Research

Where curiosity leads to positive change

Through their research, practice, and creative work, ��Ƶ faculty and students probe at knotty questions and unravel complex problems. Their inquiry takes them to the most unexpected places. A phytoplankton bloom in the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon rainforest’s tree canopy. The aqueducts of Central Mexico. The understory of a Massachusetts forest. The Salem witch trials. The chemistry “lab” of an ordinary kitchen.

��Ƶ scholars are driven by their endless curiosity. Committed to positive change and collaboration, they seek to improve human lives and sustain the planet, with urgency and empathy.

A student seated behind an easel in class at the Traina Center for the Arts, ��Ƶ

Facilities and labs

A class discussion at the Strassler Center

Centers and institutes

A student conducting research in Julio Darcy's lab

Fellowships

Our changing planet

For decades, ��Ƶ scholars have confronted the climate crisis through research and engagement that examine the critical issues of vulnerability, mitigation, and adaptation existing at the nexus of science, sustainability, and social equity.

Climate and Global Change

An aerial view of colorful buildings on a hillside in Mexico.

Mexico’s big thirst

Funded by a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant, a team of 11 ��Ƶ faculty and over a dozen students are collaborating with community stakeholders and municipal and federal governments in Central Mexico to address the region’s longstanding water crisis.

Florencia Sangermano works at a computer analyzing ecoacoustic data in Brazil

The sounds of science

��Ƶ Geography Professor Florencia Sangermano first began attaching audio recorders to trees in Central Massachusetts to capture the sounds of birds, weather, and humans. Her research has expanded to Brazil and she has earned globally recognition in the growing field of ecoacoustics.

Fijian masa, a hand-printed designs on bark cloth

Protecting the Pacific Islands

Professor Abby Frazier and her co-authors reported in the Fifth National Climate Assessment chapter. Now, Frazier is exploring the physical and socioeconomic impacts on Pacific island communities hit by “compound climate extremes” — a combination of multiple climate hazards.

Climate Highlights

Sculpture Professor James Maurelle in the studio.

The creative process

Sculpture Professor James Maurelle has developed a process that allows him to preserve the magic of child-like play in artistry.

“I surround myself with materials and objects and work on them all at the same time. I’m like the eye of the hurricane. That’s how I’ve developed over the years,” he says. “It’s the closest thing to freedom that I’ve embodied in my entire life.”

Research administration

Environmental Health and Safety

The office works to maintain a safe working environment for students, faculty, and staff by conducting ongoing safety and environmental training, equipment, and materials for all laboratory work applications.

Florencia Sangermano conducts field research

Dean of Research

The associate provost and dean of research works with faculty and students to promote and encourage research, secure funding, and build outside partnerships.