Maira Owais: Tenacious and Poised to Confront Health-Care Policy

Known by peers for her excellence and composure, Owais is leaving Amherst having integrated a solid sense of identity — from her long-time love of the health sciences and a newfound interest in economics, to her roots as a Pakistani immigrant.

Kelechi Eziri: A Devoted Teammate and Community-Builder

Anchored in the “familial” nature of the track and field team, Kelechi Eziri built power among student-athletes of color, linking his Black studies and psychology coursework with his leadership ethic.

Helen Feibes: A Colorful Practitioner of the Liberal Arts

Her radio show is called “And She Was,” but Helen Feibes is anything but a has-been. Finding joy in everything from neuroscience to creative writing, Feibes is the personification of the liberal-arts ideal.

Daksha Pathak: A Squash Star With an Eye for Architecture

Daksha Pathak ’23 brings an acute sense of intentionality to everything she does — from her play on the squash courts to her architecture thesis.

Maya Foster: Improving Institutions Through Care and Connection

Serving as the student representative to many of the college’s DEI efforts, Maya Foster’s personal “brightness” has perhaps improved as many lives as her work to institute protections against identity-based harm.

Aditi Nayak: Bridging the Gap Between Lab and World

Aditi Nayak combines a remarkable work ethic, an empathetic demeanor, and a mind for problem-solving in her efforts to bring scientific knowledge into the world at large.

Gabriel Echarte: Grounding Achievement in Joyful Community

After his pandemic gap year as an EMT, Gabriel Echarte desired a more grounded relationship with the campus. Finding a home at Humphries House, and now on his way to Truman and Fulbright scholarships, Echarte has worked to reconcile his excitement for impactful work with a need to be in community.

Sophie Kubik: Giving Voice to Their Philosophy

“Intrepid” and persistently thoughtful, Kubik not only excels in the philosophy classroom but has translated her moral convictions into practice.

Sika Essegbey: A Quiet but Powerful Voice

Understated by nature, Fulbright winner Sika Essegbey has nevertheless left an important mark in her time at Amherst — as a campus leader, a scholar, and a friend.

Ryan Kyle: A Judicious Journey Into Education

From research on capital punishment to her upcoming Fulbright to teach English in Uruguay, Ryan Kyle’s time at Amherst has been shaped by education, mentorship, and an effort to defend human dignity.

Sterling Kee: A Passion for People, Onstage and Off

Sterling Kee has blossomed at Amherst as both a dynamic performer and an attentive friend, well-known for his thoughtfulness and quiet power.

Cailin Plunkett: An Astronomical Researcher and Spirited Leader

Having translated her lifelong love for space into groundbreaking research on planetary formation, Cailin Plunkett exemplifies zealous dedication. Her passion has invigorated Amherst’s scientific community, and will carry over into an MIT doctorate.

Haoran Tong: Amherst’s Resident Polymath

Described by his thesis advisor as a “dodecahedron,” Haoran Tong is universally-known for his boundless intellectual energy, many creative pursuits, and the mentorship he provides to so many in the community.

Ellis Phillips-Gallucci: A Track Star and Philosopher Energizing Education

With a voracity for philosophical texts, and an excitement to share them with others, Ellis Phillips-Gallucci is poised to leap into a teaching fellowship on Capitol Hill.

24 Hours in the Science Center

Humphrey Chen ’26 spent 24 consecutive hours in Amherst’s illustrious Science Center, sleeping, eating, showering, and observing. Here, he reports on what he learned, and narrates the chemistry brewing within the building.

Black Student Hairstylists Build Business, Community on Campus

The Student speaks with the owners of two student-run Black hairstyling businesses on campus, KC Cutz and Mane Attraction. These students not only provide a scarce service, but help build community and create space for the practice of Black hair care on campus.

El Camino de Belem: Stories from the PVTA

Seasoned PVTA rider, Belem Oseguera Duran ’24E recounts 60 hours of interviews, revelations, and relationships onboard the B43. In navigating the frustrating bus schedule and uncomfortable seats, Oseguera Duran arrives at a destination well worth the travel.

Old News: This Week in 1996

In this edition of Old News, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 delves into the May 8, 1996 edition of The Student, which dealt with the fallouts of a violent student altercation and a homophobic hate crime, among other campus events.

Thoughts on Theses: Jacqueline Kim ’23

Jacqueline Kim ’23 is an English major who wrote a novella titled “A Swift Boat, A Wide Sea” for her creative-writing thesis. Her thesis advisor is Assistant Professor of English Thirii M. Myint.

