News from UMass Lowell

09/28/2021

This is a selection of upcoming events, photo opportunities, source and story ideas compiled by UMass Lowell media relations. We are available to assist with these as well as any other source or content needs. 

Sources

Experts are available to discuss:

• The potential risks pregnant women face when taking acetaminophen, according to new research led by UMass Lowell;
• How artificial intelligence is contributing to new Alzheimer’s research at the university.

Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.

Events

Campus celebration will unveil a restored Coburn Hall

When and where: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 3:30 p.m. Coburn Hall, South Campus, 850 Broadway St., Lowell

What: UMass Lowell will officially reopen Coburn Hall, the oldest academic building on campus now reborn through a $47 million renovation, restoration and expansion project. The building, which dates back to the 1890s, was constructed as the home of the Lowell Normal School, founded to train teachers for the growing city during the American Industrial Revolution. In a return to its mission, today, Coburn Hall houses UMass Lowell’s School of Education, along with the Psychology Department. Event speakers are expected to include UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney; UMass President Marty Meehan; Luis Falcon, dean of UMass Lowell’s College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; UMass Lowell student Michael Aloisi, an education major from Townsend; and alumna Joan Marchessault, who holds a UMass Lowell doctorate in leadership in schooling and serves on the Chancellor’s Advisory Council. 

UMass Lowell’s Schueller Observatory hosts free astronomy night 

When and where: Thursday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. Dugan Hall, South Campus, 883 Broadway St., Lowell

What: UMass Lowell’s first Astronomy Night will introduce the public to the university’s work exploring the wonders of space. The free event, led by astronomer Silas Laycock, associate professor of physics, will begin with a brief introduction about UMass Lowell’s Richard Schueller Observatory and talk about SPACE HAUC, a UMass Lowell student-built satellite that NASA will deploy from the International Space Station next month. After that session, guests will take a short walk over to the observatory, where students and faculty will help them view the night skies. Free parking is available in the surface lot at 900 Broadway St. Members of the public should register to attend by emailing observatory@uml.edu. Guests are required to wear face masks during the portions of the event held indoors.

Content ideas

The stories below were developed by UMass Lowell and may be used as a press release or in their entirety. Contact UMass Lowell media relations to arrange interviews or for high-res photos. 

New Digital Arts major combines storytelling, technical skills

New this fall, UMass Lowell’s Digital Arts major shows students how to produce content effectively in multiple formats, offering courses that combine storytelling and hands-on technical skills. For a capstone project in their senior year, students must complete an internship or produce a film, podcast or digital marketing campaign, depending on their interests and career goals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in media and communication will grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. See the full story.

Check in with UMass Lowell’s new director of libraries  

With a law degree from Duke and master’s degrees from Yale and Simmons College, Allison Estell has spent her fair share of time in university libraries. As UMass Lowell’s new director of libraries, Estell is excited to build on their services. Many may not know UMass Lowell’s Lydon and O’Leary libraries, along with the Center for Lowell History, are open to the public. Estell hopes to change that and strengthen the libraries’ connection to the community. See the full story.