it, “The pieces are coming together.”

Meanwhile, the road to a perfect quantum internet is still long. But by finding a material that is stable and compatible with current technology, Dr. Xu, Joshua, and Daniel have provided a blueprint for the future of the web. As Dr. Xu put it, “The pieces are coming together.”

The post Bridging the gaps in quantum communication appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.

The Class of 2026 occupies a unique space in the history of 91�ֿ�, serving as a vital bridge between a world transformed by global upheaval and a future defined by intentional connection. Entering higher education at the end of the pandemic, a time when “normalcy” was being fundamentally redefined, these students did not merely adapt to a changing landscape; they became the architects of a more grounded, community-focused campus culture. They arrived with a quiet resilience, having navigated the tail end of a global shift, and emerged with a pragmatic drive to make their mark on the world through steady, meaningful action.

Their graduation carries an added weight of historical significance, as the Class of 2026 stands as the university’s 150th graduating class. This milestone links today’s students to a century and a half of Lancer history, yet this generation is characterized by a refreshing lack of pretense and a deep-seated value for the tangible. For them, the collegiate experience has been less about abstract milestones and more about the hustle of the workload and the solidity of the connections made in between. 

What stands out most among these landmark graduates is a sophisticated understanding of how to navigate systems to find community. These are students who know that the quietest study carrels are on the library’s upper floors, that a long walk from street parking is a fair trade for a bit of peace, and that a professor’s office hours are a doorway to mentorship. 

As they prepare to step across the commencement stage to join the ranks of 149 classes before them, the Class of 2026 is leaving the university not just with diplomas, but with a hard-won confidence and a refined ability to make the best of whatever situation they encounter. They see the future not as a guarantee, but as a series of opportunities that their 91�ֿ� education has equipped them to navigate.

To capture the diverse perspectives of this historic “bridge” generation, we asked several graduating seniors to reflect on their journey, their favorite campus secrets, and the legacy they leave behind.

Brady Carlin, Environmental Science

A Sense of Belonging: The moment I went from being a commuter to a resident. I moved on campus the year I became an RA and met many close friends. Being an RA allowed me to learn about all the clubs and organizations, which connected me with so many more people.
Favorite Tradition: The bingo nights that multiple clubs and organizations put on. I would recommend that students stay involved; I found great friends, mentors, and opportunities just by staying active on campus.
Go-To Study Spot: The library or the study rooms in the Science and Tech building.
The Takeaway: Not to be afraid to put myself into new and uncomfortable situations. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my life have been from stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Wilianny Ovalle, Early Childhood Education

A Sense of Belonging: I truly felt like I belonged once I started attending the various events held throughout the week. One moment that really stuck out to me was the $10,000 Bingo night. Seeing the entire student population gather in one place was incredible. It’s more than just a game; it’s a chance to make new friends and bond with the ones you already have. That sense of community is when it clicked for me.
The Takeaway: I’m taking a lot of lessons with me, but physically, I’ll be taking my collection of door tags. I’ve saved every single one since my freshman year. They serve as a wonderful visual timeline of my growth and a reminder of the people who helped shape who I am today.
Go-To Study Spot: The third floor of the library is the ultimate spot for an intense study session. It’s consistently quiet, and the individual cubbies allow you to really zone in, set up your space, and block out any outside distractions for hours at a time.
Favorite Tradition: I’m actually going to miss the themed dinners in the dining hall the most. While they might not be the most extravagant events on the calendar, they are the ones everyone talks about for days. They provide a fun, much-needed break from the academic tension of the semester and bring everyone together.

Julia Shanoudy, Occupational Therapy

Campus ‘Hack’: Every Lancer should know that the best way to get a head start on the day is hitting the gym or the student center early. It sets a productive tone before the campus gets busy.
A Sense of Belonging: The moment I felt I belonged was when I began my clinical rotations and realized how well my professors had prepared me. Applying what I learned in the classroom to help people in the community made everything feel official.
The Takeaway: I am taking away the lifelong friendships I’ve built here. We have supported each other through some of the most rigorous parts of our program, and those bonds are just as important as the degree itself.
The Class of 2026 in Three Words: Tenacious, connected, and authentic.

Liam Walsh, Criminal Justice and Psychology

Campus ‘Hack’: I would argue that people do not take advantage of professors’ office hours enough. Each major has dedicated faculty who want you to succeed. Making the effort to forge quality connections can help greatly if your professors ever hear of internship or employment opportunities.
Go-To Study Spot: The third floor of the library. If you like to work in peace with minimal distractions, it is the perfect place.
The Takeaway: I am leaving 91�ֿ� with a sense of profound optimism. The last four years have allowed us to develop the critical skills needed to move forward, and I feel very prepared to take on professional and personal challenges.

Zachary Rich, History

Campus ‘Hack’: If you are a commuter like me, walk to campus after finding street parking. The on-campus parking scene is incredibly tight; I have saved mountains of time finding street parking and walking to campus instead.
A Sense of Belonging: There came a great awakening early in my Junior year when I started taking 300-level classes. I observed the fact that I was “holding my own” amongst the flood of projects and high-level discussions. I noticed that I could do this—the whole nine yards of the collegiate workload.
The Takeaway: I have discovered my innate desire to socialize. I have come to realize that the hustle of our classwork does not define our experience; instead, it is best defined by the connections we make between ourselves and others.
Unofficial Anthem: YUNGBLUD’s cover of “Changes” by Black Sabbath. It encapsulates the Class of 2026 because it plays on the dualism of reflecting on the past and all that we cannot change, while also unrelentingly announcing that we have a future.

