[BLOCK TYPE] News listing block

UMass Chan, Mass General Brigham receive green light from FDA for MLIV gene therapy clinical trial

Dr. Gerber is traveling with his wife, Rebecca, a librarian in the Lamar Soutter Library at UMass Chan, to South Korea and will spend the fall semester as a visiting professor at Hallym University.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss toured UMass Chan research laboratories and participated in an open discussion on federal funding changes and other issues.

A highlight of the annual Convocation and Investiture ceremony was the announcement of the 2026 recipients of the Chancellor’s Medals for excellence in teaching, scholarship, service and clinical excellence. 

The Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences recognized 91 UMass Chan students who completed their qualifying exam during the 2025-2026 academic year during a Sept. 16 ceremony.

The Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at UMass Chan Medical School presented 50 Doctor of Nursing Practice students with their white coats during the annual transition into clinical practice ceremony.

E. Kale Edmiston, PhD, shared ways to support transgender patients during UMass Chan’s 14th annual LGBTQ+ Convocation Celebration, held virtually on Sept. 15.

The Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at UMass Chan Medical School recognized 35 learners who have completed their pre-licensure year during a pinning ceremony on Sept. 14.

The 225 UMass Chan medical students in the Class of 2030 received white coats on Sept. 11. The White Coat Ceremony marks first-year medical students’ first step into the profession as they start training to become physicians.

Scientists receive $14.7 million to improve vector design for gene therapies targeting alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency 

Circadian rhythm genes also regulate circatidal behaviors in tiny crustaceans Parhyale hawaiensis. 

The six new appointments will be celebrated at Convocation and Investiture on Sept. 17.

Convocation Week runs from Friday, Sept. 11 to Thursday, Sept. 17.

Postpartum psychosis is an uncommon but serious psychiatric emergency that can develop after childbirth, and recognizing its warning signs early is critical to getting new mothers the care and support they need. Uruj Kamal Haider, MD, answers frequently asked questions about the condition.

Shari Harding, DNP associate professor of nursing, wrote an article for The Conversation about how to navigate online mental healthcare, including how to evaluate telehealth options and find the right clinician.

Bastien is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Summer Thyme, PhD.

Proceeds from the UMass Cancer Walk, returning to Polar Park on Sunday, Sept. 27, support cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan.

Erik J. Sontheimer, PhD, the Pillar Chair in Biomedical Research, professor and vice chair of RNA therapeutics, has been appointed chair of the RNA Therapeutics Institute, effective in January of 2027.

Danny Winder, PhD, and Marie Doyle, PhD, wrote an article for The Conversation about new research in mice that suggests abstaining from alcohol can alter brain circuits in ways that may increase the risk of compulsive drinking.

PhD candidate Emily Blackburn, MPH, received a prestigious grant from the National Cancer Institute to research proliferating cell nuclear antigen, or PCNA.

The Fellows-to-Faculty award will provide $600,000 over three years to support Faust’s research.

UMass Chan clinical trial studies psychedelic medication for adjustment disorder related to serious illness

Phoebe Moore, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences, Megan Kelly, PhD, professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences, and Yael Dvir, MD, professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences, co-authored an article for The Conversation explaining how teens are using AI chatbots for emotional support and offer guidance to parents and caregivers on keeping young people safe.

UMass Chan Medical School is welcoming 378 new students to campus this week for orientation. Chancellor David McManus, MD’02, ScM’12, MBA, is providing remarks for each school’s orientation.

Scientists identify cell-based “GPS” responsible for guiding immune responses

Free swimming lessons were provided for roughly 100 children and teens at the YMCA in downtown Worcester.

Jessica Griffin, PsyD, professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences, wrote an article for The Conversation on emotional regulation and practical strategies parents can use to help children manage their emotions.

Novel mRNA treatment developed at UMass Chan Medical School eliminates pancreatic cancer tumors in 50 percent of treated mice.

Endoscopy tech-turned-medical student Rachel Signorello led the LEAD@Lahey summer high school program to teach aspiring physicians, nurses and techs. 

The three grants totaling nearly $8 million were awarded over a six-week period to Fiachra Humphries, PhD.