The University of Massachusetts Amherst is set to host a series of doctoral oral examinations next week, marking a crucial step in the academic journeys of twelve candidates across a diverse range of disciplines. These examinations, scheduled from March 9th through March 13th, represent the culmination of years of research and scholarship, and are open to attendance by graduate faculty. The process, a cornerstone of doctoral education, allows candidates to publicly defend their dissertations and demonstrate mastery of their fields. Understanding the doctoral process at UMass Amherst requires recognizing the rigor and depth of inquiry these candidates have undertaken.
The week begins on Monday, March 9th, with Sayonara Tomoum, a candidate in Education, presenting her dissertation, “Not With(out) My Hijab: A Dialogic Performance Ethnography of Critical Pedagogy in Language Education,” at 1:30 p.m. In ILC N340. According to her University of Pennsylvania profile, Tomoum is similarly a lecturer in Arabic Language and Culture and her research focuses on racio-religious identity in multilingual learning. Theresa Austin will chair the examination. The schedule continues throughout the week, showcasing the breadth of research happening at UMass Amherst, from polymer science to public health.
Diverse Research on Display
Tuesday, March 10th, features three separate examinations. Juan Correa Ruiz, from Polymer Science, will defend his work on “Upcycling of Polyolefins and Thermosets via Sustainable Processing Techniques” at 1:30 p.m. In Conte Polymer Research Building A110/A111, chaired by Alan J. Lesser. Simultaneously, Yingjie Hang, a Chemical Engineering candidate, will present “Plasmon-Enhanced Optical Probes Towards Point-of-Care Testing” at 1:30 p.m. In the Gunness Student Center, with the option to attend via Zoom, and Nianqiang Wu serving as chair. Later that day, Jue Wang, from the Management program, will defend “Three Essays on Information Disclosure and Risk Exposure in Alternative Investments” at 4 p.m. In ISOM N330, with Bing Liang chairing the session. These examinations highlight the university’s commitment to both fundamental scientific research and its practical applications.
Continued Defense Schedule
Wednesday, March 11th, brings two more candidates forward. Pamelia Nicole Lim, a doctoral candidate in Animal Science, will present “Molecular Mechanisms of Alveolar Macrophage Innate Sensing and Interferon-Driven Reponses” at 10 a.m. In LSL N410, with Alissa Rothchild as chair. Following that, Dongming Li, from Electrical and Computer Engineering, will defend his dissertation, “Novel Computational Frameworks and Perspectives for Ab-initio Electronic-Structure Calculations in Quantum Many-Body Theory,” at 11:45 a.m. In the Gunness Conference Room, chaired by Eric Polizzi. The range of topics underscores the interdisciplinary nature of modern research.
Final Days of Examinations
The final days of the examination schedule include Eva Alvarez Vazquez, in Hispanic Literature and Linguistics, defending “El lado mas oscuro de la modernidad espanola: desindustrializacion y narrativas culturales contrahegemonicas” on Thursday, March 12th, at 9 a.m. In Herter 301, with Barbara Zecchi chairing. Daniel Corkran, a Geosciences candidate, will present “Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions in the Age of Climate Change” at 11:30 a.m. In ISB 145, with a Zoom option available, and David Boutt as chair.
Friday, March 13th, concludes the week with Nicole le Roux (Education), presenting “The Unsettlers: Queer and Transgender Land Politics in Cape Town, South Africa” at 10 a.m. Via Zoom, chaired by Sangeeta Kamat. Taylor K. Lucey (Environmental Conservation) will follow at 12:20 p.m. In Holdsworth 105 with “Balancing the Seesaw: The Ups and Downs of Forest and Wood Product Management,” with Meghan Graham Maclean chairing. Patricia Matthews (English) will defend “Literature After Performance: Contemporary Literature’s Turn to Performance Art” at 1 p.m. In South College E501, with Daniel Sack as chair. Finally, Carissa Lange (Public Health) will present “Quantifying Exposure to Particulate Matter Elemental Composition and Investigating its Impact on Adverse Birth Outcomes in Accra, Chana” at 2 p.m. In Goessmann 250, with Raphael Arku chairing.
These doctoral oral examinations represent a significant achievement for each candidate and a testament to the vibrant research community at UMass Amherst. The successful completion of these defenses will pave the way for these scholars to contribute to their respective fields and advance knowledge in critical areas. Further information about graduate programs and research at UMass Amherst can be found on the Graduate School website. The university’s commitment to fostering intellectual inquiry is evident in the diverse range of topics being explored by these doctoral candidates.
The next scheduled event following these examinations will be the spring commencement ceremony, where many of these newly-minted doctors are expected to participate. We encourage readers to share this article and celebrate the accomplishments of these scholars.