Hiba Nazzal, Biotechnology

Campus ‘Hack’: Take advantage of the quiet study spaces in the library, especially on the upper floors. A lot of people don’t go up there, so it’s usually much quieter and easier to focus.
A Sense of Belonging: I truly felt like I belonged when I got more involved on campus, especially through clubs like WooServe and the Pre-Health Club. Being surrounded by people who had similar goals and being able to make an impact in the community made me feel like I had found my place.
The Takeaway: Aside from my diploma, I’m taking confidence. Over the years, I’ve grown a lot as a person, learned how to take on leadership roles, and realized that I’m capable of achieving my goals.
The Class of 2026 in Three Words: Resilient, driven, and supportive.

The post Words of Wisdom from the Class of 2026 appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.

By Lexi Jones

Men’s Basketball Wins Fourth MASCAC Championship

In just his second year leading the program, Coach Al Pettway has already guided his team to a conference title and NCAA tournament appearance—and he has no plans of slowing down.

Hired just before last season, this year marked Pettway’s first full recruiting cycle, with eight new players joining the roster. To accelerate their chemistry, he organized a preseason bonding retreat that set the tone for the season.

“We did a retreat in the fall before the season started,” Pettway said. “I thought it would be a good way to bring the guys together and let them get to know one another, and I think that time spent together outside of the basketball court was a huge factor in us winning the MASCAC title this year.”

For twenty-four hours inside the university’s wellness center, Pettway eliminated distractions—literally.

“We had a whole curriculum,” he said. “I took the phones away from the guys, and we played Manhunt, ordered pizzas and wings, and just got to know each other.”

That early investment showed up when it mattered most. The Lancers pieced together a championship run defined by cohesion and resilience, earning their way to the conference title and delivering in the biggest moments.

For senior captain Jack Lasbury-Casey, the championship game embodied everything the team had worked toward.

“In the final stretch of the game, when we realized the title was within reach—whether it was a key defensive stop, a big shot, or even just looking around and seeing everyone locked in—it felt like everything we worked for was coming together,” he said. “When the final buzzer went off, it was pure excitement, pride, and relief all at once. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

For Pettway, it was a full-circle moment.

More than 30 years earlier, he stood in a similar position—not as a coach, but as a player. In 1994, Pettway led 91�ֿ� to a conference championship victory over Salem State and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Though that team fell in the first round, Pettway left a lasting mark on the program. He remains 91�ֿ�’s all-time leading scorer and earned three MASCAC All-Star selections along with two All-New England honors.

“In my senior year at 91�ֿ�, we went to the NCAA tournament,” Pettway said. “To come back as a coach and be able to do it with this team—it was a great experience.”

The Lancers’ postseason run ended in the first round against the University of Mary Washington, who went on to win the national championship with a 30–3 record.

“I told our guys, we lost to the team who won the national championship, so we have nothing to be ashamed of,” Pettway said. “It was a great experience and gave our guys a taste of what it takes to be one of the top teams in Division III.”

Lasbury-Casey saw it the same way. “Having the opportunity to represent 91�ֿ� in the NCAA Tournament was an incredible experience and something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” he said. “It validated the work we put in and showed that we could compete not just in our conference, but on the national stage.”

For Pettway, returning to 91�ֿ� has always been about more than wins and losses. As a player, he once imagined coming back to lead the program, and now, he’s doing just that.

“It’s always been a dream of mine. To come back to where it all started, and to try and lead the team to something bigger than what I did as a player.”

Now, with a championship in hand, Pettway is focused on what comes next.

“Now that we’ve won the MASCAC, and we know what it takes, our goal is to compete in our non-conference schedule so we’re better prepared, not just to win our conference again, but to be competitive in the NCAA tournament,” he said.

91�ֿ� has yet to advance past the first round of the NCAA tournament, a milestone Pettway is eager to change.

“The goal is not only to win a first- or second-round game,” he said, “but one day to win a national championship.”

Women’s Ice Hockey Wins First MASCAC Championship in Program History

As the third period clock ticked down, the 91�ֿ� bench leaned forward, every player locked in. Just minutes earlier, the Lancers had trailed. With momentum fully on their side, they surged ahead with a goal by junior Caroline Melanson, completing a comeback that defined their season and delivered the program’s first MASCAC championship.

This might be the program’s first MASCAC title, but the win marked the Lancers’ fourth conference championship victory in five years. The most unbelievable part? Just over five years ago, 91�ֿ� women’s ice hockey didn’t exist.

Head coach Eliza Kelley and a core group of players started 91�ֿ�’s team in 2021 after Becker College closed its doors.

“Women’s hockey started when I got here five years ago, and we just kind of needed a place to play,” explained Kelley. “So we more or less created the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Alliance with everybody else that needed somewhere to play too, with the goal of eventually the MASCAC sponsoring women’s hockey as part of our multi-sport conference.”