Keeping Up With the Jones Library

A hub for volunteerism, English language lessons, board games, and more, Jones Library has been a long-standing staple of the Amherst community. The Student explores the library’s various initiatives and its importance to the town.

Local Lookout: The Humble Peach

Nestled in the heart of Amherst, the Humble Peach is a vegan bakery-cafe that opened last spring. The Student traces its origins, culinary philosophy, and secret ingredients, which culminate not only in a delicious, plant-based menu but action toward more sustainable food systems.

Thinking the Humanities: A CHI Cheat Sheet

The Center for Humanistic Inquiry (CHI) is a hub for those interested in the humanities at Amherst to gather and explore their scholarship. The Student digs into the mission of the center and the importance of its programming, which includes weekly Wednesday salons.

Fresh Faculty: Brian House

Brian House is an Assistant Professor of Art and the History of Art whose work investigates the hidden rhythms in our environments. His current project, “Macrophpones,” amplifies the sounds of the climate crisis.

The Paper Pipeline: How 5-College Texts Circulate

How do loaned books get from Frost Library and the other colleges into library users’ hands? The Student tracks the journey of a library book through the Five College Deliveries (FCD) system as it moves around the consortium.

Nuestras Voces Event Celebrates Bilingual Identity

On Thursday, April 27, 20 students presented poetry and visual art for the second year of Nuestras Voces. Three participants spoke to The Student about the significance of the event for their identity as bilingual students.

Local Lookout: Coronation Café

Staff Writer Pho Vu ’23 interviews Joe Kurtz, owner of the local Coronation Cafe. Vu reflects on the café’s comfortable vibe, local eats, and connections to the Mennonite community.

College Grapples with Implications of ChatGPT

As ChatGPT grows in both national prominence and sophistication, students and faculty grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence for Amherst, from simple cheating to existential worries.

Old News: This Week in 1898

Touring performances, alumni visits, and a whopping 107 advertisements: In this edition of Old News, Managing Features Editor and Columnist Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 probes the April 23, 1898 edition of The Student.

Staff Spotlight: Michael Riley

Mike Riley is a custodian at the college who most often works in the Science Center. In this interview, Riley shared stories from his life before Amherst and reflected on how he has learned and used the kindness that so many know him for.

No Small Potatoes: Val From a Kids-eye View

This week, The Student gets a new perspective on Val by talking with Maya (7) and Asher (12), the children of two Amherst history professors who frequent the dining hall for meals with their parents.

Tread Shed: Tinkering as Pedagogy

The Tread Shed, a new cooperative center for bicycles on campus, opens officially on April 25. The shop's founders want to use bicycle ownership to cultivate an ethic of personal stewardship and explore more dynamic modes of learning through the maintenance process.

Local Lookout: Ricelicious

Ricelicious is an Asian fusion restaurant tucked away in the heart of Amherst town. Pote, the restaurant’s co-owner, helps curate a menu inspired by his Thai roots and the two years he spent in Japan.

Debunking Amherst’s Music Lesson Crisis

Despite its intended goal of increasing the accessibility of music lessons, a recent policy change thwarted some students’ attempts to register for lessons this semester. The Student investigated the source of the difficulties and the outlook for prospective enrollees.

Thoughts on Theses: Will DeGroot ’23

Will DeGroot ’23 is a mathematics and computer science double major. His thesis works toward answering a “big open question” within the field of abstract algebra called the Galois embedding problem. In collaboration with the Amherst STEM Network.

Fresh Faculty: Rebecca Hewitt

Rebecca “Becky” Hewitt is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies who researches the impacts of climate change on arctic ecosystems, focusing on forests and belowground fungi. Hewitt received a B.A. from Middlebury College in 2005 and a Ph.D. from University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2014.

Old News: 55 Years Since Dr. King’s Assassination

This April 4, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 revisits issues of The Amherst Student from the weeks surrounding Dr. King’s murder to explore the campus’ varied responses: from urgency and mourning, to fear and hope.

Spanish Department Centers Community Engagement

Following a 2017 grant, the Spanish Department has implemented a number of town engagement initiatives in its curriculum and student projects. Faculty hope that they can lead the way for other departments to bring the classroom into the community.

Staff Spotlight: Jason Williams

Jason Williams is the Director of Chemical and Laboratory Safety. He spoke about his work with chemicals from “cradle to grave” and his journey to this “niche” field of science.

Geothermal Energy Switch Makes College History

The Student explored the function and significance of the college’s new heating and cooling system, which will be largely powered by geothermal energy. The switch marks a major step forward in the plan to decarbonize the campus by 2030.

