New Head of Gaston InstituteEffective January 4, 2009, Professor Maria Idali Torres will be appointed Director of the Mauricio Gaston Institute and will also hold a joint faculty position in the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Public Policy.

Professor Torres comes to Harbor Point from the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she was Associate Professor and Acting Assistant Dean for Public Health Practice and Outreach. Professor Torres received her Ph.D. in applied medical anthropology from the University of Connecticut.

An accomplished scholar, Professor Torres has focused her research on identifying strategies for promoting, protecting and maintaining the health of Puerto Rican women and their families. Her work has appeared in numerous journals including the American Journal of Public Health, the International Quarterly of Community Health Education, Human Organization and Health Education and Behavior.

She has been the recipient of numerous grants and contracts as the principal or co-principal investigator. She has researched topics that include self-management of diabetes, sexual health protection, experience of African American and Latino women with sexual decision-making, experience of Latino women with substance abuse and residential treatment, and the economics of obesity among Latinos.

UMass finance panel approves $2.56 billion capital planThe University’s Committee on Administration and Finance approved a $2.56 billion capital plan for fiscal years 2009-2013, saying that the plan would allow for the construction of important new academic and research facilities on all five campuses and provide for needed renovation and repair.

“With the Commonwealth of Massachusetts stepping forward as a fully engaged partner in this effort, I believe that we can usher in a new era of achievement and growth in his very important area,” UMass President Jack Wilson added. “We are committed to providing our students, faculty and staff with the facilities that they need and deserve. These investments will occur on all five campuses and will touch every region of the Commonwealth.”

Through the plan, the University will make investments in projects ranging from research labs to new classrooms and student recreation facilities. The plan was proposed by President Wilson and created in collaboration with the campus Chancellors and their staffs.