That vision became reality when the Lancers joined the MASCAC two years ago. Now, they’re setting the stage for a new era.

“This group really was a special one,” Kelley said about this season’s team. “Anytime things weren’t going the way they wanted, they’d just say, ‘buy in, buy in,’ and get on board. You tell them what they need to do, and they’ll go do it. That’s rare.”

That resilience showed itself in defining moments throughout the season.

In the final game of the regular season, the Lancers delivered perhaps their most telling performance by erasing a two-goal deficit in the final six minutes to win in regulation. “I think that showed our group that whatever situation we’re in, we can handle it,” Kelley said.

That belief carried into the championship game, when 91�ֿ� once again found itself trailing.

Senior captain Cailey Ryan never doubted the outcome. “I had full confidence in my team going into the championship game against Rivier,” she said.

When the equalizer finally came, the shift in momentum was unmistakable.

“Everyones’ hands went up in celebration—we had just tied the game,” Ryan said. “This is when I knew that we were going to win this championship. We had all the momentum now. It was our game.”

For senior goaltender Kelsey Czerniawski, who was named MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year, the victory was both personal and collective.

“Winning the MASCAC championship as well as having the honor of being Defensive Player of the Year was an incredible feeling,” she said. “This year meant a lot to me and the team—it meant redemption.”

Despite their championship win, the Lancers narrowly missed an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. “The women’s hockey tournament is so small,” Kelley said. “We had a pretty good record and strength of schedule, but there are just so few at-large bids.”

Next season, however, presents a new opportunity. With the program’s two-year waiting period in the MASCAC complete, the Lancers will be eligible for an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

“The national tournament is probably our biggest goal,” Kelley said. “It’s something we’ve been waiting for for a long time.”

And with four conference championship wins, and a culture firmly in place, Kelley and the Lancers are in a good position to compete on the national stage.

“The goal,” Kelley said, “is to get to the national tournament—and be ready when we do.”

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By Nancy Sheehan

For many undergraduate students, summer is a time for a break from the rigors of academia. But for 91�ֿ� student Safa Khan, and Assistant Professor of Economics Abir Bukhatwa, the summer of 2025 was the starting point for a high-impact research journey that would lead them first to the regional stage, then the archives of the Library of Congress.

The collaboration began through the Summer Undergraduate Research Grant (SURG) program, a university initiative designed to foster close faculty-student mentorship.

Under the guidance of Dr. Bukhatwa, Khan—who had already completed three courses with the professor—embarked on a rigorous project focused on applied economic analysis. She was specifically interested in exploring how gender affects workforce participation in Pakistan.

“The project reflects the type of high-impact, student-centered work we strive to support at 91�ֿ�,” said Dr. Bukhatwa. “It was developed through close faculty guidance, with a heavy emphasis on research design, data analysis, and the art of professional presentation.”

Reflecting on the early stages of the project, Khan said that mentorship style was instrumental in pushing her toward professional independence.

“Dr. Bukhatwa taught me that growth comes from engaging with challenges rather than waiting for perfect conditions,” she said. “She pushed me into a space where I had to rely on my own knowledge instead of just following a script. It shifted my focus from just getting an assignment done to taking true ownership of the research.”

What began as a summer research prompt quickly evolved into a sophisticated research paper. The pair’s hard work culminated this past October at the Northeastern Business and Economics Association (NBEA) conference. Standing before an audience of established scholars and industry professionals, Khan presented the findings of their analysis.

“At the start, I felt like a student stepping into a room of experts. I was so nervous I stumbled over a few words because I saw everyone else as more qualified than me,” Khan said. “But as I moved through the findings, I realized the audience was listening with real interest. I wasn’t there to prove myself; I was sharing research I genuinely cared about. At that moment, I stopped trying to earn my place and realized I already belonged there as a peer.”

According to Dr. Bukhatwa, the transition from student to professional researcher was seamless. “Safa did great,” Bukhatwa said, noting the importance of students engaging in “real-world” academic environments. This was particularly evident as Khan and Dr. Bukhatwa were refining the presentation up until the final moments.

“We didn’t even finalize my slides until twenty minutes before I went on,” Khan said. “At first, that terrified me, but it forced me to realize I didn’t need a memorized speech. I had months of problem-solving already internalized. Confidence comes from understanding the work, not from having everything perfectly laid out in advance.”

As for their findings, Khan found that both women and men in Pakistan often hold deeply traditional views about gender roles, which continue to limit women’s independence, education, and participation in the workforce.

Khan added that their co-authored paper, entitled “How Social Norms Shape Women’s Economic Participation in Pakistan,” further explored how beliefs surrounding family honor, obedience, education, domestic expectations, caregiving responsibilities, gender hierarchy, employment, financial autonomy, and marital and reproductive norms influence women’s opportunities.

“As a Pakistani woman studying my own society, it has been an eye-opening experience to understand how these norms evolve and how change can begin through awareness, empathy, and open conversation,” Khan said.

Safa Khan ’27 is a Presidential Student Ambassador, serving as a university representative on campus and in the community.

The impact of their work is now a matter of permanent record. The research has been published in the NBEA conference proceedings, which are housed in the Library of Congress. Their specific contribution can be found on page 78 of the published volume, marking a significant milestone in Khan’s early career.

