Story and Source Ideas from UMass Lowell
02/14/2017
This is a notice of upcoming events, photo opportunities and story ideas at UMass Lowell, compiled by the Office of University Relations, 978-934-3224. In case of inclement weather, call UMass Lowell’s weather hotline at 978-934-2121; if the university is closed, events are canceled. For more news about UMass Lowell, visit www.uml.edu/pressroom. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.
Sources of the week
UMass Lowell faculty experts are available to discuss:
- The political and other impacts of the resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn;
- What is to come for K-12 education in light of a proposal to abolish the U.S. Department of Education and the appointment of Betsy DeVos as education secretary;
- How research into driverless vehicles of the future is turning into innovations in the latest automobile models as consumers and dealers rev up for Presidents Day sales.
Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.
George Clooney’s Humanitarian-Aid Partner to Speak at Event
Biomedical Pioneer Describes Research, Career to Inspire Others
Launch Party for Tech Startups, Products, Set for Innovation Hub
Aerospace Engineer Shares Flight Path in Alumni Showcase Series
Entrepreneur Bringing Solar Power to India to Lead Talk on ‘Green’ Energy
The Future of Music is ‘Powering Up!’ at Multimedia Show
ClooneyGeorge Clooney’s Humanitarian-Aid Partner to Speak at Event
When: Wednesday Feb. 15, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
What: Human-rights leader John Prendergast, who works with actor George Clooney and other celebrity activists to expose crimes and war profiteering around the world, will lead a free program on the power of social activism for the campus and community. His talk will draw on his 30 years of experience leading human-rights campaigns with big names like Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle and will highlight how the public can become involved in fighting injustice wherever it occurs. A New York Times best-selling author, Prendergast previously served in the Clinton administration and the U.S. Department of State. He was UMass Lowell’s 2012 Greeley Scholar for Peace, an honor that annually brings humanitarians and activists from around the world to campus to promote conflict resolution locally, nationally and globally.
Where: O’Leary Library Learning Commons mezzanine, South Campus, 61 Wilder St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
BioBiomedical Pioneer Describes Research, Career to Inspire Others
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 3:30 p.m.
What: Pioneering chemical engineer Robert Langer – who develops plastics for use in tissue engineering and drug-delivery systems for patients – will talk about his work to inspire others in their own pursuit of careers in biotechnology. The event is one in the university’s 50/50 Lecture Series, which promotes scientists’ research and explores their professional choices. The program is presented by the UMass Lowell Center for Women and Work, which studies the relationship between gender and work and challenges inequalities in the workplace and society. The event is free and open to the public.
Where: Alumni Hall, North Campus, 84 University Ave., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
LaunchLaunch Party for Tech Startups, Products Set for Innovation Hub
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
What: Entrepreneurs behind new tech products and startups will gather for a launch party and networking session that will showcase their ventures, including those based at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub business incubator. The event is presented in collaboration with Mass Innovation Nights and the city of Lowell.
Where: UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, 110 Canal St., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
AerospaceAerospace Engineer Shares Flight Path in Alumni Showcase Series
When: Thursday, Feb. 16, 4 p.m.
What: “How to Rocket Your Career in Engineering” will be presented by Kim Kinsley, vice president of operations at United Technologies Aerospace Systems. Kinsley earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in plastics engineering at UMass Lowell before joining the company, which designs and manufactures components for commercial, private and military aircraft. She will share her path to success during the free event, which is part of the university’s Alumni Leadership Series. Members of the public who would like to attend should call 978-934-3140.
Where: Lydon Library, Room 110, North Campus, 84 University Ave., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
HandeEntrepreneur Bringing Solar Power to India to Lead Talk on ‘Green’ Energy
When: Friday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m.
What: Social entrepreneur Harish Hande – a UMass Lowell graduate who is using solar power to bring electricity to more than 1 million people living and working in primitive conditions in India – will talk about how technology can advance sustainable energy solutions at a free program for the campus and community. Co-founder of Solar Electric Light Co. (SELCO) India, Hande is the recipient of the 2011 Magsaysay Award, widely considered Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. He earned a master’s degree in energy engineering and a doctorate in mechanical engineering at UMass Lowell, which awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters in recognition of his work in 2013.
Where: Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center, North Campus, 40 University Ave., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
PowerThe Future of Music is ‘Powering Up!’ at Multimedia Show
When: Saturday, Feb. 25. VIP reception, 6:30 p.m. Show, 8 p.m.
What: Sound and vision will combine in “Powering Up!,” a unique multisensory concert and gallery experience celebrating music and digital media created by UMass Lowell students, faculty and graduates. The event will spotlight the university’s sound recording technology, music business and digital media programs. A listening space where the audience can sample Grammy Award-winning tracks produced by UMass Lowell alumni, a concert featuring music made from recorded sounds and a screening room where people can view videos produced by students will all be a part of the show. Proceeds will benefit scholarships for UMass Lowell music students. Tickets, which are $15 per person for the show or $40 per person for the show and a VIP reception with the artists, are available at the door.
Where: VIP reception – Alumni Hall, North Campus, 84 University Ave., Lowell. Show – Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center, North Campus, 40 University Ave., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu