How do we relate to nature? How do we survive climate change? Why do narratives matter? Climate change and our relationships to nature have increasingly dominated a significant amount of space in our personal lives, and in the narratives that circulate through the media. While answers exist, some are more privileged, and others are not afforded enough examination. In this course, we will explore and examine the dominant, and often invisible narratives around climate change and environmental issues so that we can learn and envision how to survive together.

How do we communicate discoveries? Capturing the essence of a concept and expressing it to a broader audience is the key to success in both science and art. We will be investigating how to get ideas to reach beyond their creators through the intersection of the scientific and artistic methods, focusing on the processes with which both scientists and artists engage with the world to collect, interpret and translate information. We will be conducting hands-on activities and exploring resources on campus, ultimately producing our own showcase of science communication through art.

Everyone needs to eat! How are major food crops developed to feed the world? In this course we will learn how conventional breeding and modern genetic techniques are used by scientists for crop improvement. What is the biology underlying these methods? What does it mean for a plant to be genetically modified? What resources exist to improve crops to face current food security issues such as changing environmental conditions, pest management, and increasing demand? Apply your knowledge and propose your own food security solution at the end of the semester!

What are invasive species, how do they get here, and what can we do to stop them? We will explore these questions (and more!) as we learn about the plants, animals, and pathogens that spread rapidly through our ecosystems. We will also learn how to turn our curiosities into questions, and how to come up with ways to limit the damage caused by invasive species. Join me for a semester of crazy case studies, interactive activities, and info that will help you navigate the sciences here at UMass!

Food is an integral part of human life: we are what we eat! Foods like bread, ice cream, candies and so many others that are inconvenient to prepare in our kitchen continue to become more accessible at lower cost. But how are they manufactured? What is the truth behind processed foods? Why do I have bacteria in yogurt? What is GMO food and is it safe? This course will drive you to critical thinking by discussion-driven, and activity-based learning about the science of food.

A little over a hundred years ago the world of physics was completely overturned when Einstein introduced the theory of special relativity. We will see how concepts that had been ingrained in the physics community for centuries had to drastically change. How much can we trust the intuition from our everyday life experiences to construct scientific theories? When do analogies work and when do they harm? How realistic are science fiction movies in portraying physics phenomena?

Understanding the basics of food science is the key to successfully cooking for yourself and others, and will help you to lead a healthier lifestyle and be a more informed consumer. This course will teach the fundamentals of the science behind food, including the basics of food safety, common cooking techniques, and the function of important vitamins and minerals. Students will learn how to think like a scientist when shopping in the grocery store or working in their kitchens, and will gain invaluable knowledge of food and cooking that will help them throughout college and beyond.

This first-year seminar will introduce students to the place and practice of translation, mostly as it is seen from the perspective of the United States. Students will think about the ways in which translation is all around us and its importance in our everyday life. Students will consider topics such as machine translation vs. human translation, literary translation, translation vs. interpretation, and the profession, among others.

Who are the real people that drive discovery? Explore stories of the characters behind the science, from the self-made doctor who performed the first heart surgery to the Hollywood actress who invented the foundation for today's cell phone and Bluetooth technologies. We will reflect on how anyone can think like a scientist, since we all possess an innate curiosity about the world around us. Class activities will explore how to inspire this curiosity in yourself and others. Come ready to dive into some remarkable stories that didn't show up in your high school science textbook!