“Before this, most of what I did academically felt temporary. You write it, get a grade, and move on,” Khan said. “Seeing my ideas become part of the national record changed my perspective. It showed me that my work can live beyond the classroom and actually influence how others think about economic issues. It’s given me a glimpse of what a future career in research or policy could look like.”

The success of the Bukhatwa-Khan collaboration serves as a testament to the power of the SURG program and the dedication of 91�ֿ� faculty to go beyond the classroom. “I’m always grateful for opportunities to showcase our students’ accomplishments,” said Dr. Bukhatwa. “Seeing a student transition from the classroom to presenting at a major conference is exactly why we do this work.”

The post From 91�ֿ� to the Library of Congress appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.

In a small room in the campus library earlier this spring, a group of 91�ֿ� students were creating pocket-sized magazines, the kind of do-it-yourself publications known in many countercultures as “zines.” 

The booklets were uniformly six pages in length, made by strategically folding a single sheet of computer paper and making one small well-placed cut. Handwritten and hand-drawn, the finished products concerned matters of political, social, and personal importance, as students filled the pages with their thoughts on everything from veganism to resources for Latine students.

“It’s cathartic in a way,” said Meghan McGrath, a senior history major who was in attendance. “The physical process is really cool. I’m also putting something I’m passionate about down on paper to share with the world.” 

The project was part of the first in a new series of interactive workshops intended to bring students closer to history. 

In the inaugural session, students learned about the process of archiving historic artifacts by discussing the history of zines, as well as how and why student-made publications might be preserved, then made their very own books. Subsequent workshops, as organized by the History & Political Science Department, are expected to touch on other topics, but ultimately serve the same goal of revealing how history itself is created.

“History is not about memorizing dates or studying something that’s set and settled,” said Dr. Charlotte Haller, professor of history and department chair. “Through workshops like these, we’re teaching students to approach history by thinking from multiple perspectives, asking questions, and finding evidence.”

That much was clear during the debut effort. 

The first session was the result of a collaboration between Haller, Matt Bejune, executive director of the library, and student Zach Rich ’26. Rich had previously interned in the university’s archives and, while there, became familiar with its collection of zines.

Before students took to folding, cutting, and writing their own booklets, Rich led a discussion on the subject. Among other things, he covered their origins in science-fiction literary circles, their later adoption by members of punk and feminist movements, and the anticapitalist forces often behind them. 

Following that, he passed around real examples of archived zines and asked students what they’d noticed about their substantive and physical characteristics. First, students noted the sociopolitical nature of each issue. Then they discussed how, unlike typical mainstream publications, the zines were all apparently xeroxed, held together with single staples, hand-written, and generally published on lower quality paper. At one point, Bejune interjected to ask whether the low-fidelity nature of the zines made their messages any less clear or resonant. The response: a uniform no. 

“All of these zines come from active movements,” added Rich. “Just because something is in an archive doesn’t mean that thing is otherwise lost to time or inactive.” 

Finally, students took to making their own zines and sharing what they’d created with the group. They were even presented with application forms to submit their works to be housed in the university’s archives and preserved as a palm-sized piece of 91�ֿ�’s own history.

“This workshop was really about the archival process,” added Haller. “We took an interesting subject to show how archives are constructed, what kind of stuff might you find there, how people get things archived, and what happens to those materials once they’re there.” 

Faculty are currently finalizing plans for the next workshop and plan to host at least one per semester. Haller noted they also hope to collaborate with faculty from other colleges and universities, in order to engage with the widest possible spectrum of historic expertise. Additionally, as with the first session, she hopes to continue partnering with students in relevant internships, bolstering their experiential learning by giving students the chance to help design workshops and serve as lecturers. This, she added, is at the heart of the workshops, which were conceived of at all because of how impressed faculty were with the work history students do in and out of the classroom. 

“Not every workshop will have the equivalent of an art project,” added Haller. “But our goal is to make any given subject as interactive as it can be. With these workshops, we’re trying to create space on campus to celebrate the hands-on work of literally making history.”

The post History, as Seen in Zines appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.

By Dave Eisenberg

Wilson Kiriungi ’10 was in the hilly town of Iten, Kenya earlier this spring, running harder and further than he ever had before. Some 8,000 feet above sea level at the world-renowned High Altitude Training Center, he’d run as many as 20 miles a day. One morning, after running a relatively paltry eight miles, a fellow athlete even asked him: “When are you headed out for your evening run?”

“I was like, are you serious? I need rest,” Kiriungi said. 

The next month, all those miles run under the Kenyan sun paid off, as he finished the Boston Marathon, and in so doing earned one of the most coveted badges of honor the sport has to offer. Yet his rigorous training was never strictly about crossing the Boylston Street finish line. Kiriungi, who is from Kenya and moved to Worcester in the early aughts, was running for a greater purpose. 

A member of the 91�ֿ� Foundation Board, Kiriungi has dedicated much of his life to fostering sustainable development in his home country. At the same time, he has endeavored to break down negative perceptions of Kenya in the U.S., and much of this work has been inspired by, or resulted directly from his love of running. Consequently, for Kiriungi, finishing the Boston Marathon in April represented a culmination of events from his two decades as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador. 

