Mast year for sugar maples and inspiring campus connections
This is a mast year for sugar maples, when they produce an overabundance of seeds. Here on campus, we've had our own banner spring, with a crop of inspiring speakers reminding this Dean of what being part of a university is all about—a community of learners where students and faculty gather together for stimulating exploration of ideas and attempt to identify solutions.
Student-Led Permaculture Garden wins White House award
The student-led Permaculture Committee was the top vote getter nationally for one of five spots in the White House's "Campus Champions of Change Challenge." UMass Amherst is currently the only public university in the country implementing new permaculture gardens directly on campus each year and using that food in its dining commons. Fifteen committee members traveled to Washington, D.C. on March 15 to accept the award.
Inspired by Gecko Feet, Scientists Invent Super-Adhesive Material
For years, scientists have been amazed by gecko feet, which let these lizards produce an extremely powerful adhesive force. Now, Duncan Irschick, Biology, and Alfred Crosby, Polymer Science and Engineering, have discovered exactly how the gecko does it, leading them to invent "Geckskin," a device that can hold 700 pounds on a smooth wall.
Dr. Kumble R. Subbaswamy is new Chancellor of UMass Amherst
currently a physicist and Provost at the University of Kentucky, he was unanimously appointed Chancellor by the Board of Trustees
New Invasive Species Smartphone App
for the UMass Amherst Outsmart Invasive Species Project lets people identify and report invasive species and is available (free!) through iTunes and Google Play
