Erin Amato selected to deliver presentation to the University Foundation Development Committee

Erin Amato joined Susan Leschine’s laboratory as a Commonwealth Honors College student, conducting her Honors Thesis research on the role of spirochete bacteria in plant biomass-decomposing microbial communities. She continues this research as a Masters student in the Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences Program. Amato’s research is aimed at testing the hypothesis that spirochetes facilitate the conversion of complex plant carbohydrates into nutrients in the intestinal tracts of animals.

As an alumna of the iCons (Integrated Concentration in Science) Program, Amato was recruited to deliver a presentation introducing the iCons Program to the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation at the October meeting of the Foundation Development Committee. Amato joined the newly instituted iCons Program as a freshman in Fall 2010, intrigued by a program designed to train students to synthesize and apply scientific knowledge to solve society’s biggest problems. The mission of iCons is “to produce the next generation of leaders in science and technology with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to solve the inherently multi-faceted problems facing our world.” Amato was a member of the First Class of iCons graduates. Through her participation in the iCons Program, Amato made numerous service contributions. For example, she led a workshop for participants in Girls Inc., a program that empowers girls in Holyoke to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition, Amato served on the Executive Board of the National Society of Leadership and Success and she was a member of the College of Natural Sciences Student Leadership Committee. At the 2014 CNS Senior Celebration, Amato represented the Department of Microbiology as the Student Speaker. Referring to her presentation to the University Foundation, Associate Vice Chancellor for Constituent Relations, Development, and Alumni Relations Fredrika Pierson Clement commended Amato, “You were articulate, thorough, enthusiastic, and poised. Your commitment to the program and UMass Amherst were inspiring and the Foundation members were impressed.”

Currently, as a graduate student in the ABBS Program, Amato serves as Project Assistant with the Office of Undergraduate Research & Studies (OURS), a resource for all undergraduate students in all majors and at all stages of experience. Through OURS, Amato helps students find research and scholarly opportunities on and off campus. Amato also assists in recruiting the next wave of iCons students at UMass Amherst.