“Running Boston is a major accomplishment,” he said. “But more importantly, this was an opportunity to raise awareness of social and cultural issues that are really important to me.”

His road to the starting line in Hopkinton, Mass. started way back in 2008. 

At the time, he’d felt Kenya had an image issue on the world stage. “A disaster would happen, the media would run over to cover it, then just pack up and leave,” he said. “It seemed like all anyone knew about Kenya were terrible things.” 

Concurrently, he was hyper-aware of the country’s reputation for producing world-class athletes, long-distance runners in particular. 

Sensing an opportunity in the disconnect, he founded a travel company called Run with Kenyans. His goal was to leverage Kenya’s athletic notoriety to celebrate and advance a “larger Kenyan agenda.” 

For example, the organization hosts “running safaris,” through which participants are able to travel to Nairobi, train with Kenyan runners, and experience the country’s rich culture first hand. Historically, it has also hosted what it calls the “Dinner With Champions.” Held the Saturday before the Boston Marathon, the event has served as a social function for marathon runners, as well as an opportunity to educate others about Kenyan culture.

“There are a whole lot of cool things going on in the country,” he said. “I wanted to celebrate them.” 

Oddly enough, Kiriungi founded the company before he started running himself. And this, he said, made him feel like “a bit of an imposter.” “Runners are very community-minded and love to talk about running,” he said. “So if you’re not a runner, you’re going to be miserable around them.” 

That was when Kiriungi decided to hit the streets himself. He started with a “couch to 5K” program, “like everyone else,” eventually working his way up to a half-marathon, his longest official race until this April. 

Given his growing skill as a runner and his knack for using the sport to bring about positive change, running a full marathon felt inevitable. And when he finally set that goal, he knew he’d be running to support his Wahome Foundation.

Founded in 2009 and named for his father, the charitable organization supports sustainable development in Kenya. The foundation has spearheaded a variety of projects, including the construction of a pedestrian bridge over a dangerous river and the drilling of boreholes for drinking water in particularly arid areas. 

For the marathon, Kiriungi was focused on education for Kenyan children. He was specifically fundraising to support scholarships for students who otherwise might not be able to continue their studies due to financial pressures or other opportunity gaps. 

“We’re trying to make sure kids who are exceptionally bright but also very needy aren’t falling through the cracks,” he said. 

Now, with Boston’s most famous 26.2-mile stretch behind him, Kiriungi is shifting his attention back to his day job. 

He’s the founder and CEO of Autism Allies, a provider of Applied Behavioral Analysis services. The organization has grown to include five clinics in Massachusetts and Connecticut, serves close to 140 families, and employs more than 100 people. And while his work with Autism Allies is very different from his work with Run with Kenyans and the Wahome Foundation, his motivations are much the same. 

“I feel like if you’re able to help people, you have an obligation to,” he said. “I wouldn’t be a good global citizen, given the privileges I’ve benefitted from, including the education I received from 91�ֿ�, if I wasn’t giving back in whatever ways I can. It’s hard work, but that feels insignificant compared to what I get out of it.”  

In other words, Kiriungi is lacing his shoes right back up and running off to where he presently feels called. 

The post Running with Purpose appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.

How should post-graduation success be defined? 

One way is to go by the data: A recent report by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education revealed 91�ֿ� graduates have among the highest average earnings of all the Commonwealth’s public colleges and universities five years after graduation. Continuing that trend, the majority of graduates from the class of 2025 are also working in their fields of study and earning higher-than-average in-state pay, per a Career Development Center survey.

On the other hand, success should not be measured only in dollar figures and job titles. As importantly, it must be defined in more human terms—because behind the numbers are real graduates who have translated their 91�ֿ� experience into meaningful careers. 

More than collecting a paycheck, these young alumni are demonstrating how preparation and resilience come together to shape early professional success. They are working across industries, including fintech, law, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, software engineering, and global consulting. Their interests span everything from product development and public interest law to immunology, data-driven medicine, and strategy.

Individually, their paths are distinct. Together, they offer a better definition of graduate success. These are just a few of their stories. 

Daniel Hsu ’25

From speaking on the commencement stage to launching a career in the fast-paced world of fintech, Daniel Hsu ’25 has embraced every opportunity to grow, adapt, and lead.

A business administration major with a concentration in finance and a minor in economics, Hsu’s path to 91�ֿ� was anything but traditional. Originally from the Bay Area, he started his educational journey at Buffalo State before transferring to Massasoit Community College—and eventually to 91�ֿ�, where he was recruited to play soccer. “I’ve always been kind of on the move,” he said, adding the experience helped shape his resilience but also made finding the right fit especially meaningful.

That fit came quickly at 91�ֿ�. “A pivotal moment for me was joining the Accounting Club,” Hsu said. Encouraged by a faculty mentor to join, he became more engaged with the club, ultimately serving as co-vice president. “That club was extremely instrumental in shaping who I am and my professional career,” he added, noting the strong sense of community and shared leadership that defined his experience.