Digging Into The Process of Snow Removal on Campus

Behind the flurry of every snowstorm is a complex process of snow removal. The Student spoke with custodial and grounds employees to learn about the labor, pay, and local knowledge that make this effort possible.

Thoughts on Theses: Susannah Auderset ’23

Susannah Auderset ’23 is an architectural studies major writing a thesis on affordable housing in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Her thesis advisor is Chair of Architectural Studies Professor Gabriel A. Arboleda.

Old News: This Week in 1921

In this edition of Old News, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 peruses the March 21, 1921, issue, which includes a talk from a dorm’s namesake, Student Editorial Board updates, and more.

Staff Spotlight: Bilal A. Muhammad ’99

Bilal A. Muhammad ’99 works in Frost Library as the evening circulation student supervisor and specialist. He spoke with The Student about his role at Amherst, his podcast, and returning to the Pioneer Valley.

Campus Corners: Amherst Queer History Timeline

A timeline hanging in the QRC documents figures, groups, and pivotal moments in the history of queer people at Amherst. QRC staff reflected on their experience researching and designing the timeline, and their belief in its value.

Old News: This Week in 1976

In a new series, Managing Features Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 uses a random number generator to look back on this week in Amherst’s history, through the lens of The Student. This week, she peruses the March 4, 1976 issue, with headlines eerily similar to 2023.

Breaking Down the AAS Budget

In light of recent AAS budgetary changes, The Student breaks down what the current figures are, explaining where the money goes and what of it is available to students.

Fresh Faculty: Frank Leon Roberts

Assistant Professor of English Frank Leon Roberts talks with staff writer Zane Khiry ’25 about the intersections of organizing and academics, and how he came to host “Bo's Barbershop and Books.”

Thriving Anime Club Reflects Nationwide Trend

Amherst's Anime Club hosts regular screenings, discussions, and cultural and social events surrounding the Japanese genre. Its popularity reflects broader trends in American culture.

Thoughts on Theses: Patrick Spoor ’23

Patrick Spoor ’23 is a music major who recently completed their vocal performance thesis, “Einheitswanderschaft.” They play the part of a wandering soul who, through a collection of songs, seeks the greater purpose of “Einheit” — unity or oneness.

Budget Complicates New Student Center Construction

Staff Writer Emma Burd ’26 checks in on the progress of the college's long-term plans for a new student center, finding that a tighter budget and the declining endowment seem to be potential roadblocks to starting construction.

Veggie Febbie: Cultivating a Plant-Based Community

This February, Veggie Club challenges Amherst students to try a plant-based diet for “Veggie Febbie.” Their end goal is to build a plant-based community and, for President Tim Carroll ’25, to convert a new class of long-term vegetarians.

Fresh Faculty: Jungeun Kim

Jungeun Kim is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Theater and Dance. Speaking with Managing Features Editor Caelen McQuilkin ’24E, Kim discussed the roots of her passion for dance, its educational potential, and the different meanings it has taken throughout her life.

Mammoth Meet Cute: Alumni Couples Share Stories

The rumors are true: Some people really do meet The One at Amherst. In this Valentine's Day feature, we check in with couples who met at Amherst and are still going strong.

Too Many Boxes, Not Enough Space: Post-Covid Online Ordering Spikes

Since the start of the pandemic, the campus mailroom has seen a dramatic increase in online ordering — this past year, Amherst students collectively ordered almost 75,000 packages. Using interviews and data from the post office, The Student traced this shift and its impacts on the campus community.

Staff Spotlight: Michelle Phillips

Michelle Phillips is a Cash Operations Supervisor who currently works at Grab-n-Go. She spoke on her 30 years working at Amherst, Pride, birdhouses, coaching sports, and her advice for Amherst students.

Quick Questions: How Much Does Dorm Damage Cost?

Last December, The Student reported on the impact of repeated instances of dorm damage on custodial staff and the facilities department. In this edition of Quick Questions, we totaled the monetary cost of those damages.

Birding at Amherst: Crows, Coops, and Cameras

This past year, birding at Amherst has seen a rise in popularity. Staff writer Fahim Zaman ’25 reflects on the beauty of birding through the stories of three Amherst students involved in bird-related activities.

Thoughts on Theses: Meenakshi Jani

Meenakshi Jani (she/her) is an environmental studies and history major writing a thesis about colonial forestry in India and the Philippines. Her thesis looks into the role of forest officers and forest department employees in the larger colonial project in these places.

From Eggshells to Energy: Tracking the College’s Compost

The college produces a staggering amount of food waste which, thanks to a new contract, is processed by Vanguard Renewables into low-carbon fertilizer and renewable natural gas. The new composting program is part of a broader reassessment of food systems and food waste at the college.

