An Inside Look at A&S
Learn more about the latest student accomplishments, successful alumni, and our innovative faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences!
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Featured News

Amy Weiss Names Director of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies
Amy Weiss, PhD, as the new director of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies. She comes to the University from Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, New Jersey, where she directs the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education. Weiss will join the Greenberg Center in January 2021 after completing the Thomas and Elissa Ellant Katz Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania’s Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, where she is working on a book on American Jewish-evangelical relations.

Bryson Owens '18, M'20 Secures Position with Newsweek
Bryson Owens is working remotely as an associate video producer for Newsweek providing video content for its social media channels and website including the presidential and vice-presidential debates, the Amy Coney Barrett supreme court confirmation hearings, as well as election night coverage.

Hands-On Experiences, Faculty Mentoring Help Launch Teaching Career
Just a few months after graduating with a degree in Mathematics with a Certification in Secondary Education, Peter Graywacz ‘20 is realizing that dream as a ninth-grade algebra teacher at Classical Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut.

Research Experience Helps Caitlin Cabral '20 Launch Her Career
This summer Caitlin Cabral ‘20 was hired as a project research assistant for Optum, a pharmacy benefit management company that is part of UnitedHealth Group. Cabral, who earned a degree in psychology with a minor in Gender Studies (now Gender and Sexuality Studies) from UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences, joined Optum’s Patient Insights Division to support scientists who are working on patient-reported outcomes.

Cinema Alumnus Turns Movie Idea Into Reality
Jake Fay ’16 started writing the screenplay for his first feature film, The Process, during his senior year as a cinema student in UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences. Featuring 35 speaking roles and 50 extras, the film is Fay’s directorial debut and took just 11 days to shoot on location in his hometown of Lynn, Massachusetts, in October 2019.

Gabriella Silva '20 Heads to Fordham University School of Law
Gabriella Silva ‘20 is attending Fordham University School of Law, focusing on public interest law due to her strong desire to expand her knowledge in immigration law, criminal law, and economic development. Silva says her UHart professors have contributed enormously to her academic growth and ultimately helped her in deciding to attend law school at Fordham.
Featured Events: Mock Classes
We want to offer prospective and accepted students a unique opportunity to virtually experience what it's like to be a student in our College of Arts and Sciences. You're invited to the following events—register in advance to secure a spot in the mock class of your choice. Feel free to participate in as many sessions as you'd like!

Access to Food: The Social, Political, and Economic Dimensions of Hunger
Taught by Associate Professor of Economics, Jane Horvath
Tues., March 9, at 6:30 p.m.
What is hunger and why is it such a persistent problem? This interactive class will explore the social, political, and economic aspects of hunger and the different dimensions of hunger, and consider possible solutions to the problem of food insecurity. We’ll also explore how current events have impacted progress in addressing problems of hunger and food insecurity.

The Power and Peril of Digital Technology
Taught by Applied Associate Professor of Communication, Adam ChiaraWed., March 10, at 5:30 p.m.
Digital technology has transformed communication, society, and our daily lives. While many of these changes are enriching, it has also caused repercussions. We'll explore two evolving technologies, deep fake videos and facial recognition, and discover how they could threaten and/or benefit society.

Family Therapy to Forensic Psychology: Choices and Challenges
Taught by Professor of Psychology, Tony Crespi
Thurs., March 11 at 6:30 p.m.
With society facing immense challenges including familial alcoholism, divorce, family dynamics, rising mass incarceration rates, the global pandemic, and social and economic inequities, this class will explore how individuals and psychologists begin to understand, process, and approach these issues.

Fighting a Drug
Taught by Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, C. Wesley Younts
Mon., March 15, at 6:30 p.m.
In his Drugs and Society course, Associate Professor Younts's students examine the social context of drug use. This class includes an open discussion on a broad range of drugs, from prescription drugs to tobacco and alcohol, to narcotics. Younts will touch upon the history, cross-cultural differences, causal factors, and social consequences of the use of various drugs.