While at 91�ֿ�, Hsu completed internships in audit, public accounting, private equity fund accounting, and commercial real estate—each helping him refine his interests. “That private equity internship was a perfect blend,” he said. “It made me naturally curious about finance and pushed me to shift my focus.” Those experiences ultimately helped him land a summer internship with PwC in New York City, working in their banking and capital markets tax division.

Shortly after, Hsu made another cross-country move to Seattle to begin his full-time role at Carta. As a finance and equity analyst in a rotational program, he works across equity valuations, private equity onboardings, venture capital fund tax, audited financial statements, and internal strategy and operations. “I’m in there to try and fix workflows and roadblocks,” he said. “I’ve also been able to build internal products, and seeing others benefit from something I worked on brings me a lot of enjoyment.”

That exposure has sparked a new goal. “I want to be more involved with products,” he said. “I really enjoy taking ownership and seeing the direct value of what I’ve done.” He’s now exploring a future in product management, where he can blend finance, technology, and problem-solving.

He also credits 91�ֿ�’s Career Development Center and leadership opportunities with helping him grow. “They were extremely supportive in everything I’ve been able to do,” he said. As a peer mentor and participant in the Emerge Leadership Program, he strengthened his communication skills—experiences that culminated in his role as commencement speaker.

“That experience really cemented how I want to show up going forward,” he said. “With the right community, mindset, and effort, you can change your trajectory.”

For Hsu, affordability played a key role as well. “Being able to focus all my energy on my studies and career instead of worrying about debt, that was huge,” he said.

Now building his career at Carta, he remains committed to staying connected and “being an active leader in every community” he joins.

Lily Morgan ’25

From discovering her path just minutes from home to pursuing a law degree in Washington, D.C., Lily Morgan ’25 is on her way to making her mark in the legal field. 

A criminal justice and psychology major with a minor in philosophy, Morgan is now in her first year at George Washington University Law School, where she’s already immersing herself in both coursework and community. 

Her days are filled with classes like constitutional law and criminal law, but she’s also deeply involved with this work outside the classroom—serving as director of student organizations in the Student Bar Association and volunteering with a Street Law program that brings legal education to local middle school students. “I wanted to give back,” she said. “And I was talking to some of them, and they were like, ‘I kind of want to do law now.’ That’s why I do it.”

Morgan’s journey to 91�ֿ� began with a simple but powerful realization: college might actually be possible. “I never thought I was going to be able to go,” she said. As a first-generation student from a lower-income family, affordability was critical. Living just 10 minutes from campus and receiving enough financial aid to cover her costs made all the difference. “Receiving that support, I was like, I can actually go to college now,” she said. “I can actually get an education.”

Once on campus, Morgan took full advantage of every opportunity available. She completed an internship with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, gaining firsthand insight into the legal system. “You can learn in a classroom, but it really gets put into sight when you are out there doing it.” she said. 

Morgan also completed multiple research projects while at 91�ֿ�, including a study on women in criminal justice leadership that involved interviewing female police chiefs across the country.

Morgan’s involvement extended beyond academics. As part of student government, she participated in a leadership trip to Washington, D.C., an experience that ultimately helped shape her future. “That was my first time really experiencing the city,” she said. “I just loved it and knew I wanted to move here.”

Now in law school, Morgan sees a clear connection between her undergraduate experience and her current path. “Law school is all research,” she said. “It’s a different type, but I got that experience and now I can use it.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career in public interest law, with a focus on helping others. “I wanted to continue being a helping hand,” she said.

For Morgan, 91�ֿ� provided more than an education—it provided access. “As long as you take every opportunity, you will succeed,” she said.

Abby MacKay ’25

For Abby MacKay ’25, the transition from 91�ֿ� to a burgeoning career in the life sciences was paved with hands-on experience and a strong sense of community. A biology major with minors in chemistry and psychobiology, MacKay credits her professional edge to the undergraduate research she conducted alongside her 91�ֿ� professors.

“We did some immunology and genetics research, and that really helped me stand out during the application process,” she said. By diving into these complex topics during her studies, MacKay developed the technical foundation necessary to excel in the competitive biotech landscape.

Today, she’s putting those skills to work at Charles River Laboratories in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where she started as a Lab Assistant in the Lab Sciences department and has since been promoted to a Research Analyst role. MacKay’s day-to-day involves supporting the immunology and bioanalytical chemistry departments, ensuring labs are study-ready and assisting with assays. “I’m building a solid foundation for my career here,” she said, noting that she eventually plans to pursue a Master’s degree in biotechnology or biomedical sciences.

Reflecting on her time on campus, MacKay notes that her growth wasn’t limited to the lab. Working at the campus gym for three years helped her step out of her comfort zone and master the communication skills she uses in the workplace today. “It really helped me get comfortable talking and working with people that I maybe hadn’t worked with before,” she recalled.

Beyond the professional preparation, the affordability of 91�ֿ� was a major factor in her success. “I think it’ll definitely be easier for me to pay off my debt and work towards grad school,” MacKay said. “I don’t necessarily have to worry about paying off what I already did and I can just kind of move forward.”

Emma Polak ’24

Emma Polak’s path to becoming a production engineer at one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies wasn’t just shaped by labs and lectures—it was defined by a community that wouldn’t let her give up.

