Student Squared: Charlie Barker ’27

In a new edition of Student Squared, Managing Features Editor Emma Burd ’26 interviews Charlie Barker ’27 on competitive rock climbing, physics, and living in the Zü.

Not Bread Alone Serves Up Food and Community

Not Bread Alone is an Amherst program that provides meals and community to those who need it most, often with student volunteers. Managing Features Editor Emma Burd ’26 and Assistant Features Editor Olivia Law ’27 highlight the organization and its commitment to building bonds through food.

Coming Full Circle: Sitting Down with Luke Herzog

Luke Herzog is an English major, director of Mr. Gad’s House of Improv, and award-winning playwright. His interest in writing was encouraged early on by members of his family, leading him to create and produce dozens of original plays.

From Val to Valentines: An Interview with the “Love-Burds,” Candice Burd ’89 and Mitchell Burd ’89

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Managing Features Editor Emma Burd ’26 sits down with her parents, Candice Burd ’89 and Mitchell Burd ’89 to discuss the story of how they met at Amherst and their lives together since then.

Thoughts on Theses: Mathew Mueller ’24

Mathew Mueller ’24 is a senior majoring in music. His performance composition thesis is a jazz concert, featuring arranged pieces with improvisational elements.

A Beaver Believer: Into the World of Environmental Journalism — Alumni Profile, Benjamin Goldfarb ’09

Benjamin Goldfarb ’09 is an environmental journalist, award-winning author, and proud beaver fan. His work, published in a wide range of accredited magazines, focuses on wildlife conservation.

Extraterrestrial Taters Land in Amherst

From Earth to the International Space Station to Book and Plow Farm: How Assistant Professor of Art Lucia Monge sent 75 Peruvian potato seeds on a grand voyage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.