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.

Grounds Department Expands Presence of Pollinator Plants on Campus

In a continuation of a project started last semester, gardeners at the college have installed a variety of new planters, boxes, and gardens around campus. The new installations support important animal pollinator populations in the local ecosystem.

Local Lookout: LiLi’s Restaurant

In this new series, The Student highlights the stories of the town of Amherst. For the first edition, The Student sat down with Li Jia, the owner of LiLi’s, a Xi’an Chinese restaurant on North Pleasant street.

Staff Spotlight: Hayley Nicholas

Hayley Nicholas is the director of the Women’s and Gender Center. They graduated from Bowdoin College in 2017 with a degree in sociology and education studies. Before working as the director at the WGC, Hayley worked at the Office of Admission supervising the diversity outreach interns.

Thoughts on Theses: EJ Collins

EJ Collins is a Black studies and education studies double major. His thesis focuses on how North Carolinian independent schools served as spaces for liberatory education, how the state restricted those efforts in the ’80s, and the lasting impacts of those restrictions.

Taking a Closer Look: Introducing the New Features Section

A note from your new managing Features editors.

Free & For Sale: Sustainability and Community

Students use the GroupMe amherst free & for sale to buy, sell, and give away just about anything. But beyond finding goods, you may even find a friend.

Fresh Faculty: Victor Wei Ke Yang

Victor Yang is a visiting assistant professor of English who has worked as a writer, educator, and organizer. Yang received a B.A. from Harvard College in 2012, a M.A. in 2013, a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford in 2016, and a M.F.A. from Boston University in 2021.

Meet Jules: Trailblazer, Educator, and Val Worker

Contributing writer Jeanyna Garcia ’23 profiles a Val worker, documenting their life and challenges, and reflects upon her time in the Amherst Labor Alliance.

Tractor Drivin’ Man Experiences Book & Plow

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland '25 reflects on a summer spent as a simple farm-hand at Amherst's own Book and Plow.

Ryan Yu: Living Life on His Own Terms

While Ryan Yu has made a lasting impact on The Student, what’s most notable about him is his unwavering commitment to finding his own path.

Troy Colleran: Quietly Setting the Standard

Despite a humble, understated presence, Troy Colleran has made an enormous impact in his two key areas: on the track and field team and in the chemistry lab.

Shikha Jha: Leading Through Dance

In her four years at the college, Shikha Jha has played crucial leadership roles for both Dance and Step at Amherst College and the Asian Students Association. Along the way, she’s found time to rethink her goals and find a path that’s right for her.

Kalidas Shanti: Finding Joy and Meaning Through Writing

Despite his understated presentation, those who know Kalidas Shanti know him to be a deep thinker and compassionate friend who has spent his time at Amherst exploring a wide range of interests.

Anna Smith: An Archivist’s Journey Through Amherst

Through exploring the Amherst archives, Anna Smith has uncovered Amherst’s deep rooted connection with slavery.

Sophie Koh: A Drive for Inclusion in Intellectual Spaces

Sophie Koh pursues her intellectual passions with a higher purpose. Her commitment to cultivating inclusivity encourages us all to contribute to meaningful change in the spaces we occupy.

Sage Innerarity: Creating Community and Championing Change

Throughout her time at Amherst, Sage Innerarity has made a name for herself through her ability to bring people together and raise the voices of others.

Teo Ruskov: From Religion Major to World Traveler

Teo Ruskov conveys passion and dedication for religious studies, earning the prestigious Watson Fellowship and winning multiple accolades for his thesis on Buddhism.

Ella Peterson: A Community Builder With a Love for Democracy

Ella Peterson has used her time at Amherst to avidly pursue her interest in the political sphere, effecting positive change and building community along the way.

Jorge Rodriguez: Learning and Teaching “the Art of Living”

Prioritizing self-discipline, service, and faith, Jorge Rodriguez has all the necessary tools to achieve his ultimate goal: living a beautiful life.

