Held March 9–12, SXSW EDU is a premier conference and festival that brings together educators, policymakers, industry leaders and innovators from around the world to explore the future of teaching and learning. The four-day event features hundreds of sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and exhibitions designed to spark new ideas and collaboration across the education landscape.

This year, Wiseman played a key role in that conversation, moderating a panel titled “Educating Minds: Critical Thinking for the AI Generation.” The session brought together leading voices in higher education to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms and how institutions can respond thoughtfully and effectively.

Reflecting on the experience, Wiseman shared several key strategies that emerged from the discussion, insights that are especially relevant as colleges and universities navigate the growing presence of AI in teaching and learning:

• Developing a shared vocabulary for AI literacy so faculty, administrators, and students can engage in meaningful dialogue
• Connecting AI literacy to critical thinking, encouraging students to analyze both AI-generated outputs and the systems behind them
• Elevating student voice in shaping institutional approaches to AI
• Shifting students from passive consumption to active critique of AI-generated content
• Encouraging cross-disciplinary exploration of AI, recognizing its varied impact across fields
• Creating spaces for dialogue and inquiry, where students can collaboratively unpack AI tools and outputs

Wiseman’s leadership as a moderator highlights STCC’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in higher education. As artificial intelligence continues to transform how knowledge is created and shared, these conversations are essential to ensuring students are prepared not just to use technology, but to think critically about it. While AI may be a rapidly evolving tool, Wiseman says the goal of education remains constant: empowering students to question, analyze and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

History enthusiasts and community members are invited to a presentation celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Knox Trail on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.

The event will highlight the historic journey known as the Knox Trail — the winter route used to move captured British artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston during the American Revolution. This bold effort helped turn the tide of the war and remains one of the most remarkable logistical achievements of the era.

Documentary Screening and Discussion

The centerpiece of the afternoon will be a documentary screening, followed by a discussion about the historical significance of the Knox Trail. The conversation will feature historian and presenter Jonathan Barkan and Ben Haley.

Barkan brings a unique historical perspective to the event. In 1976, he created a memorable slide show for the Knox Trail reenactment held during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration. Now, 50 years later, he has updated that work for this milestone anniversary. His newly developed digital slide show includes an original soundtrack and fresh narration, offering audiences a modern take on an important chapter in Revolutionary War history.

Haley, representing the Massachusetts Historical Commission, will add further depth to the discussion with his expertise on the history of Knox Trail markers and memorials across Massachusetts. His insights will help connect the historic route to the many communities that continue to preserve and commemorate it today.

Join the Celebration

This special program offers a chance to explore a pivotal moment in American history while reflecting on how the Knox Trail continues to shape regional heritage more than two centuries later. Whether you are a history buff, educator, student, or local resident, the event promises an engaging look at the past and the people dedicated to preserving it.

The presentation will take place at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and is open to the public.

Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of one of the most remarkable stories of ingenuity and perseverance from the American Revolution.

Student members describe the organization as “a built-in support system” that consistently encourages them to push forward in their education and career goals. Others say the group helps them feel connected to the campus STEM community and provides social and academic support they might not otherwise find.

Director of Career Services Nathan Andary, top photo on left, speaks to students at a meeting of the STCC Society of Women Engineers meeting. Faculty advisor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh stands next to Andary in photo above.

The Feb. 25 meeting featured a guest presentation by Nathan Andary, director of Career Services at the college, who spoke candidly about the importance of networking, confidence-building and using campus resources to prepare for the workforce.

“Your success is my wish,” Andary told students, emphasizing that Career Services exists to support students at every stage of their professional development. He encouraged students to recognize the strength of the network they already have through their faculty, advisors and classmates, and to openly share their interests and career goals with those who know them best.

Andary also highlighted how everyday academic experiences, which includes writing assignments, group projects and class presentations, play a direct role in preparing students for job interviews and workplace expectations.

“Those activities are building a better version of yourself,” he said, explaining that communication, collaboration and self-reflection are essential skills employers look for across industries. He encouraged students to “lean into” assignments that may feel uncomfortable, noting that they help students learn how to talk about their skills clearly and confidently.

During his remarks, Andary urged students to think more broadly about what kind of work environment helps them thrive. He encouraged reflection on whether they prefer teamwork or independent work, indoor or outdoor settings, and organizational cultures that align with their personal values.

