In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition — Wednesday, Dec. 18 — WPI launched a new neuroscience masters program, there’s an important meeting on the Worcester bus and about whether it should be free to ride said bus), Baker appointed four to the Board of Higher Education, Veterans, Inc. asks for your help during the holidays, and the city is holding a vigil for those lost to homelessness.
WPI Launches Transdisciplinary Master’s Degree Program in Neuroscience
This Worcester place of learning just never stops. Recognizing the urgent need to develop a better understanding of the brain, behavior, and the causes of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has launched a master of science program in neuroscience with a unique focus on artificial intelligence and computational techniques and approaches. The program will prepare neuroscientists with the broad interdisciplinary skills needed to tackle one of the most important scientific challenges of our age and develop a new generation of treatments.
The transdisciplinary master’s in neuroscience degree program has four primary focus areas: computational neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and psychological science.
“With over 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections, the brain is among the most complex biological system known and holds the key to who we are and how we perceive and interact with the world,” said Jean King, Peterson Family Dean of Arts and Sciences and professor of neuroscience. “The complexity of this system has made it difficult to develop effective treatments for neurological disorders.”
WPI’s neuroscience degree program is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, or related fields and has theses and non-theses options.
Learn more about WPI’s Neuroscience Initiative and the new MS program.
Take Part in a Unique Meeting on a WRTA Bus
Several months ago, The Research Bureau published a very informative report suggesting that if the WRTA went fare-free that it would dramatically increase ridership. About 40 American cities and towns have or hope to go fare-free, including Kansas City, according to an announcement from the Worcester FareFree Task Force.
“At the same time, I had filed an order with the Worcester City Council stating that the WRTA service was inefficient and underutilized while being quite costly to city taxpayers,” said Worcester City Councilor Gary Rosen. “Realizing how important and necessary our transit service is to so many individuals and families, my goal was to encourage our city (and state) elected and appointed officials to take steps to improve service and get more riders back on those buses. Thankfully, that is now happening.”
The Research Bureau’s report, Sen. Harriett Chandler and Rosen were recruited to join a recently-formed committee that was looking into the feasibility of making the WRTA fare-free. Made up of visionary individuals who want to retain but improve the WRTA, the committee has been meeting regularly for months in the hopes of implementing an appealing fare-free transit system at no additional cost to Worcester’s residential and commercial taxpayers.
The next meeting, on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 10 AM sharp, starts at the HUB, 60 Foster St., on the #5 WRTA bus. Participants, and that can include you, ride that bus along with its regular patrons on its normal route.
Governor Baker Appoints Four New Members to Board of Higher Education
Governor Charlie Baker has appointed four new board members to the Board of Higher Education, each with years of experience in helping students achieve greater academic success. Three of the four appointees were sworn in at the State House last week, according to an announcement..
Governor Baker appointed Veronica Conforme, the chief executive officer of UP Education Network; Patty Zillian Eppinger, an executive producer of a teen television drama and the past interim president of the Ecotarium; Judy Pagliuca, managing partner at Pagsgroup; and Ann Christensen, president of the nonprofit Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation.
“Each of these four women are well-qualified to serve on the Board of Higher Education, and we are pleased they have agreed to dedicate their time to supporting students throughout the Commonwealth,” said Baker.
The Board of Higher Education coordinates the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges, nine state universities and the University of Massachusetts system, ensuring that Massachusetts residents have opportunities to benefit from a higher education that enriches their lives and civic engagement, advances economic development and social progress of the Commonwealth.
Veterans, Inc. Issues Plea to Help Veterans and Their Families This Holiday Season
Veterans Inc. is asking the community to remember veterans and their families this holiday season.The nonprofit, which is headquartered in Worcester but has offices and services throughout New England, is welcoming new items for the veterans who are currently residing in the organization’s transitional housing programs.
Items such as socks, underwear and toiletries are among those on the wish list. Additionally, Veterans Inc. is asking for sponsors for the Giving Tree Project, which will provide presents for the children of veterans in need.
“Although we have made great strides, we still need more items donated for our holiday Wish List for Veterans and we still need more sponsors for our Giving Tree project ”said Alex Arriaga, Veterans Inc. employment and training manager. “ We have 67 children that are currently waiting for a sponsor.”
Go here to learn more about how to donate items for veterans in need or how to sponsor children of veterans. Also, email [email protected] for more information.
City Plans the “Longest Night” Vigil to Honor Those Lost From Homelessness
Worcester officials hosting “The Longest Night” vigil, which is an evening of remembrance and hope to honor those community members lost from homelessness, on Friday, Dec. 20, from 5:30-7:30 PM at City Hall.
The event, which recognizes Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, begins with a candlelight walk at 5:30 PM on Worcester Common. An interfaith service follows at 6:15 PM in the Levi Lincoln Chamber. The keynote speaker is Pastor Richard Gonzalez, director, Net of Compassion.
Everyone is welcome to this free event, which is hosted by the Homeless Outreach & Advocacy Program (HOAP) in partnership with the City of Worcester Department of Health & Human Services.
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