Angelina Han: AAS President and Extracurricular Extraordinaire

A double major in geology and economics, former AAS president Angelina Han had a busy four years at Amherst. Her commitments to public service and helping others shine through everything she says and does.

Scott Brasesco: Seeking an Understanding of Humanity

Scott Brasesco has always had a passion for the history of humanity and society. At Amherst, he has pursued that passion in every way he could — always with unending calm, constant brilliance, and a mug of tea to start the morning.

Juanita Jaramillo: A Track Star With a Passion for Policy

Juanita Jaramillo came to Amherst as a track recruit, but her time on campus has been about far more: She found a passion for policy-related research, which she will pursue as a predoctoral fellow at MIT.

Arzoo Rajpar: Crafting Art, Empowerment, and Agency

Arzoo Rajpar has created intersections between her passion for design and her interest in creating community-based solutions, uplifting herself and those around her.

Abner Aldarondo: Creating a Community of Love Through Culture

With an abundant amount of charisma, Abner Aldarondo invites love into his life constantly, whether it is in his academic, artistic, or community-based work.

Lauren Kisare: Critical Language Scholar With a Future in Publishing

A natural community builder, Lauren Kisare’s time at Amherst has seen her excel at everything from journalism to studying Korean — all while bringing joy to the people around her.

Cole Graber-Mitchell: Making His Voice Heard

Cole Graber-Mitchell is committed to civic engagement, whether it be as an AAS senator or an opinion columnist. The Marshall Scholar’s world revolves around three principles: persistence, community, and joy.

Jiajia Zhang: Teaching, Telling, Painting Asian American History

While Jiajia Zhang is on her way to becoming an Asian American studies scholar, her life has encompassed so much more: art, activism, and even social media management for a Belarusian rock band.

Alexis Scalese: Asserting Indigeneity at Amherst and Beyond

A dedicated researcher, thoughtful friend, and driven activist, Alexis Scalese has been an instrumental force in the creation of an assertive Native American presence on campus.

German Giammattei: A Legend on and off the Pitch

Though perhaps the best player in the history of Amherst men’s soccer, German Giammattei is better described as a humble teammate and a phenomenal friend.

Joelle Crichlow: Leading the Charge to Make Change

Guided by a passion for changemaking and a commitment to making Amherst a better place, Joelle Crichlow has done just that — and she will continue to effect positive change wherever her path takes her.

Audrey Rosevear: Leaping to Topology, Theater, and Transitioning

Audrey Rosevear has spent her time at Amherst devoted to her passions of mathematics and theater, all while embarking on a personal journey to come out as trans.

Sebastian Son: Storytelling Through Song

Whether he’s performing onstage, writing behind the scenes, or simply being a steadfast friend, Sebastian Son has made innumerable contributions to the Amherst arts community.

Rebecca Picciotto: Stewarding Stories With Care and Perspective

Rebecca Picciotto has a deep passion for connecting with people through journalism. But she also understands just where journalism can fall short.

Accessing Amherst: Stories of Current Admissions Pathways

In the second installment of this series, The Student explores how diversity initiatives have constructed today’s student body. Several student stories shine light on the way that students and their experiences with the college process relate to the institution’s changes in access over time.

Sexual Violence at Amherst: A History and Legacy

In this archival and interview-based piece, The Student traces the history and legacy of sexual misconduct at Amherst, from the college’s move to a co-ed model in the 1970s to the present day.

Fresh Faculty: Rose Lenehan

Rose Lenehan ’11 is a visiting lecturer in philosophy and a Center for Humanistic Inquiry postdoctoral fellow. She received her Bachelors of Arts in philosophy at Amherst College and Ph.D. in philosophy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

A 50-year Fight for Belonging: The History of A/P/A Studies Advocacy at Amherst

The Student investigated the 50-year history of activism for an Asian/Pacific/American studies program at the college, speaking with students, professors, and alumni about their beliefs, activism, and hopes for the future of A/P/A studies on campus.

Accessing Amherst: Tracing Historical Admissions Changes

In the first of a two-part series exploring Amherst’s initiatives to reach students and communities with less historic access to higher education, The Student examines the historic buildup of Amherst’s efforts to diversify, particularly in the late 1960s.

