While driving to his UMass Dartmouth lab, Professor Mark Silby wonders what mutants await him. In his lab he grows bacteria and tries to understand the ways in which bacteria communicate with one another. Using cutting-edge technology and techniques, Silby's research team strategically combines two different species of bacteria, which together might help protect plants from disease. And the combination might also produce mutant bacteria that do it even better. 

Professor Silby investigates the reasons for the mutations; he also looks for the benefits. He hypothesizes that certain mutations create good 'bugs' that can positively impact our environment. "I'm excited every day," Silby said. "I live for those moments of discovery." Lucy McCully, graduate student and a member of Silby's team, shares his passion. "This is fantastic to learn," McCully said. "This is a brand-new thing, new techniques, new bacteria, and new experiences." 

In his presentation to the UMass Board of Trustees in June, Professor Silby elaborated on environmental issues within agriculture. He explained that wheat is commonly diseased by fungi. And in order to save the wheat crops, chemical use has increased. However, his research suggests that some mutant bacteria might help to protect the wheat from disease-causing fungi. "If we are lucky, we will understand more about how our bacteria 'talk' to each other, produce things that are useful to farmers, and help raise the research profile of the university," Silby said. "We are at the forefront of studies on how bacteria communicate, and we will give UMass students opportunities to carry out cutting edge research."  

After a few graduate school denial letters, Chris Amaral finally figured out where he was headed - across the Atlantic Ocean to Glasgow, Scotland. Accepted into the Master's program for History at the University of Glasgow, Amaral embarked on the adventure of his life. "A few years ago, I would never have believed or expected that I would study abroad," Amaral said. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Now back at home with his Master's degree, Amaral realizes how lucky he was to be a UMass Dartmouth graduate. Ranked as the 117th best university in the world, the University of Glasgow is difficult. Amaral, a French revolutionary historian, believes he had an advantage - UMass Dartmouth professors. "At Glasgow, there were less assignments and more independent work," said Amaral. "It was easier than I anticipated because of the tough professors I had at UMass.

The UMass Dartmouth alumnus is itching to go back. While in Scotland, he enjoyed the daily rain, made lifelong friends, and participated in conversations at local pub. At some point, he would like to teach and share his interest in 18th century history. But for now, he is aiming for another three thousand mile trip. "I'd like to get my Ph.D. abroad," said Amaral. "Maybe I will return to Glasgow."

After thirty-four years in the psychology department, Professor Paul Donnelly closed his office door for the last time. In his early years before UMass Dartmouth, Donnelly focused his career on helping and treating violent offenders and drug addicts. But he soon found his purpose - teaching clinical/applied psychology. "No matter what course I taught, I would teach the applied aspects of psychology," Donnelly said. "I combined theory with practice."

Professor Donnelly, the first and only director of the clinical psychology graduate program, admits that his work excited him. He was extremely enthusiastic about what he taught. His excitement helped to engage his students and challenge them to go further. He challenged them to be professional, know what they were doing, and do it well. "I loved when students asked me to explain a difficult concept," Donnelly said. "I loved witnessing the students' AHA moments." 

Now, Donnelly is having his own AHA moment - retirement. But he plans on still teaching one graduate course, counseling in his private practice, and consulting for social service agencies. And he looks forward to spending more time with his family - wife, children, and grandchildren.  As he looks back on his thirty-four year career, Donnelly hopes his students remember him for one thing - he loved what he did.  "I loved every minute of teaching and I would do it again," Donnelly said. "I have no regrets."