In one example, Andary described working with a student who loved her construction field but felt discouraged by workplace culture. Rather than leaving the industry, he helped her explore employers whose values better matched her own, reinforcing the idea that meaningful career success often comes from finding the right people and environment, not just the right job title.

He also encouraged students to view their technical skills as transferable. Whether working in engineering, manufacturing, health care or business, attention to detail, problem solving and precision are highly valued across many fields.

“Careers are not linear anymore,” Andary said, noting that today’s graduates can expect multiple career paths over a lifetime. His advice to students: focus on what you enjoy, what motivates you and what you want to continue learning, and allow your career story to evolve.

The STCC SWE affiliate is guided by faculty advisors Lineisha Dominicci-Rosario, assistant professor in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, and Engineering Professor Beth McGinnis-Cavanaugh. The group is also supported by SWE Counselor Maeliz Colon, an engineering transfer alumna and practicing engineer who mentors students and advises the affiliate.

With more than 50,000 members in 85 countries, SWE is a global organization advocating for women in engineering and technology.

Chartered in 2014, the SWE affiliate at Springfield Technical Community College was only the fourth community college affiliate in the nation at the time. Since its founding, the organization has focused on raising the profile of women in engineering and other STEM majors on campus while building a strong, supportive peer network for students navigating traditionally male-dominated fields.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

This anniversary program will feature engaging living-history demonstrations and educational experiences that highlight the hardship, ingenuity, and teamwork that defined Knox’s remarkable journey. Visitors will learn how this pivotal mission shaped the opening months of the Revolutionary War and influenced America’s path to independence.

Superintendent Kelly Fellner stated:“This commemoration is about more than reenactments. It’s about honoring the determination and teamwork that shaped the earliest days of our nation, the contributions of citizens in Springfield and the surrounding towns, and ensuring these stories remain alive for future generations.”

Event Highlights

• Horse- and oxen-drawn cannon sledge demonstration showing how artillery was hauled across icy terrain during the winter of 1775–76.
• Colonial militia interpreters presenting drills, equipment, and camp life.
• Artillery and firearms blank firing demonstrations illustrating 18th-century weapons technology.
• Continental Arsenal in Springfield exhibit exploring the Armory’s foundational role in supporting the Continental Army.

Community & PartnersThe commemoration is presented in collaboration with regional reenactors, historical organizations, and patriotic groups. Special recognition will be given to the Knox Trail communities of Westfield, West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, Palmer, and Warren—towns that continue to preserve and share the history of Knox’s route. The commemoration continues Sunday, January 18^th with an original musical production For Love! For Liberty! at 52 Sumner Theater.

-NPS-
ABOUT THE PARK: Springfield Armory National Historic Site is the location of the nation’s first armory (1794–1968) and was established by George Washington. The site includes historic grounds, buildings, and the world’s largest historic American military firearms collection. For updates and further information call (413) 734-8551, check the website at www.nps.gov/spar or go to www.facebook.com/sparnhs.

Protecting the earth is protecting ourselves. I was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, where the natural environment directly met the basic needs of the communities. During my childhood, I participated in daily practices such as collecting water from local sources alongside community members and harvesting fresh produce from surrounding forests with my grandmother. These experiences fostered a close relationship with the land and instilled in me a sense of responsibility as the descendant of a farming family. Preserving my grandmother’s farm was not only a familial obligation but also a means of ensuring that future generations could experience food cultivation as a sustainable and self-sufficient practice.

Upon relocating to Western society, this connection to the natural world gradually diminished. Industrialized systems of production and consumption obscured the essential role of nature in sustaining human life. However, my engagement with higher education rekindled this awareness, particularly as I became increasingly conscious of the accelerating environmental crisis. Biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and climate change have placed numerous species on the brink of extinction, signaling broader threats to planetary stability. Despite this, ongoing conservation efforts offer viable pathways for intervention.

This renewed understanding was further informed by my attendance at a panel hosted by my Phi Theta Kappa chapter of Alpha Psi Sigma Honor Society at Springfield Technical Community College, featuring faculty from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Through conversations with conservation professionals, I gained insight into the realities faced by individuals dedicated to protecting our environment.

