Institute of Diversity Sciences

08/31/2026

IDS is recruiting students for Negotiation for Career Success, a hands-on course developed in collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School’s Negotiate WELL Lab. https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cpl/programs-initiatives/negotiate-well-lab

Through interactive roleplay and practice-based exercises, students develop skills in negotiation, professional communication, relationship building, and problem-solving. They practice navigating situations they may encounter in academic and professional settings, including team projects, internships, job offers, and workplace conversations. Students also connect with UMass alumni and guest speakers from a variety of industries and backgrounds, building their professional networks while learning about career paths and workplace experiences.

The course is open to all UMass students from any year or major. Students can sign up on SPIRE by searching MGMT 390N.

Know a UMass student who could benefit from this course? Help us spread the word!

07/15/2026

This year's IDS Seed Grant recipients are developing innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to challenges in accessibility, energy equity, and higher education. Their work exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing the public good.

Read about the 2026 grant recipients here: https://www.umass.edu/news/article/institute-diversity-sciences-awards-four-2026-seed-grants

The Institute of Diversity Sciences recently awarded four $15,000 grants to interdisciplinary teams of faculty and student researchers through its annual seed grant competition, with the goal of supporting STEM research that addresses pressing social problems and advances public interest. Researcher...

07/07/2026

Meet Antonio Moura!
By stepping outside his comfort zone, Antonio developed the confidence to network, lead, and share his voice. His journey is a reminder that growth begins when we challenge ourselves.

06/24/2026

Beyond classroom learning, success in college and the workforce requires knowing how to navigate the “hidden curriculum”: by negotiating, bending and shaping rules, self-advocating, and understanding unspoken professional norms. IDS’ new Negotiation for Career Success course turns these often-untaught skills into something students can actually learn—offering a research-backed and sustainable model for expanding opportunity at UMass Amherst and beyond.
Read more here:
https://www.umass.edu/diversitysciences/news/teaching-hidden-curriculum

06/18/2026

Meet Chantelle!
The STEMPOWER Fellowship helped Chantelle build meaningful connections, strengthen her leadership skills, and discover new opportunities. Her experience shows the power of mentorship, community, and believing in your potential.

06/12/2026

Black mothers face some of the starkest maternal health inequities in the United States, yet the role of work in shaping these outcomes is often overlooked. With IDS support, one interdisciplinary team is combining data and lived experience to investigate how workplace conditions affect Black mother’s mental health—and modeling a research culture grounded in care, respect, and community.

https://www.umass.edu/diversitysciences/news/social-determinant-black-mothers-health

04/29/2026

Sophia is a first-generation college student and transfer to UMass Amherst who found community, confidence, and career-building skills through IDS’ *Negotiation for Career Success* program.

“This program has truly helped students like me build confidence and connections that last beyond the classroom… I feel much more confident moving forward in my career.” — Sophia

During this year’s UMassGives (April 29–30) a gift to IDS will help support more students like Sophia, expanding access to mentorship, hands-on learning, and the tools needed to navigate college and beyond. 💛

Read about Sophia’s journey: https://www.umass.edu/diversitysciences/news/learning-see-system

Make a gift today or tomorrow! https://umass.scalefunder.com/gday/giving-day/111216/department/111342

04/28/2026

UMassGives is tomorrow! 💛

At a time when equity and inclusion efforts are facing uncertainty and politicization, your support matters more than ever. The Institute of Diversity Sciences is creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful STEM research that tackles real-world issues—from health to environmental justice. Help us keep this work going. Donate April 29–30.

https://umass.scalefunder.com/gday/giving-day/111216/department/111342

03/26/2026

Honoring Dr. Marie Maynard Daly this Women’s History Month.

Her groundbreaking research shaped our understanding of heart health, and her advocacy helped open doors for future scientists.

03/19/2026

When students and faculty come together around socially relevant questions, powerful things happen. IDS Seed Grant recipients open up about finding their path and learning how to make an impact through research.
Their reflections are live on our website.
https://www.umass.edu/diversitysciences/news/impactful-research-thriving-researchers