Inside UMassD October 1, 2026

Campus Community Accomplishments

Professor Sheila Landers Macrine (Education) recently co-published Embodied Intelligence: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Natural, Artificial, and Hybrid Systems. The volume features experts across fields including philosophy, phenomenology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, robotics, AI, bio-inspired design, biology, and bioengineering, initiating transdisciplinary dialogues and sharing insights on embodiment, enabling a new understanding of embodied intelligence and how intelligence manifests across diverse substrates.

Professor Satyanarayana Parayitam (Management & Marketing) co-published "A three-way interaction model of women entrepreneurial behavior: evidence from India" in the International Journal of Emerging Markets. The study explores the connection between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial knowledge, and entrepreneurial intention.

Assistant Professor Martha Whitfield (Nursing) and Assistant Professor Kristopher Jackson (Nursing) were featured in an article about their research on Kratom, which was recently banned in Massachusetts, and how to improve addiction treatment for this newly classified narcotic. 

Assistant Teaching Professor Basil H. Aboul-Enein (Health & Society) recently co-published "Examining determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among Arab university students: A regional scoping review" in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. This scoping review consolidates survey research among university students across the League of Arab States to understand the nature and extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance. 

Celine Costa '23, Eleanor DiNuzzo (Doctoral Candidate), Haleigh Nogueira (Doctoral Candidate), Professor Kenneth Oliveira (Biology), Assistant Professor Sarah Donelan (Biology), Associate Professor Michael Sheriff (Biology), co-published "Predator-Induced Changes in Prey Behavior Alters the Lipid and Protein Content in Both Prey and Their Resources" in Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology. The paper shows that fear of being eaten alters prey behavior, which in turn significantly reduces their stored energy. This predator-induced change in prey behavior also increased the energetic value of the basal resource. 

Kevin Stokesbury, Dean of the School for Marine Science and Technology, has been named the inaugural Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Dean of the School for Marine Science and Technology. The endowed deanship was established through the generosity of Donna and Robert Manning through a $2 million gift supporting the deanship, which has been matched with an additional $1 million, providing enduring support for the leadership of SMAST and its research, teaching, and contributions to a healthier and more sustainable marine environment.

Professor Steve Cadrin '95 (Fisheries Oceanography) received $95,080 from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for "Advanced Technology Surveys to Evaluate Spatiotemporal Dynamics on Southern New England Atlantic Cod". The project will use acoustic telemetry to track Southern New England Atlantic cod, better define spawning areas and seasons, and provide data to improve fisheries management and support recovery of the overfished stock.

Associate Professor Maryellen Brisbois (Nursing) received $50,000 from James M. and Libby M. Donahue to establish the Bridging the Atlantic Transportation Fund. The Fund supports transportation expenses for students participating in the Bridging the Atlantic Program for cultural and healthcare site visits during the annual exchange program.