A Note from Thaddeus Guldbrandsen
A Note from Thaddeus Guldbrandsen, Dean, School of Sciences and Humanities
Dear Friends,
As the 2023-2024 academic year draws to a close, I am delighted to share the following highlights from the School of Sciences and Humanities.
We are excited to announce the launch of two new bachelor’s degrees available to students next year, in the fall of 2025:
The Bachelor of Science in Climate Resilience will prepare students for careers in the region’s rapidly growing Green Economy. Using Boston as a hands-on learning laboratory, this interdisciplinary program will focus on social justice, adaptation to a changing urban environment, and the human dimensions of climate adaptation.
The Bachelor of Science in Physics will prepare students for careers in a broad range of fields, equipping them with skills in mathematics, logic, computer programming, and experimental design. With a focus on hands-on learning, student research, and mentorship, students will be prepared for careers in medical technology, defense, data science, and more.
Our faculty continues to be productive with award-winning teaching and scholarship across the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. The big news this year is the expansion of our capacity in STEM and the study of the environment. We welcomed and plan to welcome new faculty in Physics, Chemistry, and Economics (you can read more about them below) and launched two new degrees focused on science and the environment. Meanwhile, plans are underway to make our general education experience even better. I am very excited about the future of Wentworth, as students will benefit from this increased capacity in the School of Sciences and Humanities.
We’re looking forward to another exciting year as we welcome a new class of exceptional students this fall.
Congratulations to all of our 2024 graduates!
Warmly,
Thad Guldbrandsen, Ph.D.
Ben Boe
Physics
Benjamin Boe, Ph.D., Physics: Boe studies the sun’s corona and recently led a research expedition to Texas for the recent solar eclipse. That work was featured on the NASA podcast “Curious Universe.” You can also read our coverage here.
Brian Ernst
Chemistry
Brian Ernst, Ph.D., Chemistry: Ernst is a theoretical and computational chemist with a strong background in the scholarship of teaching chemistry.
Aroni Kabita Porna
Environmental Economics
Aroni Kabita Porna, Ph.D., Environmental Economics: Porna is an expert in economic incentives related to energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and sustainable development
Jeremy Wachter
Physics
Jeremy Wachter, Ph.D., Physics: Wachter is an expert in early-universe cosmology and gravitational waves. He is an innovative teacher with a special interest in equity in learning.
Chris Bode-Aluko
Chemistry
Chris Bode-Aluko, Ph.D., Chemistry: Bode-Aluko’s work focuses on water, water filtration, water monitoring, and environmental chemistry.
Jill Macko
Physics
Jill Macko, Ph.D., Physics: Macko’s scholarly background is in photovoltaics and alternative energy.
Yalinu Poya
Chemistry
Yalinu Poya, Ph.D., Chemistry: Poya’s work focuses on alternative energy, catalysis, and environmental chemistry.
Taroshani Kasturiarachchi
Physics
Taroshani Kasturiarachchi, Ph.D., Physics: Kasturiarachchi is an innovator in Physics education who sets high standards for students and provides lots of support for their success.