One such conservationist, Theint Thandar Bol, is affiliated with an organization operating in Myanmar that focuses on mitigating threats to big cat populations. The country’s recent descent into civil conflict has intensified competition for land and natural resources, leading to widespread deforestation. In response, Bo and her colleagues collaborate with local rangers to monitor and protect remaining habitats. Tiger populations in these conservation areas have declined to critically low levels, approximately 20 individuals in one site and 8 in another. At the same time, reproductive rates remain constrained by the species’ solitary social nature. She emphasized that long-term conservation success depends heavily on environmental education, particularly among younger generations and local communities.

As a former student of Dr. Timothy Randhir at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bol has advanced into a leadership role within a predominantly male conservation field. Despite facing occupational and personal safety challenges, she continues to apply scientific methodologies to conservation efforts. Her work incorporates algorithms and predictive modeling to analyze ecological patterns and forecast future environmental outcomes, making contributions indispensable to her organization. During our discussion, she stated, “People cannot engage in conservation when their immediate livelihood is at risk.”

These discussions prompted reflection on environmental challenges across the African continent, particularly the exploitation of land and resources in Ghana and the escalating conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria. When I was in Ghana in the summer of 2024, I observed a noticeable decline in environmental quality. Illegal mining activities have expanded significantly, resulting in deforestation and severe water pollution. Rivers and freshwater bodies that once served as reliable sources of drinking water had become contaminated by mining waste, leaving surrounding communities without access to clean water. Climate change has accelerated soil degradation across West Africa as the Sahara Desert continues its southward expansion. This environmental stress has forced herders into agricultural regions already strained by declining soil fertility. Competition over diminishing arable land has intensified tensions between herders and farmers, contributing to ongoing violence.

Another of Dr. Timothy Randhir’s former students is Hlelo Mamba, a conservation expert specializing in large fauna in southern Africa. Hlelo explained that the primary threat facing large fauna continues to be poaching in Africa. Historically, the demand for ivory was exceptionally high in countries such as China and other parts of Southeast Asia, where poachers were often paid up to several times their average lifetime income to obtain ivory. Ivory has long been used in traditional medicine and is deeply embedded in cultural practices due to the belief that it possesses healing properties. In recent years, however, poaching has become a less dominant threat in Eswatini due to the implementation of strict government deterrents, including shoot-to-kill policies targeting poachers. As a result, the most significant threat to large fauna has shifted toward environmental degradation and climate change.

Climate change has severely affected water availability, particularly for rhinoceroses. This is especially detrimental due to their physiological characteristics: rhinos retain substantial body heat and therefore require regular access to shade and water to regulate their body temperature effectively. The loss of reliable water sources poses a serious risk to their survival. Hlelo emphasized that educating local populations about these environmental threats remains a challenge. In Eswatini, the royal family manages a protected national park dedicated to Rhinoceros conservation; however, the park administration is viewed unfavorably by surrounding communities. This is due to the limited inclusion of local populations in conservation efforts, as the park prioritizes tourism development and invests most of its revenue in tourist accommodation rather than directly in animal welfare or community support.                        

In summary, these cases illustrate how environmental degradation intersects social, economic, and political systems. Sustainable environmental management is not merely an ecological imperative but a prerequisite for social stability and human survival. Addressing these challenges requires integrating scientific research, local knowledge, and equitable resource management to restore balance between human societies and the natural world.                                             

However, the reawakening of environmental consciousness through education highlights the critical role that knowledge and scientific inquiry play in addressing contemporary ecological crises. Re-establishing harmony between human societies and natural systems will require integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches, promoting environmental education, and prioritizing sustainability at both local and global scales. Our planet’s future hinges on the choices we make today: to honor the delicate web of life, to act with responsibility, and to ensure that the generations yet to come inherit a world where both humanity and nature can thrive.

Hello, my name is Yusraah Zakir and I am a biology major and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor (PTK) Society at Springfield Technical Community College. The mission of PTK is to encourage and recognize students’ academic achievement and provide opportunities for leadership, service, and fellowship. Through my involvement in PTK, I have had the opportunity to organize and participate in our panel discussion on Environmental Sustainability as part of our Honors in Action project. 

