Thoughts on Theses: Lianbi Ji

Lianbi Ji is an English and mathematics double major who wrote theses in both subjects. Her English thesis focused on the writings of the Chinese writer Lu Xun, and her math thesis studied elliptic curves. She also has a passion for education — having volunteered to teach in China, India and the U.S., she is currently a Math Fellow for “Introduction to Analysis” and an aspiring math teacher. Q: What are your thesis topics? A: My English thesis is titled “Translation as a Mode of Thought: Non-T

College Increases Course Requirements for Fall 2021

In preparation for the fall 2021 pre-registration period, the college has increased registration requirements from three to four courses, signaling a shift back to pre-Covid academic requirements. Despite the reversion, the college plans to continue to offer January Term [https://amherststudent.com/article/students-look-back-on-inaugural-january-term-classes] classes. Students are glad to see college policy return to normal but worry that the abrupt transition will increase academic stress. Th

Thoughts on Theses: James Logan

James Logan is a graduating senior writing a physics thesis. A double major in physics and mathematics, he is also a member of Spectra, the college’s  physics and astronomy club, and will be attending Dartmouth College for graduate studies in physics. His advisor is Chair of Physics Jonathan Friedman. Q: When did you decide on your majors, and what led to that decision? A: Back in high school was when I really got interested in physics. My junior year, I had a great teacher for my first physi

Fresh Faculty: Sally Kim

Sally Kim is an assistant professor of biology and neuroscience. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Haverford College and a doctorate in biomedical sciences at the University of Texas, Houston. Q: Where were you before coming to Amherst? A: I was in Silicon Valley in the Bay Area. I was working at Stanford both doing research and teaching [undergraduates] over there. Q: What is your research and what inspired it? A: I did more bioengineering when I was at Stanford, but my la

College Announces Much-Anticipated Vaccination Policies

The college “is exploring transportation options” for students to receive vaccinations at off-campus locations, Dean of Students Liz Agosto informed students in an April 8 email. Agosto stated that the college will not be able to administer vaccines on campus as it has not been allocated any vaccines by the state, and it cannot make arrangements with local distribution sites due to state policies. As of Monday morning, April 12, over 120 additional students have completed the form seeking approv

Fresh Faculty: Nick Holschuh

Nick Holschuh is an assistant professor of geology. He received a bachelor’s degree in geology and economics from Carleton College and a doctorate in geological sciences at Pennsylvania State University. Q: What led you to pursue your field of study? A: I study the dynamics of the Antarctic ice sheet. As an undergraduate student, I knew I was excited about the earth system. I wanted to do something that was STEM-related [and] felt like it had a connection to human systems, to our health and we