What Happens After Dorm Damage?

On the other side of every weekend, there’s someone cleaning up the mess —and the damage — left behind by parties. The Student spoke to custodial staff, supervisors, and directors to understand how repeated dorm damage has impacted them.

Thoughts on Theses: Melanie Schwimmer

Melanie Schwimmer is an American studies major who is writing a thesis on fatness and fatphobia throughout history. Her thesis advisor is L. Stanton Williams 1941 Professor of American Studies and English Karen J. Sánchez-Eppeler.

Photo Series: Fall and Foliage at Amherst

Pho Vu ’23 captures autumn at Amherst in 10 photos, highlighting idyllic foliage, architecture, and quintessentially New England landscapes.

Whispers in the Woods: An Investigation of Amherst’s Poetry Boxes

Poetry mailboxes populate Amherst’s hiking trails, thriving in secrecy. Humphrey Chen ’26 attempts to understand these fixtures of the college and their cloudy origins.

Bunnies on Town Green Hop Onto the Scene

Each weekend, bunnies on Amherst’s town common draw a crowd of admiring students. The Student spoke with the bunnies’ owners to learn more about their story.

Staff Spotlight: Jane Kungu

Jane Kungu is the new assistant director of the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). In this interview, Kungu reflects on the strengths of the MRC, her plans to deepen its community presence, and her own educational journey.

On Veterans Day, Former Service Members Reflect on Amherst Experience

Friday, Nov. 11, was Veterans Day, a federal holiday that usually receives little attention on campus. For Amherst’s veterans, though, the holiday provides an important moment of recognition. The Student spoke to four students about how being a veteran impacts their experience at the college.

Geologists Build Community, Empowerment in GUAC

Geologists Underrepresented at Amherst College, or GUAC, is a student group founded in 2016 to address systemic issues in geology at and beyond the college. Amherst geologists value the group for its empowering sense of community.

Campus Corners: Val’s Plant Nook

In this new series, The Student highlights the unique spaces and places that make up our campus, in miniature. In this edition, Sylvie Wolff ’25 covers the small family of plants on the second floor of Valentine Residence Hall.

Ciao! Ciao? The History of Italian at Amherst

Amherst offers courses in seven foreign languages, but it has been 50 years since an Italian course was last offered here. The Student explores the history of the now defunct Italian language program.

Fresh Faculty: Lillian Pentecost

Lillian C. Pentecost is an assistant professor of computer science. She received a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University. She then attended Harvard University, where she received a master’s degree and doctorate degree.

College Librarians Rethink and Reframe Research

Over the past decade, the research and instruction department has evolved from simply helping with assignments to thinking more broadly about the meaning and practice of research at the college. The Student spoke with six librarians to learn more about this shift and how they approach their work.

Public Art Installations Electrify Amherst

Between 2018 and 2020, Electrify Amherst! The Electrical Box Makeover Project painted many of the town’s electrical boxes with vivid and memorable designs to brighten town life. The Student spoke to several of the project’s organizers about its past and future.

Thoughts on Theses: Anna Buswell

Anna Buswell is a music and psychology double major who is writing a thesis in each department. Her psychology thesis examines how children evaluate other people, and her music thesis delves into Christian passion music.

By the Numbers: Professor Fights for Justice — Alumni Profile, Andreas Georgiou ’83

Even facing persecution from the Greek government, Andreas Georgiou ’83 has never compromised on that which he holds most dear: his principles.

Exploring Identity and Writing Stories — Alumni Profile, Nalini Jones ’93

A passionate reader, Nalini Jones ’93 turned to the craft of fiction to explore “essential” questions about family and identity.

From Intern to the Top: An MLB Scout’s Journey — Alumni Profile, Joe Katuska ’03

Joe Katuska ’03 and his journey to the peak of the scouting world embodies the hard work and dedication it takes to make it in professional baseball.

Protecting the Rights of the Incarcerated — Alumni Profile, Kyle Mitchell Virgien ’08

A physics major, jazz pianist, and now civil rights attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, Kyle Mitchell Virgien ’08 has dedicated his life to seeking justice for the incarcerated and bringing awareness to their lived experiences.

Anchored in Education and Community — Alumni Profile, Jillian Stockmo Chapman ’13

Confronting systemic racism in Minnesota public schools, Jillian Stockmo Chapman ’13 is guided by the twin values of nuance and authenticity.

The Art of Place and Translation — Alumni Profile, Michele Berdy ’78

Michele Berdy ’78 has explored the intricacies and evolution of the Russian language, even after she fled Moscow.