The focus of the panel was environmental sustainability, which emphasizes meeting current needs while preserving resources for future generations. I was pleasantly surprised with the strong turnout for the event which reflected how relevant this topic is to students and the broader community. The auditorium was filled, creating an atmosphere of shared curiosity and engagement.  The panel featured UMass Amherst professors, namely, Dr. Scott Jackson spoke about Wildlife Conservation, Dr. Charles Schweik for Environmental Policy, Dr. Timothy Randhir about Water Sustainability and Dr. Trisha L. Andrew for Wearable Electronics. Their expertise provided real-world applications of sustainability concepts and reinforced the chapter’s research conclusions. What stood out to me most was how these disciplines overlapped, reinforcing that environmental sustainability requires collaboration across many fields.

 Dr. Trisha L. Andrew’s presentation on wearable electronics and smart textiles left a particularly strong impression on me. As a biology major, Dr. Andrew’s discussion of the environmental and public health consequences of textile manufacturing was especially intriguing. She emphasized how traditional textile processing consumes enormous amounts of water and releases toxic chemical waste into surrounding communities. One point that stood out to me was her explanation that many textile plants continue polluting water sources because the fines they pay are simply treated as part of their operating costs. This reality highlights a serious environmental justice issue, as polluted water disproportionately affects nearby populations.

 Dr. Andrew then introduced an alternative approach inspired by microelectronics manufacturing. Unlike traditional textile processing, silicon chip fabrication relies on dry, vapor-based chemical processes that produce little to no water pollution. She described how this realization led her to ask an important question: why can’t textiles be manufactured using similar methods? Her research answers this question using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). By applying this technique to textiles, her research aims to reduce water pollution while also transforming fabrics into functional materials with applications in wearable electronics, sensing technologies, and energy harvesting. Below is a picture of her lab in UMass, Amherst.

 After the panel, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Andrew and reflect further on her work. We discussed how shocking it is that something as everyday as clothing can contribute so heavily to water contamination and how innovative manufacturing techniques like CVD could offer more sustainable alternatives. As a biology major, this helped me better understand how chemistry, materials science, and biology intersect to address environmental and human health challenges by targeting environmental problems at their source rather than simply managing their consequences. 

Overall, this panel discussion was eye opening and inspiring. It demonstrated that environmental sustainability is not limited to one field but requires interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration. Being part of this event reinforced my appreciation for PTK and for STCC as a place where students are encouraged to engage in complex, real world problems. I left the event with a deeper awareness of how science and innovation can drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future.

Hello, my name is Sean Rooney. I’m a first-year student here at STCC and a proud provisional member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Like many students just beginning their college education, I’m still exploring which major will become my path, but I already know I made the right choice by coming to STCC. It is transforming my educational journey. The college’s affordable tuition, diverse academic programs, strong transfer and career pathways, and its truly supportive campus community creates an environment where students can discover who they want to become.

Just before Thanksgiving, our Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) hosted a panel discussion on Environmental Sustainability as part of our Honors in Action project. Environmental sustainability means using our natural resources responsibly to meet today’s needs while protecting them for future generations. This panel simply exceeded my expectations. First, the auditorium was jam packed, and so many students stood along the walls that it felt as though the whole community had shown up ready to learn. The presentations were outstanding, packed with information that I was unaware of, which inspired and motivated me to learn more.

Our PTK chapter president, Eunice Addae-Wusu, opened the event with a warm greeting, followed by an enthusiastic welcome from Dr. Christopher Thuot. Dr. Timothy Randhir of UMass facilitated the discussion, and we were honored to have Councilor Jesse Lederman in attendance as well, who  presented trophies to PTK members for their excellence in community service and students for their impressive class research projects, adding a celebratory note.

The heart of the event was our distinguished speakers who were UMass Amherst professors.  Dr. Scott Jackson spoke about Wildlife Conservation, Dr. Charles Schweik about Environmental Policy, Dr. Trisha L. Andrew on Wearable Electronics and Dr. Timothy Randhir about Watershed Management & Water Quality. Each speaker shared their research, current sustainability challenges, and the importance of environmental sustainability.