Storytelling Through Images
Taught by Assistant Professor of Cinema, Dakota Nanton
Wed., March 17 at 6 p.m.
This class will explore the rules of composition to help you become a better photographer and filmmaker. What makes a good image? How can we use images to tell stories? Why do some capture our attention more than others? By exploring these questions, Assistant Professor Dakota Nanton will challenge you to create your own images and provide practical, applicable skills to analyze and create more complex images.

Behind the Ad – The Creative Brief as a Launch Point for Great Ad
Taught by Associate Professor of Communication, Kristin Comeforo
Wed., March 17 at 6 p.m.
Some ads make us laugh and some make us cry. Others leave us scratching our heads. Some are memorable, others forgettable. In this virtual session. Associate Professor Kristin Comeforo unlocks the key to creative success– The Creative Brief. After outlining this most important strategic document used by advertisers, you will brainstorm and share ideas for your own great ad!

Exploratory? Undecided?
Taught by College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Katherine Black
Mon., March 22 at 6:30 p.m.
If you are undecided about your major, you are not alone! Many first-year students in the College of Arts and Sciences are undecided about their academic and career goals. The good news is you have until the end of your sophomore year to select a major area of study. Dean Black will explain how a strong support system combined with our First-Year Seminar, writing intensive courses, opportunities for research with professors, study abroad, and learning beyond the classroom experiences will help you explore your interests.
Mock Science Classes
Hydrogen: The Next Great Fuel?
Taught by Professor of Chemistry, Andrew Craft
Wed., March 24 at 6 p.m.
We hear a lot about solar and wind power replacing fossil fuels. But there are other attractive options to consider. One alternative to coal, oil and natural gas is hydrogen. What makes hydrogen so attractive as a source of energy and what, unfortunately, makes it not so great? We’ll talk about that and more.
Sweet Science: Extracting DNA from Fruit
Taught by Assistant Professor of Biology, Andrew Koob
Wed., March 24 at 6 p.m.
Just like humans and all living organisms, plants have DNA that contain the code for them to live, grow, and reproduce. All you need is dish soap, salt, rubbing alcohol and a coffee filter–and a type of fruit that can be mashed up, such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas or kiwi. Once finished, you will have isolated thousands and millions of DNA molecules!
Color Perception and Art
Taught by Associate Professor of Physics and Department Chair, James McDonald
Wed., March 24 at 6 p.m.
Drawing from his course, Science in Art, Associate Professor James McDonald will lead a discussion on how people perceive color and how different industries use color effectively.
Watch Now

Associate Professor of Politics and Government Jilda Aliotta discusses the life and legacy of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on NBC Connecticut.
In The News
More News from the College of Arts and Sciences
Yavana Ganesh '20 Lands Dream Job. Read more.
Olaleye Onikuyide '20 Receives John G. Lee Award. Read more.
Assistant Professor of Communication Adam Chiara's TV interview about advances in technology that make it difficult to spot fake social media videos appears nationwide. Watch the story here.
Associate Professor Katharine Owens elected to serve as president-elect of the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) Board, Read more.
Assistant Professor Abe Hefter has found a way to create an on-air studio with a virtual master control room "virtually." Read more.
Cinema Students Host Online Film Festival, "Films in Isolation." Learn more.
Biology and Chemistry Departments Donate PPE. Read more.
Inside the Press Box: UHart's Hands-On Sports Beat Course. Read more.
History Alumna Applies Research and Analytical Skills to Newman's Own Fellowship. Read more.
Bonaparte Triplets Ready for Their Future. Read more.
From Lab to Operating Room, Summer Experience Leads to Ideal Career Choice. Read more.
Assistant Professor Adam Chiara's Op-ed Looks at How Changes at Facebook Can Impact Business. Read more.
Associate Professor Katharine Owens Named Director of The Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service. Read more.
Cinema and Digital Media and Journalism Students Film International Documentaries. Read more.
New Minor in Data Science. Read more.
Professors and Students are Researching the Role of Recovery Residences in the Opioid Problem in Northwest Connecticut. Read more.
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