Thoughts on Theses: Sophie Ewing

Sophie Ewing is a double major in English and Asian Languages and Civilizations. Her thesis is about minor literature and counter-discourse in Park Chan-Wook’s The Handmaiden. Her thesis advisor is Emily C. Jordan Folger Professor of Black Studies and English C. Rhonda Cobham-Sander.

Bye Bye Biddy: A Presidential Exit Interview

As her last year at Amherst comes to a close, The Student sat down with President Biddy Martin to discuss her life of learning and the legacy of her tenure at the college.

Fresh Faculty: Watufani Poe

Watufani Poe is a Center for Humanistic Inquiry fellow and visiting lecturer in Black studies and Latinx/Latin American studies. He received a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College, a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Africana studies from Brown University.

Ramadan at Amherst: Close Community, Unique Challenges

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan began on April 1, opening 30 days of fasting, prayers, and close community for Muslim students. Students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to come together in religious reflection but cited ways the college can improve their experience.

Thoughts on Theses: Henry Buren

Henry Buren is a philosophy major. His thesis looks at how Martin Luther King Jr.’s arguments for non-violent protests relate to self-respect — or disrespect. His current thesis advisor is Assistant Professor of Philosophy Rafeeq Hasan.

Staff Spotlight: Pete Charron

Pete Charron is a retail supervisor at Frost Cafe. He enjoys his position at Amherst for the connections with students and help he can give to the community. “The theme is to throw frisbees and spread love,” he says.

Thoughts On Theses: Riku Kusumoto

Riku Kusumoto is a political science major. He is writing a political theory thesis on Ernesto Laclau’s work on populism. His thesis advisor is Aliki Perroti and Seth Frank ’55 Professor of International Relations Pavel Machala.

Fresh Faculty: Stefan Bradley

Stefan Bradley is a professor of Black studies and history. He received his B.A. from Gonzaga University, his M.A. from Washington State University at Pullman, and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Fresh Faculty: Lara Halaoui

Lara Halaoui is a visiting professor of chemistry at Amherst College and a professor of chemistry at the American University of Beirut. She received a bachelor’s degree from the American University of Beirut and later attended Duke University for her Ph.D.

‘Time Stopped’: Amherst Reflects on Two Years of Covid

On this day, March 9, two years ago, the college announced it would switch to remote learning due to Covid-19. The Student asked members of the college community to reflect on what they’ve learned through the pandemic, what has changed in their lives, and how they see the world differently now.

The Center for Restorative Practices: Reimagining Justice

Founded in 2021, the Center for Restorative Practices is drawing from long-established Indigenous practices to create a contemporary space for redressing community divides, repairing relationships, and reflecting on Amherst’s model of punitive justice.

Thoughts on Theses: Jade DuVal

Jade DuVal is an English major. Her thesis looks at how three primary sources use Black girls and Black girlhood as methods of empowerment and community building. Her thesis advisor is Professor of English Christopher Grobe.

Student Spotlight: Oren Tirschwell ’25

Oren Tirschwell ’25 is a first-year student from Westchester, N.Y. After the college announced they would stop sending out daily Covid updates, Tirschwell took it upon himself to construct a replacement tool, which he made available to interested students on Feb. 20.

Thoughts on Theses: Lisa Zheutlin

Lisa Zheutlin ’22 is a sexuality, women’s & gender studies major. She is writing a thesis on the anti-monogamy framework, which questions society’s prioritization of romantic love over other forms of love such as familial love. Her thesis advisor is Professor of History and SWAGS Jen Manion.

From Nose to NoReply: Tracking the Journey of a PCR Test

The Student tracks the journey of an Amherst student’s Covid PCR test, from its collection at the Alumni House to its sequencing and result at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

Fresh Faculty: Thirii M. Myint

Thirii M. Myint is an assistant professor of English. She received a B.A. in Literary Arts and International Relations from Brown University, an M.F.A. in Prose from the University of Notre Dame, and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.