Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina, professor of English and the Paul Murray Kendall Chair in Biography at UMass Amherst, was recently named a Spotlight Scholar.

A team of researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently announced that they have discovered the genetic linkages governing the formation of flowers. The revelation solves a long-standing mystery—how are there so many different types of flowers in the world?—and shines a bright light into a dark corner of evolution. The research also demonstrates the power of a technique called “forward genetics” in uncovering the mysteries of nature.

AMHERST, Mass. – Online bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst rank 19th nationally, according to a survey released by U.S. News & World Report, which also listed the university 11th for online baccalaureate programs for veterans. These rankings are up from 21st and 13th, respectively.

 The online undergraduate program in business offered by the Isenberg School of Management is ranked fourth in its category.

Laurie Godfrey, professor emerita of anthropology, has co-edited an all-Indigenous researcher edition of “Malagasy Nature,” the first time the Madagascar-based journal has focused solely on work led by indigenous researchers.

Five video essays designed and produced by Barbara Zecchi, director of film studies at UMass Amherst, made it into the “Best Video Essays of 2021” by Sight & Sound, the prestigious monthly film magazine published by the British Film Institute (BFI).

Nefertiti Walker, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion, discusses her work with The Collective Think Tank, a global consortium of some of today’s greatest academic minds and industry leaders focused on gender parity and improving diversity. A first of its kind, this group will share data, insights and information to promote more opportunity for women to succeed in sports.

UMass Chan Medical School has installed 32 electric vehicle charging ports, with support from National Grid as part of the company’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Program, which aims to expand EV adoption, accelerate usage and lower the cost of installation of EV chargers.

The 16 dual-port level 2 stations were installed in the UMass Chan West parking garage, which is used by employees of the Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Katherine A. Fitzgerald, PhD, has been named the 2022 recipient of the American Association of Immunologists - Thermo Fisher Meritorious Career Award. The award, given by the AAI, recognizes a mid-career scientist for outstanding research contributions to the field of immunology.