From Amherst Hillel to New York Rabbi — Alumni Profile, Joshua Stanton ’08

Rabbi Joshua Stanton ’08 has built his life’s work around interfaith studies, cultivating community, and proposing the unasked question.

Passionate Determination: An Artistic Pursuit — Alumni Profile, Luis Torruella ’88

Discipline, dynamism, and captive creativity have fueled sculptor Luis Torruella ’88 in his pursuits.

Researching Inequities in Education — Alumni Profile, Erica Lee ’03

Moved by the systemic disparities she observed throughout her education, Erica Lee ’03 dedicates herself to research on issues of educational equity.

Fighting for Justice Beyond the Courtroom — Alumni Profile, Jeanne Nishimoto ’08

A born public servant with a passion for helping her community, Jeanne Nishimoto ’08 is the executive director of the Veterans Legal Clinic at UCLA School of Law.

Reporting the World: An Unexpected Journey — Alumni Profile, Sarah DiLorenzo ’03

Sarah DiLorenzo ’03 values knowledge gained from meandering, which she said is particularly valuable in a career as a journalist.

Modeling Water for the Planet’s Future — Alumni Profile, Andy Wood ’88

From research that shapes public policy, to mentoring postdocs, to forecasting climate change, Andy Wood ’88 is a truly great scientist.

Building Bonds and a Coaching Career — Alumni Profile, Brooke Diamond O’Brien ’03

Brooke Diamond O’Brien ’03 has built her achievement-packed coaching career on both her love of sport and her desire to connect with people both on the field and off.

Casting the Big Screen — Alumni Profile, David Rubin ’78

Emmy award-winning casting director and former Academy President David Rubin ’78 approaches his job through the lens of a former actor, and eternal lover of theater.

Fighting for Equity in Education and Beyond — Alumni Profile, Julie Ajinkya ’03

As an expert in public and education policy, Julie Ajinkya ’03 is paving the way for racial and gendered justice in the world of higher education.

Promoting Justice Through Architecture — Alumni Profile, Bryan Bradshaw ’13

An artist, designer, and activist, Bryan Bradshaw ’13 works to design spaces that center the needs and stories of historically marginalized groups.

Life as a Juvenile Public Defender — Alumni Profile, Stacey Kennard ’03

Intellectually curious and social-justice-oriented, Stacey Kennard ’03 has found the right balance as a public defender for juveniles charged as adults.

Bridging Worlds and Healthcare Disparities — Alumni Profile, Mohamed Ahmed Ramy ’18

A global migrant himself, Mohamed Ahmed Ramy ’18 has traversed the world in pursuit of more equitable healthcare systems and policies for the displaced.

Seeking Challenges, Embracing Community — Alumni Profile, Rick Lopez ’93

Rick Lopez’ ’93 career has been defined by a combination of restless drive and a dedication to community which has brought countless positive changes to the college.

An Inside Look Into This Year’s Pandemic Protocol Shifts

Several community members perceived this fall's relaxed Covid protocols as a large shift in college policy following two years of restrictions. The Student explores the administration’s reasoning behind the shift.

Facing Drought, Book and Plow Farm Shows Resilience

Book and Plow Farm had a smaller yield this year due to a drought that affected the Northeast. Despite the challenges, the farm delivered a healthy harvest for many of its staple vegetables, thanks in part to its resilience and adaptation.

Fresh Faculty: Aisha Yusuf

Aisha Yusuf is a visiting assistant professor of economics. She received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the American University of Nigeria at Yola, a master’s degree in economics from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Ph.D. in economics at George Mason University.

Local Lookout: Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon is a Vietnamese restaurant located on North Pleasant Street. The Student sat down with its owner, Nhu Nguyen, to hear about her experience running the restaurant.

Encontrando La Causa: 50 Years of Latinx Activism at Amherst

Using archival research, interviews with a number of alumni and current students, and information from panels and events, Karina Maciel ’25 traces the history of La Causa and 50 years of Latinx activism at Amherst.

Thoughts on Theses: Renee Rosenkilde

Renee Rosenkilde is a biology major whose prospective thesis title is “Character Displacement in Vegetative Traits of Impatiens capensis and Impatiens pallida.” Her thesis advisor is Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Ethan Temeles, and her research partner is Ella Rose ’23.

Quick Questions: Where the Fork Is All the Flatware?

In its new series Quick Questions, The Student answers your short campus queries. In this installment, we tell you where all Val's metal silverware is.

Fresh Faculty: Ohan Breiding

Ohan Breiding is the college’s artist-in-residence for the 2022-2023 academic year. They work with photography, video, installation, and collaboration. They hold a B.A. from Scripps College and a M.F.A from California Institute of the Arts.