In its efforts to create intentional spaces to support faculty and staff of color at UMass Chan Medical School, the Diversity and Inclusion Office (DIO) has formed two affinity groups. The Colorful Voices Network is a DIO- and employee-led community established to provide a forum for employees to develop skills, network, and support key diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. AALANA, which represents African American, Latinx, Asian and Native American people, seeks to support and advance faculty of color through collaboration, celebration and knowledge.

John Romano, a fourth-year medical student in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, has been named a 2021 Pisacano Scholar. This award recognizes outstanding medical students who have made a commitment to enter the field of family medicine.

The Remillard Family Community Service Fund has awarded nine grants for UMass Chan Medical School collaborations that have the potential to improve the health of Central Massachusetts residents, particularly those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged or underrepresented.

Established in 2015 with a $3 million donation by the Remillard Family Foundation, the Remillard Family Community Service Fund is dedicated to providing ongoing support for community outreach programs led by UMass Chan faculty, students, staff and community partners.

The Broadway production of “Moulin Rouge” won an impressive ten Tony Awards at Sunday’s ceremony, but for the UMass Amherst theater department, one win was particularly exciting. Lighting designer Justin Townsend ’97 became the first UMass theater design alum ever to win a Tony.

Natasha M. de la Rosa-Rivera, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the neuroscience and behavior program and 2019 CRF Graduate Student Grant Writers Program member, was recently named as a recipient of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) dissertation award (R36) to complete and further her research.

Celia A. Schiffer, PhD, has accepted the position of chair of the newly renamed Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biotechnology, effective Oct. 1. Formerly the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, the new name reflects the expanded role of cutting-edge technologies such as cryo-electron microscopy and computational biology, as well as the science of pharmacology in bringing a molecular perspective to problems in biology and medicine.

Kassandra Jean-Marie, a second-year medical student whose journey to becoming a physician has twice taken her through UMass Chan Medical School’s corridors, has wanted to be a doctor from a young age. Her reasons, though, have changed over the years, shaped by her parents’ experiences and her own observations. Jean-Marie was born in Boston; her parents were born in Haiti.

UMass Chan Medical School Registrar Michael Baker, MA, has been named to the 2021 Biomedical Science Careers Program Honor Roll in recognition of his 13 years of involvement with the program. Baker was recognized during the annual BSCP Evening of Hope fundraiser held virtually on Sept. 22.

A group of students is launching a mentorship program for women at UMass Chan Medical School, building on a mentoring program begun last year for learners traditionally underrepresented in medicine. Organizers say they see similar needs in these groups for guidance and personal connections between students and experienced medical science professionals.