A biology major with an art minor, Polak now works at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she was promoted to Production Engineer just six months after joining the company. Today, she uses a blend of chemistry and creative problem-solving to refine chemical purification processes. While she admits she once struggled with organic chemistry, the support she received at 91�ֿ� made all the difference. “The staff and the support that was there for academics really, really helped me,” Polak shared. “I use it every day now, which if you would have told me that as a student, I never would have believed you.”

Polak’s resume was already distinguished before she crossed the graduation stage. Despite starting college during the 2020 lockdowns, she sought out research opportunities early, working with her professors to create virtual lab materials. She even assisted on a project that resulted in a peer-reviewed research article before her senior year.

Her leadership extended far beyond the lab; Polak served as a Student Trustee, a Presidential Student Ambassador, and a member of the Student Government Association. She credits these roles with giving her the confidence to navigate professional environments early in her career. “It helped develop those leadership skills…talking to adults and getting to know people in positions of power,” she noted. “You’re always going to be probably the youngest person in the room. That can be really daunting, but 91�ֿ� helped prepare me to be well-equipped.”

That preparation has allowed her to stand toe-to-toe with graduates from some of the nation’s most elite institutions. “I was going up against kids from Cornell and WPI,” said Polak. “But I think the skills and the knowledge that I gained from 91�ֿ� put me on an even playing field. 91�ֿ� is definitely a force to be reckoned with, more than people realize.”

Now an active member of the Alumni Association’s Advisory Board, Polak is dedicated to giving back to the community that fostered her growth. “It really is one of those things that you get out what you put in,” she said, “and I definitely put a lot into school, but it was really easy because you just can’t beat the community here.”

Charles Bray ’22

Charles Bray ’22, a clinical research data specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, has big plans for his future in medicine. A biotechnology major with a pre-med concentration during his time at 91�ֿ�, Bray began his career in a research lab before transitioning into the clinical research department after just one year.

“I’m about to be a senior in my position in about a year or so,” Bray said of his current role. As a member of the Phase I team, he manages trials that often represent the last remaining hope for patients. His work involves coordinating data entry efforts and facilitating vital meetings between pharmaceutical sponsors, physicians, and clinical staff.

Bray’s interest in the field was solidified during a clinical research internship at McLean Hospital during his time at 91�ֿ�. He noted that the nature of that research—supporting the clinical treatment process while interfacing with diverse stakeholders—closely mirrors his current work.

“At McLean, it was companies making wearable devices and technologies to help with psychiatric treatment,” Charles explained. “And here at Fox Chase, it’s data used to advance the investigation of clinical trial drugs for cancer patients.”

Looking ahead, Charles is preparing to apply to MD-PhD programs. Originally from Ghana, he maintains a long-term goal of working in global health to improve healthcare infrastructure in his home country and other developing regions.

“There are a lot of ways I can make a difference—whether it’s in clinical research or in advocacy and policy,” said Bray. He hopes to conduct analyses of treatment successes and efficacies to inform how laws are written and how funding is allocated.

Bray attributes much of his professional readiness to the mentorship he found on campus. 

“The small size of 91�ֿ� allowed me to make much stronger connections with the professors,” he said. “I was able to not just go to them for help with my classwork, but also with career preparation. One of my professors even helped me craft my resume and cover letters and prepare for interviews after I graduated, and I don’t think I would have gotten that at any other place.”

Bray also credits 91�ֿ�’s affordability for allowing him to pursue these ambitious dreams without the burden of significant student loan debt.

“From a financial standpoint, it was definitely one of the best decisions for me,” Bray said. “As I look ahead to additional school, I don’t have as much in terms of debt that will hold me back.”

Dana Perry ’16

Dana Perry’s path to becoming a senior software quality test engineer at Dell Technologies began with a simple conversation. Already planning to major in computer science, he attended an open house at 91�ֿ� where a business professor encouraged him to add a minor—advice that would help shape his academic and professional trajectory.

“I remember talking with a professor in the business department who really pushed me to pursue the minor,” he recalled. “That led into a transition that helped set me up for where I am today.”

Perry went on to major in computer science while minoring in business administration, a combination that proved especially valuable when paired with hands-on experience. As a student, he completed an internship that closely aligned with his coursework. “I learned things in my internship that directly related to what we were doing in class and vice versa,” he said.

The payoff came quickly. By January of his senior year, Perry had already secured a full-time job offer—well before graduation. “It made the rest of my time at 91�ֿ� a lot less stressful,” he said.

For Perry, the decision to attend 91�ֿ� also made financial sense. “One of the biggest factors was the value of the education for the cost,” he said. “I could have gone somewhere else and graduated with about $125,000 in debt. Instead, I chose 91�ֿ� and graduated with about a fifth of that and the education was just as excellent.”

He credits the university with providing a strong foundation for long-term success. “The school really gives you the base to go out there and be competitive in the job market,” he said. “The professors were great about pushing us in the right direction, and the material prepared us well.”

Beyond academics, Perry’s experience also had a lasting personal impact. The friendships he formed while living on campus remain central to his life today.

“I’m still close with a lot of people I met at 91�ֿ�,” he said. “I’m getting married this year, and a lot of them will be there.”