Dr. Scott Jackson spoke about the importance of conserving wildlife habitats and maintaining ecological connectivity, explaining how thoughtful planning can protect biodiversity. Dr. Charles Schweik explained how effective environmental policy, paired with collaborative governance, shapes the way we manage natural resources. His emphasis on data, technology, and public involvement showed how sustainability is both a scientific and a civic responsibility. Dr. Trisha L. Andrew shared her work on wearable electronics and smart textiles. Her innovations demonstrated how technologies can reduce waste and even help monitor environmental conditions. Finally, Dr. Timothy Randhir explained the essential role of watershed health in long-term sustainability, showing how land-use planning and water-quality models can protect fragile ecosystems. What struck me most was how seamlessly their perspectives connected. Science, policy, technology, and community engagement each play a crucial role for the united cause of Environmental Sustainability.

After the panel, I had the privilege of interviewing Professor Schweik and speaking with him further. His presentation on “scaling wide and fast” in environmental conservation and climate action left a deep impression on me. He stressed the urgency of addressing climate change now and introduced the concept of open-source innovations sharing ideas freely for the good of the planet, rather than keeping them locked away. According to Professor Schweik’s research, open-source collaboration accelerates global progress. One of his examples came from right here in Springfield: in the 1820s, the Springfield Armory openly shared its equipment designs, helping the United States leap ahead in manufacturing during the early Industrial Revolution. He spoke about a Springfield nonprofit called WellSpring Cooperative, showing how local efforts can model global solutions. Walking out of the Auditorium that day, I felt inspired not only by what I learned, but by the sense of community and possibility in the room. Events like this remind me that while I may still be deciding on my major, I’m already exactly where I need to be. At STCC, I’m surrounded by people who care, my PTK colleagues who volunteer and serve, and people who are willing to share their knowledge to make our world better. Thank you.

On Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the exhibition will conclude with a “Friends and Family” reception celebrating all student artists involved in the Fine Arts program this semester. Everyone is welcome to attend. Some student artists will attend, and the student-led Art Club will offer artwork for sale.

Each semester, faculty in the STCC Fine Arts program select works that showcase their students’ strongest creations. From oil-on-canvas paintings and digital designs to intricate charcoal drawings, traditional gelatin silver photographs, and a range of other outstanding projects, the exhibition represents the culmination of an entire semester’s effort. Fine Arts courses are open to all students, regardless of academic major or career goals; no prior art experience is required to register.

For more information about the Fine Arts program, visit: https://www.stcc.edu/explore/programs/fine.aa

The Camera Obscura Room, conceived and created in 2013 with the help of analog photography students, transforms a former office space into a unique optical viewing experience. Based on the principles of optics – where light travels in straight lines – light reflecting off objects outside a darkened room passes through a small hole (aperture) in a window and reforms as an inverted image on the opposite wall. The Camera Obscura Room at STCC is open to the public when exhibitions are on view.

The gallery and camera obscura, located on the STCC campus in Building 28 (B28), will be open this week during the following hours:

• Wednesday, Dec. 10: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 11: 1–5 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 12: noon–2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 13: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Accessible parking is available in K Lot. Please use the Pearl Street gate for convenient access. The gallery and all events are free and open to the public.

This exhibition and its associated events are supported in part by the School of Liberal and Professional Studies (LAPS) and the Fine Arts (A.A.) program.

stcc.io/Carberry

About the Gallery

The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery at Springfield Technical Community College features works by artists of local and national repute as well as STCC student work. The gallery is on the first floor in B28, on the Pearl Street side of the STCC campus. The gallery is supported in part by funding from the School of Liberal and Professional Studies. Find the Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery on Facebook or follow on Twitter @STCCArtGallery.

About Springfield Technical Community College STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

Hello! My name is Emily Ogden. I am currently a Health Science major here at STCC and plan to apply to the nursing program. I have always had a passion for helping others and bettering our community. Phi Theta Kappa gives me the opportunity to give back to our community and help individuals who are struggling.

Food security has become a growing challenge in western Massachusetts, driven by poverty. So, our chapter organized a Thanksgiving food drive. One of the first contributions came from Costco, where manager Jon Hager cheerfully supported our cause. But what moved me even more were the donations from our faculty and students. Some donated bags of food and some offered a single can with sincerity. A young mother quietly donated several cans of baby formula reminding me that generosity is not measured by how much someone gives, but by how deeply they care.

