ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst

Recent Submissions

  • Publication
    CIE Retreat - 2008
    (Center for International Education, UMass Amherst, 2008-10)
  • Publication
    Data and Code for "Self-limiting states of polar misfits: frustrated assembly of warped-jigsaw particles"
    (2025-05-15) Wang, Michael; Grason, Gregory
    Data and code for paper "Self-limiting states of polar misfits: frustrated assembly of warped-jigsaw particles"
  • Publication
    Semiotic Analysis of a Science Library: Inclusion and Messaging
    (Association of College and Research Libraries, 2023-07-07) Fitzgerald, Sarah Rose; Reznik-Zellen, Rebecca; Berube, Suenita; Fischietto, Cai; Fitzgerald, Sarah Rose
    The purpose of this study is to investigate what semiotic analysis can reveal about how welcoming and inclusive a science library space is for patrons. A space was examined in terms of its messaging to patrons of various genders, abilities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and disciplines. Findings are presented about the space’s messaging regarding the disciplines it serves, inclusion of patrons from minoritized demographics, and general expectations of visitors. Recommendations for library practice and future research are discussed.
  • Publication
    Landscape Controls on Spatial Hydrobiochemical Variability in Streams within Great Lakes Watershed
    (Taylor & Francis Group, 2025) Tian, Yong; Carrick, Hunter; Yu, Qian; Tian, Cynthia; Liang, Song
    Understanding the drivers of stream trophic states is crucial for evaluating freshwater ecosystem health and guiding effective management strategies. This study examines which indicators are most effective for assessing spatial variation in stream trophic states by comparing a range of biochemical and physical properties with landscape features. Using monthly water samples collected from streams ranging from headwater tributaries to river outlets in a temperate lowland region of the Great Lakes Basin, we developed an analytical framework that integrates Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to assess stream ecosystem services. The PCA analysis based on water properties explained approximately 85% of the variance in annual mean trophic states, which increased to 91% with the inclusion of landscape features. Using principal components as variables, the linear regression model based on landscape features explained 63% of the variance in suspended chlorophyll-a concentrations (R² = 0.63), outperforming traditional models based on water properties (R² = 0.55). Despite ongoing challenges in quantifying benthic chlorophyll biomass (BCHL), our linear models based on either water properties or landscape features showed comparable correlations with field measurements (R = 0.57 and R = 0.56, respectively). These findings highlight the strong predictive power of landscape features for assessing stream trophic states, offering a scalable approach for regional water quality assessments.
  • Publication
    Empowered Voices: An Open Letter to Black Mothers and Caregivers in Graduate Programs
    (2025-04-16) Calhoun, Katrina
    This reflective essay delves into the complex experiences of a Black woman who is a mother navigating graduate school during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper uses a personal narrative framed as a letter to analyze the systems that sustain racial and gender disparities in graduate education. The research enhances our understanding of the intersectional challenges faced by Black mothers in doctoral studies and offers practical implications for fostering well-being in higher education.