An Inside Look at A&S

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

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

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. 

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.