News from UMass Lowell for Week of Jan. 3, 2018

01/03/2018

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 Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.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 latest from the UMass Lowell Weather Center on the “bomb cyclone” expected to hit the region tomorrow, along with the extended forecast, including how long the frigid temperatures will last;
• What to consider when choosing an exercise regimen for better health in the new year;
• The difference between good and bad fats and why nutritionists say fats are part of a balanced diet.

Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.

Enrichment Program for Seniors Kicks Off Winter Session

When and where: Wednesdays each week through Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. University Suites, Room 106A, 327 Aiken St., Lowell

What: UMass Lowell’s Learning In Retirement Association, which offers enrichment classes and activities for adults, has kicked off its winter session. On Wednesday, Jan. 10, the group will hold a program on the history of America before Columbus’ arrival in 1492. More than 200 members strong, LIRA presents programs that include visits to museums, discussions about classic and contemporary literature and explorations of local, U.S. and world history. Upcoming classes will feature UMass Lowell faculty presenting on research into potential causes of autism, mystery novels written by Canadian authors and philosophical theories about the meaning of life. Members of the public who would like more information on how to join may visit http://uml.edu/Community/LIRA.

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

Interactive Event Explores How to Slow Climate Change

When and where: Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m. University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell

What: Internationally renowned climate-change expert Juliette Rooney-Varga will lead an interactive program demonstrating what it would take to create a stable climate and a thriving “green” economy – and what doing so could mean for the future of Massachusetts. Rooney-Varga is the director of UMass Lowell’s Climate Change Initiative and an environmental biology professor. Her work to educate the public on climate change includes developing role-playing exercises that simulate negotiations on an international climate-change agreement, such as those by the United Nations. Hundreds of people, from students to world leaders, have participated. The event, which benefits student scholarships, is the latest in the university’s Faculty Showcase Series. Admission is $25 per person ($20 for UMass Lowell alumni from the classes of 2007 through 2017). Members of the public who would like to attend should register at www.alumni.uml.edu/climate or email Alumni_Office@uml.edu.

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

Innovation Night Showcases New Products, Haverhill iHub

When and where: Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill

What: Local entrepreneurs who have developed groundbreaking products in the apparel, food, gaming, renewable energy and safety equipment industries will showcase their work at an open house at UMass Lowell’s new Innovation Hub at the university’s Haverhill satellite campus. The free event is organized by Mass Innovation Nights, which hosts product launches and networking opportunities to promote new ventures. The iHub Haverhill, a business incubator that provides resources and expertise to entrepreneurs, is the second for UMass Lowell, which also operates a location in downtown Lowell. Members of the public who would like to attend should register at www.bit.ly/haverhillmin or email Stephanie_Guyotte@uml.edu.

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

Vietnamese Festival Celebrates Lunar New Year

When and where: Sunday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St., Lowell

What: The Lunar New Year – one of the most important events in Vietnamese culture – will be celebrated at a free festival for the public that showcases holiday traditions, including games, music and live performances. The program ushers in the Year of the Rooster and is presented by UMass Lowell’s Vietnamese Student Association in partnership with Lowell’s Vietnamese community. Members of the public who would like more information should email Henry_Zhang@student.uml.edu.

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu