Vassar and the University of Edinburgh create joint BA/MSc Program in Planetary Health and Environmental Sustainability, a unique degree that allows students to receive a bachelor’s degree from Vassar while also obtaining a Master of Science degree from Edinburgh.
Jingchen (Monika) Hu, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, received funding to work on the creation of synthetic data for the Survey of Earned Doctorates and Development. The team of collaborators will produce a synthetic data file with tiered access for public use, explore its use for evidence-building, and test the use of verification metrics in validating estimates produced from the data.
Students, administrators, alums, and others in the Vassar community enjoyed a plethora of events in observation of Black History Month, included exhibitions, a panel on STEM-related fields, a dinner, and an update of the Buildings and Belonging project, focused on the history of African Americans on campus.
Neuroscientist and neuro-oncologist Dr. Michelle Monje-Deisseroth ’98 studies brain tumors relatively common in children to determine better therapies to treat them. She is among the latest round of MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” recipients.
Professor of Biology Mark Schlessman and two of his students spent part of the summer at local herbaria, helping to ensure that scientists from all over the world can study plant species that have been growing in the region for the past 150 years.
Professor of Chemistry Miriam Rossi, her husband, and two colleagues have published the results of research on a plant-based compound that could help in the treatment of COVID-19.
During Women’s History Month, Vassar College salutes Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper ’28—alumna, professor emerita, and computer science pioneer. Hopper’s recent posthumous honors include the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the naming of Grace Murray Hopper College at Yale University.
Professor of Physics Cindy Schwarz and Assistant Professor of Physics Juan Merlo-Ramirez are working on various initiatives, including writing children’s books in English and Spanish, to inspire Latinx children to learn about science.
