Elizabeth Deatrick

Homing pigeons have the remarkable ability to find their way back to their coop, even when released many miles away in a new location. If they are released from the same location multiple times, they can become more efficient on each flight. However, scientists are investigating how the birds make these improvements. When pigeons fly together, can inexperienced birds actually learn from birds who have flown the route before, and find shorter paths home?

On a triangular plot of land behind University Hall, a grid of wooden planters rises from the grass. Sprouts of radishes, beans and kale stretch their tender leaves toward the sun. This is UMass Boston’s new community garden, where volunteers will have a chance to cultivate vegetables, fruits and flowers. “This is our pilot year for the project, and we’re already seeing a lot of enthusiasm for it,” says Janna Cohen-Rosenthal, UMass Boston’s sustainability and resiliency planner.

Earlier this year, Robert (Bob) Chen was elected to ASLO’s highest leadership position. To maintain continuity within ASLO’s leaders, Chen will begin by serving a two-year term as president-elect. In 2028, he will become president, and in 2030 he will take on the role of past president. Chen has long considered ASLO to be his “professional home,” and taking on the presidency is a natural progression of his commitment. He served on the ASLO Board from 2016 to 2022.