Established in 1966, the UMass Amherst Department of Polymer Science and Engineering (PSE) celebrated its 60th anniversary this May with a two-day reunion, featuring a plenary lecture from Dr. Cristina Urdaneta Thomas ’92 PhD and an inspiring address from NASA astronaut and alumna Cady Coleman ’91 PhD. 

PSE, a globally recognized program in polymer and materials science, builds on foundations in chemistry, physics, materials, and engineering to advance fundamental and applied discoveries, which enable new technologies and inspire strong collaborations with industry.  

Alumni came to campus from across the United States, Europe, and Asia to celebrate and reconnect with faculty, classmates, and current polymer science and engineering students.  

“The 60th reunion is a massive achievement, and I wanted to be a part of it,” says alumnus Paul Grosso ’83 PhD. “With the passage of time, over the course of my career, it has become ever clearer that my foundation from UMass PSE supported it all. I came back in part to show respect to this great department.”

The first day of the reunion began with a “60 Years of PSE” retrospective, presentations by new faculty members Melody Morris PhD and Laurel Kroo PhD, and a selection of panel discussions about careers in academia, thriving in the start-up world, and navigating career transitions, among others.

Dr. Urdaneta Thomas ’92 then spoke about her 35 years of experience in research and development at companies like IBM and 3M. During her career, she has earned 28 patents and won numerous awards for leadership. As someone with a passion for STEM and lifelong learning, she has also been a consistent supporter of the department and UMass Amherst since her graduation.

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Later, attendees discussed the impact that philanthropy has and can continue to have on the strength of the department. Paul Grosso was recognized for his recent endowment gift and bequest intention to establish and support the Paul V. Grosso and Vicky L. Hagens Polymer Science and Engineering Award, which will support first-year Polymer Science and Engineering graduate students.

“I am lucky enough to have found a subject—polymer science—that has given me pleasure and an intellectual challenge throughout my career,” says Grosso. “UMass PSE gave me my start and the momentum to continue. I feel a strong need to support the department’s ability to provide similar opportunities to future students.”

Paul Grosso ’83 PhD.

The second day began with a talk and book signing with Cady Coleman ’91 PhD. In Coleman’s book, Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder, and Making Change, she describes overcoming obstacles and adapting to new environments throughout her career as an Air Force colonel, scientist, and NASA astronaut.

“This has always been a special place,” she told attendees about UMass and PSE during her talk. “There are resources and a spirit of pioneering that happens in this department. I felt extra confidence going out in the world and saying I came from UMass Amherst Polymer Science and Engineering.”

Following Coleman’s talk, alumni could attend a poster session with current Polymer Science and Engineering students, tour the Conte Lab, and chat with friends at a casual alumni reception and sendoff.

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Reflecting on the reunion, Coleman emphasized the strength of the department and the great potential of its work going forward.

“From the perspective of living in space and looking down at the Earth, it’s clear to me that our challenges require the best of everyone,” she says. “As an alumna of PSE, listening to the talks from faculty, alumni, and students, I was proud to be reminded of the depth and breadth of the solutions that have emerged from PSE, and excited to see that process continue into the future.”

Want to support the next generation of polymer and materials scientists? Make a gift today to the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering.