MCLA to Host the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference

08:00AM / Wednesday, April 03, 2024Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold the 22nd annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) to recognize students for their work and dedication in producing academic projects.

This year's keynote speaker is MCLA alumnus Deven Philbrick '16 – a poet and PhD Candidate in English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. Philbrick earned his bachelor's in English/Communications & Philosophy with a double major in Literature and Writing concentrations from MCLA, then received a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Seattle-Washington in 2018. Currently, he is working on a dissertation on 20th-century innovative poetry and process philosophy.

The full-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a poster session at 11 a.m. and the keynote speaker and lunch at noon. Additional event schedules and locations are forthcoming.

"Undergraduate research is a value that underlies the mission of MCLA because it promotes excellence and innovation, creativity and critical thinking, service, and citizenship," said Graziana D'Elia-Brillante, URC chair and professor of modern languages at MCLA. "It is a transformative experience that transcends traditional classroom learning, offering students a profound journey of personal and intellectual growth going beyond textbooks, so students delve deeply into their chosen field, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and methodologies."

Students will present 15-minute talks, posters, and artistic work; the URC will also include special sessions and events focused on specific themes and performances. Members of the media are welcome to cover this MCLA community event, sit in on virtual talks, and interview students and faculty members.

"Furthermore, undergraduate research nurtures a sense of independence and self-reliance, as students take ownership of their projects from conception to completion. This autonomy not only builds confidence but also instills a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence," said D'Elia-Brillante.

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North Adams City Council Hears Housing Authority Grievances

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
06:28PM / Wednesday, October 14, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Unhealthy odors, drugs, mold, peeling paint, unsecured doors, lack of security and frightened residents.

That was the list of grievances that current and former tenants of the North Adams Housing Authority's high rise on Ashland Street laid before the City Council on Tuesday.

"I've stayed quiet long enough. I've been professional long enough. Somebody needs to do something. Damn it! It's getting too bad over there. It's worse than it's ever been. There's more drug people there. There's more dealers there. There's drunks rolling around in there, drinking out front, doing drugs out front," said Tenants Association President Cory Fortin.

"Everybody's pointing fingers at everybody. Let's all get together and do this damn thing. Get it done. I'm sick of it."

Tenants have been speaking out at council meetings about security issues and Councilor Lillian Zavatsky, liaison to the authority, requested time for Fortin to speak. The authority has been in some upheaval lately with the loss of commissioner and the abrupt resignation of the executive director last week.

The association had called for a formal grievance hearing against Jennifer Hohn after she locked their offices. Hohn has not publicly spoken about her resignation. The Housing Authority is meeting on Thursday for "acknowledgement" of the vacancy.

"My paperwork that I put in for my maintenance request, ah, disappeared. We have nothing on record. There's a lot of things that this board, this council, the mayor, everybody needs to look at the big picture," Fortin said, adding that some tenants were worried about attending the meeting because of fears of retaliation. "All I'm asking for is the right support and for this this council, this mayor, and everybody to do what's right."

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