Category: Resources

Finding Common Ground

By Zachary Murray Scientific freedom is under attack in the United States. Politicians have decided to dictate who has the ability to conduct science and how. But why? Is it for control, power, or simply because they can? Any successful business person will tell you that when they invest in something, they expect a return…

2025 Spring Being Human Syllabus

This is the most recent syllabus used by Amherst HSTEM class of 2425 spring. This syllabus is a living document that will undergo augmentation and development in conversation with the HSTEM students to best suit their learning goals. …

2024 Spring Being Human Zine

We explored the evolution of equity and inclusion at Amherst College from the Amherst Uprising in 2015 to the present day, using past HSTEM projects as a framework. We identified five recurrent themes and have highlighted past student projects that address these themes. Join us in envisioning how collaboration with campus partners can enhance the experience of Being Human at Amherst College!…

THE HSTEM VLOG: OFFICE HOURS 

Learn how to navigate the Amherst College education experience, particularly Office Hours, with Karina Thanawala ’21. This video is intended for new students and Amherst, and is inspired by the ‘Being Human in STEM’ course and the book ‘The Privileged Poor’ by Anthony Jack ’07….

Re-Imagining Pre-Orientation

This workshop fleshes out the basics of the academic structure at Amherst College to international students. The hope is that students who take part in this workshop will be in a better position to thrive in Amherst classes….

Peer Mentorship Project Proposal

In this draft of the final proposal, we outline the motivation, implementation, and structure of a peer mentorship program in mathematics aimed at guiding students through their academic
journey by scheduling meetings between upperclassmen (mentors) and underclassmen….

Fortalecando nuestras raíces: on being Latinx in the medical world

Ruth Manzanares details the experience of attending the 43rd Annual Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Northeast Conference at Dartmouth, where the challenges and triumphs of Latinx individuals in the medical field were discussed. The conference highlighted topics such as healthcare access for undocumented Latinx individuals, the struggles of Latinx women in a predominantly white male field, and the importance of passion and perseverance in overcoming barriers to medical school. The author reflects on how the event fostered a sense of pride and solidarity among Latinx students pursuing medicine….

Orientation Workshop

Learn about an orientation program designed to help first-year students at Amherst College navigate STEM education, particularly in light of its historical challenges related to race and socio-economic status. The workshop encourages self-reflection and peer conversations about the role of academic interests, such as STEM, in shaping personal identities and experiences, with a focus on fostering inclusivity, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting retention in STEM fields. It also includes interactive activities to facilitate these discussions, with the ultimate goal of creating a supportive, inclusive academic environment at Amherst….

DEI Outline For Athletic Teams

A reader of this project will learn about the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) outline for varsity athletic teams at Amherst College, aiming to foster inclusivity and collaboration. The project emphasizes the importance of DEI education in athletic settings to improve performance and team cohesion, highlighting the role of recognition and belonging in preventing exclusion and enhancing athletes’ success. The outline encourages team-building, DEI-focused discussions on race, gender, and economics, and engagement with campus and community events….