We then excitedly gave our food items to Dr. Miah Dreger, Dean of STEM, who appreciated our efforts and donated them to the Ram Mini Mart to support STCC students facing food insecurity. That same spirit of service carried me beyond campus and into our community, where we volunteered at Not Bread Alone, a soup kitchen run by the Center for Human Development (CHD).

You may wonder how volunteering at a soup kitchen helps food security?  Here, by providing free nutritious meals in a welcoming environment we remove barriers to access thereby supporting the health of our community. On the other hand, it promotes environmental sustainability by reducing food waste and strengthening local food networks.

Supervisors Diane Berg and Robert Stover graciously guided our team. They showed us the huge pantry, sustained entirely by donations from local supermarkets, a spotless well-equipped kitchen, and a spacious decorated dining hall. As soon as we stepped into the kitchen, we were immersed in sounds chopping vegetables, simmering pots, dishwasher gurgles and laughter between volunteers who felt like family. The thanksgiving menu had a starter, split pea soup, salad, and dessert. The main dish was frittata, turkey shepherd’s pie, roasted vegetables and rice. There was vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free options! We washed our hands and started helping as directed. Serving meals was the most rewarding part. Guests shared stories, smiles, and quiet moments of gratitude. I realized then that hunger is not just a physical need, it is also emotional. And meeting that need is indeed an act of pure love.

This journey has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. It reaffirmed why I want to be a nurse, why community matters, and why even small acts of service can change someone’s day. I am grateful for PTK, for Not Bread Alone, and for STCC volunteers who showed up to serve. A quote displayed there said “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” That sentiment captured the spirit of my experience. Together, we’re proved that hope grows where people care. One donation. One meal. One moment of kindness at a time to change our community and our world.

Hello, my name is Viran Patel. I am pursuing a degree in Radiology Technology. My passion is to become part of a healthcare team, providing essential diagnostic information through precise and compassionate patient care. I find the intersection of technology and direct patient interaction incredibly fulfilling. As part of our Honors in Action project on Environmental Sustainability our Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society visited the Quabbin reservoir in Belchertown to study Water Sustainability. Responsible management of our freshwater resources to provide for our current and future generations is crucial since it underpins life, ecosystems, agriculture, and community health.

As I pulled into the parking lot at the Quabbin Reservoir, the serene silence hit me like a physical force. No highway hum, no airplanes overhead, only wind moving through pines and the occasional cry of a loon. In that moment I understood why people call this endless stretch of blue waters sacred. We were welcomed by Justin Gonsor, the Program Coordinator. He showed us a video documentary about the history and building of this reservoir. He shared that between 1930 and 1939, four entire towns; Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott, were flooded to build the Windsor dam that holds 412 billion gallons of water so that Boston, sixty-five miles away, could drink! People lost their homes, cemeteries were relocated, roads, churches, schools, and mills were all gone. On April 28, 1938, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts officially disincorporated the four towns. They ceased to exist on paper the way they had already ceased to exist on the ground.

The water from the Quabbin flows by gravity through the 25 mile Quabbin Aqueduct into the Wachusett Reservoir and then continues toward Boston through a network of underground tunnels. It stays clean because the surrounding watershed is strictly protected and the water is naturally filtered through forests and wetlands. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority uses disinfection methods like ozone and UV light rather than heavy filtration to keep the water safe and high-quality.

The Quabbin is beautiful in the way cathedrals are beautiful and awe-inspiring. It is an engineering marvel and since the state protects all the land around it, the water is clean and the area rich in wildlife including bald eagles, loons, moose, black bears, beavers, and a wide variety of other birds. As I walked the path to Enfield lookout the view was staggering. The interpretive sign is polite, almost clinical. It tells you the reservoir is one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the country. It does not tell you about the last dance held in Enfield’s town hall in 1938, or the woman who refused to leave her home until workers carried her out, or the man who returned years later to scatter his wife’s ashes over the water that covered her garden.

I departed with a deeper sense of quiet than when I arrived. The reservoir has that effect on you. It offers beauty on one hand and a handful of ashes on the other. A reminder of the human cost behind environmental decisions and the responsibility we carry in caring for what was sacrificed. As the light faded across the water, I felt the distant call of a hope across the expanse of submerged memories that encapsulates the sound of Massachusetts recalling its past, sustaining itself, and inviting you to do the same.