College of Arts and Sciences - Spring 2021 - University of Miami

FROM THE DEAN
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
SPRING 2021
Dean
Leonidas G. Bachas
Senior Associate Deans
Jennifer Ferriss-Hill
Maria Galli Stampino
Kenneth J. Voss
Associate Deans
Charles Mallery
Nicole Leeper Piquero
Assistant Deans
Emily Long
Maryann Tatum Tobin
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Jeanne Marie Luis
Senior Business Officer
Dawn Reynolds
Executive Director of Development
Patrick E. Stewart
Project Manager and Assistant
to the Dean
Rose Ketlie Glemaud
Editor/Writer
Deseraé E. del Campo
Editorial Contributors
Maya Bell
Brittany Bomnin
Rim El Belkacemi
Barbara Gutierrez
David Menconi
Richard Westlund
Design and Layout
Cowen Design, Inc.
arts&sciences is produced in the fall and spring
by the College of Art and Sciences Office of
Communications. Through the magazine, we seek
to increase awareness of the College’s activities
by telling the stories of faculty, staff, students, and
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College of Arts and Sciences, P.O. Box 248004
Coral Gables, FL 33124-4620
Telephone 305.284.2485
casmagazine@miami.edu
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Reproduction in whole or in part without written
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Dear Friends,
By any measure, the past year has been a
time of unprecedented uncertainty, tragedy,
and challenge. But it has also illuminated the
boundless human capacity for creativity,
Leonidas G. Bachas, Dean
compassion, and connection—qualities the
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences has witnessed
and fostered in abundant measure throughout this difficult time.
In light of our ambitious educational and research missions, the dedication and
ingenuity of our College community, and the scope and quality of our programs and
initiatives, it is perhaps not a complete surprise that our educational and
intellectual pursuits would thrive even amid a devastating pandemic. Still, it is with
special pride that we reflect on our institutional resilience and impressive recent
achievements. Our faculty, students, and staff truly rose to the challenge, expanding
knowledge and advancing our work in an array of inspiring ways.
As we joyfully prepare for the first in-person Commencement ceremonies to be
held since the pandemic brought normal life to a halt, we are delighted to share with
you some of our activities over the past several months. In these pages, for example,
you’ll see the progress on the highly anticipated Frost Institute of Chemistry and
Molecular Science, designed in every detail to elevate STEM research and discovery.
You’ll meet the dedicated biology professor and conservationist and student team
embarking on an ingenious project to revitalize a precious ecosystem. You’ll read
about new courses to introduce students to the complex nature of viruses and the
influential field of data science. And you’ll get a peek at a project, spearheaded by
one of our most dynamic art historians, to broaden access to a magnificent trove of
creative works from an acclaimed artist of color.
Looking ahead, the College’s mission to prepare students for productive lives and
successful careers in an ever-changing world remains our greatest responsibility.
With your ongoing support, we will continue to pursue opportunities to make the
world a healthier, more vibrant, and more equitable place amid both current and
future challenges. As always, we are profoundly grateful for your engagement with
and commitment to the College of Arts and Sciences.
Sincerely,
Leonidas G. Bachas
Make a difference.
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ARTS | SCIENCES 1