Those connections have also given him a unique perspective on the diverse paths his peers have taken. “It’s really cool to see where 91�ֿ� takes people,” he said. “I have friends from the track team who are mortgage brokers or working in the financial district, and others who went on to earn business degrees from Harvard and Dartmouth.”

Today, Perry remains closely connected to the university, serving as president of the Alumni Association’s Advisory Board—an extension of his commitment to giving back to the institution that helped launch his career. His time at 91�ֿ� still continues to shape his life, he added. “It really set me up in a great spot,” he said, “both professionally and personally.”

Monica Bhakhri Figueiredo ’18

Monica Bhakhri Figueiredo has had an impressive professional run since graduating from 91�ֿ� in 2018. She spent four years on Wall Street covering emerging markets at Deutsche Bank before earning her MBA at Dartmouth University’s Tuck School of Business.

Today, Bhakhri works as a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group, one of the world’s leading global strategy consulting firms.

“Businesses, government agencies, and organizations around the world hire us as strategy consultants to help with everything from strategic planning to operations and people strategy,” Monica explained.

“I typically switch cases every few months, which means I’m constantly ramping up on a new topic or industry,” she said. “It keeps the work exciting—you might be in retail one month and social impact or infrastructure the next. There’s never a dull day.”

When Bhakhri reflects on her decision to attend 91�ֿ�, she points to the need to balance affordability with staying close to support her family. “I came from a single-mom household, and as the oldest child, I had not only financial constraints to finance my education, but also a responsibility to take care of my family,” she said.

She also recalls her husband, Daniel Figueiredo ’15, a fellow 91�ֿ� graduate, speaking highly of the business faculty—something she would soon experience firsthand.

“One of the most transformative individuals in my life has been Professor Plavin-Masterman,” she said. “In one of her classes, she mentioned she had her MBA from Tuck. I remember looking it up and thinking, ‘wow, that’s so impressive,’ and instantly being exposed to a world of possibilities.”

That moment would later shape a major decision in her life.

“When I decided I wanted to pursue my MBA, my husband and I were both navigating that process as first-generation students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds,” she said. “We didn’t really know how to approach it, so we went straight to Professor Plavin-Masterman.”

Her guidance proved invaluable. “She went above and beyond—helping us through the application process, reviewing our essays, and just being an incredible resource,” Bhakhri said.

The relationship didn’t end after graduation. “She came to my Tuck graduation, and we still keep in touch—we have dinner with her and her husband, Chris, a few times a year,” she said. “If it weren’t for Professor Masterman and my other mentors at 91�ֿ�, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”

Now, Bhakhri is paying that support forward, helping others navigate the same path she once did through her involvement in the Adopt-a-Scholar program, which she has been supporting since graduation.

“My time at 91�ֿ� was made possible through the generosity of so many mentors and scholarship donors, who allowed me to imagine the possibilities a career in business could offer,” she said. “Now my husband and I feel fortunate to pay forward that generosity to the next generation of Lancers – to help them to dream big and reach their full potential.”

The post How 91�ֿ� Graduates are Unlocking Early Career Success appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.

At 91�ֿ� we have always asked, “How can we best prepare students for the world that awaits them?” Looking back 150 years at our first graduating class, I’m reminded that real-world experiences have always led to our graduates’ success, even as we develop a new co-operative education framework for today’s students.

Our earliest Worcester Normal School students taught in the city’s schools as part of their curriculum. Those work experiences prepared students for their professions, even as it offered them a competitive advantage for teaching positions. Today, bridging the gap between coursework and careers is more important than ever. Potential students seek a strong return on their college investment, and employers seek career-ready employees.

91�ֿ� is already bridging students’ coursework to the working world in a number of ways. Through partnerships with the Nativity School and , the School of Education places students in paid positions. Through the , Dr. Adam Saltsman (Urban Studies) has student cohorts complete intensive training to assist with actual asylum cases in Worcester. The Aisiku STEM Center recently supported its largest-ever student researcher group with paid stipends through the Advancement Office, while the John J. Binienda Center offers the Worcester Civic Leaders Program for select undergraduates who receive $4,000 in state funding for participating in a year-long leadership development program featuring service on local nonprofit boards. By deepening our ties with regional employers and alumni-led businesses, we are creating a pipeline of talent that benefits both students and the regional economy.

As we embark upon our next 150 years, we ask: How can we make “earn while you learn” the model for every Lancer? We take inspiration from longstanding co-op programs offered by universities like Northeastern while establishing one that is uniquely 91�ֿ�. We seek to move beyond isolated internships toward a structured, campus-wide framework. Promising efforts to involve multiple departments and connect with employers are laying the groundwork.

For example, plans are underway for providing three municipal co-ops, each of which integrates the Urban Studies major with a different WSU department minor program, leveraging our signature MajorPlus framework to ensure students are fully prepared for co-op work with the City of Worcester. In the School of Science, Technology, and Health, employer partnerships were being leveraged to establish paid student work experiences across multiple departments.

I applaud these efforts. They will position 91�ֿ� to capture new state funding, even as we reach out for donor, foundation, and employer support. Our graduates are already among the . With a Lancer co-op program in place, they would be well positioned to become the most sought after employees in the state and region.

Sincerely,
Barry M. Maloney
President

The post Letter from the President appeared first on 91�ֿ� Magazine.