MEET JUMBO
These pages were written by Tufts students. Flipping through them should feel like taking a stroll through campus. You’ll meet professors and students; they’ll share with you what excites them. You’ll drop into a class on an unfamiliar topic and leave inspired, dig into some fascinating research, or hang out in a residence hall with potential classmates. Along the way, you might decide that Tufts feels like the right place for you. If that happens, this magazine is also for you—flip to the back where we’ve broken down the basics on applying: deadlines, financial aid, and advice. This is Tufts; explore it.
On the Cover: Ethan Forde ’25 discusses community building, engineering research, and varsity athletics at Tufts.
COVER PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN DOOHER (FRONT), ANNA MILLER/ TUFTS UNIVERSITY (BACK)
| The Mountain Lodge on Potato Hill Road
FROM THE DEAN
GREETINGS,
Tufts University is a people place. Sure, Tufts is an R1 research university that is at the forefront of undergraduate education, generating new knowledge while simultaneously providing an engaging classroom and learning experience. But it is also a place where the people—whether students, faculty, or staff; whether artists or engineers or athletes or thespians or environmentalists or some combination of these and others—make the place hum. Tufts is a community—made up of extraordinary people.
Tufts has a particular knack for attracting kind, collaborative, civically engaged, and intellectually playful students. Our students are eager to learn—and to have fun along the way. They are committed to taking what they learn at Tufts and using it for good in the world beyond our campus. They are prepared for a multitude of professional paths after graduation, in no small part because of their
“TUFTS IS A COMMUNITY— MADE UP OF EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE.”
ability to engage with and learn from people different from them. After all, no two Tufts students are the same, and our student body is drawn from all 50 US states and dozens of countries around the world. With more than 150 majors, minors, and programs available to Tufts undergraduates, we draw students with diverse academic interests and prepare them for the professional, intellectual, and social journeys that await them.
In this issue of Jumbo, you will be introduced to some of the many people that make Tufts so special. That includes students like Ethan Forde ’25, an electrical engineer who spent his summer giving tours to prospective students, and Matthew Winkler ’25, a history and music double major who has immersed himself in humanities research. You will eavesdrop on a conversation with SMFA Professor of the Practice in Ceramics Jennie Jieun Lee and SMFA student Julia Yoo ’26 as
they discuss their collaboration in the studio. And you’ll hear from Idah Duche, a legendary member of the Tufts Dining staff, and mom to a current Jumbo, as she reflects on her journey to Tufts.
I hope you can see yourself becoming classmates, and even friends, with the people you meet in these pages. After all, you have your own special qualities to contribute to the Tufts community. My colleagues and I look forward to getting to know you better through your application.
Most of what you’re about to read was written by these Tufts students. Listen for their voices as they introduce you to the Tufts community, page by page. MEET THE STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
JAY GUO ’24 from West Haven, CT
RUBY MCELHONE YATES ’25 from Easthampton, MA
SHANNON MURPHY ’26 from Melrose, MA
JED QUIAOIT ’25 from San Diego, CA
BY KATHLEEN DOOHER
PHOTO
THE ADVENTURER’S GUIDE
TO TUFTS UNIVERSITY
Hark! Before you begin your journey down this illustrious path of higher education, it is best to inform yourself of some of the opportunities ahead. Read on and get a hint of what lays before you. But be warned! What you read here may fill you with the urge to take that next step into the unknown.
Adventure awaits!
TISCH SUMMER FELLOWS
The Tisch College of Civic Life’s Summer Fellows program is perfect for a bit of adventure with minimal travel. Students are paired with nonprofits and government agencies to serve as a force for good, with mentoring and networking to round out the experience.
FOOD
There’s nothing an adventurer needs more than energy. With multiple on-thego spots and two full dining centers featuring many gluten- and allergen-free options and a nutrition specialist on staff, Tufts is committed to meeting all students’ needs. Might we recommend a smoothie from Kindlevan or a burrito from Hodg to fuel your next adventure?
CAREER CENTER
Open to undergraduates and alumni, the Career Center is the perfect spot for any adventurer preparing for the next steps in their journey. Whether it’s major advising or Career Communities based around professional interests, they’re here to support you wherever you are in the process.
ATHLETICS
28 varsity, 28 club, and even more intramural teams make athletics ideal for seeking out adventure. You’ll cheer “Go ’Bos!” whether supporting friends as they add another national championship to the Tufts’ collection or trying out flag football on the weekend.
EXCOLLEGE
The Experimental College offers innovative courses taught by visiting lecturers and Tufts undergraduate students interested in sharing their unique expertise in small, collaborative environments. With topics ranging from ecomusicology to the ethics of voluntourism, who knows what you’ll find?
INSIDE OUT
A REAL YET RANDOM, PLAYFUL YET SERIOUS SPIN AROUND CAMPUS—AND JUST BEYOND
PHILOSOPHY
CERTIFICATE BROADENS JUMBO’S HORIZONS
CERTIFICATES OFFERED to Tufts undergraduate students are designed to be open-ended ways for Jumbos to explore particular subject areas or add practical, skills-based learning to their time in the classroom. And for students interested in preparing for law school, or who simply want to build a more ethical foundation to their thinking, the Department of Philosophy offers the Certificate in Ethics, Law, and Society. Although the number of required courses is similar to that of a minor, this particular certificate also includes an individual research project to cap off each student’s learning.
TUFTS ELECTRIC RACING COMBINES ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABILITY
WHAT does it take to build a formula-style electric race car in a year? That’s the question that the Tufts Electric Racing team was asked, and they delivered. A perennial favorite activity for Jumbo engineers who want to combine an interest in mechanical, environmental, and electrical engineering, the team takes their creation to competitions across the region. Bring some elbow grease and a can-do attitude and you’ll fit right in.
JUMBO ATHLETES WIN FOUR NESCAC CHAMPIONSHIPS
THIS WAS A VERY BIG YEAR for Tufts Athletics! Not only did we finish fourth place overall in the Learfield Directors Cup, meaning we are one of the top Division III varsity athletic programs in the nation, but four of our 28 teams won their respective championships this year. Those are Women’s Rowing, Men’s Track and Field, Men’s Golf, and Men’s Lacrosse. We are incredibly proud of all of our Jumbo athletes and cannot wait to see what this new academic year brings!
EXCOLLEGE HIGHLIGHT: GLOBAL HEALTH: A PRACTITIONER’S APPROACH TO REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS
TAUGHT BY Jennifer Goldsmith from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, this course aims to “reflect on successes and challenges in our work and best-practices and pitfalls in global health practice, and give students authentic assignments that we will discuss and critique as we would in a work setting. This course will shed light on the complexity of global health delivery and key skills that can support success for students who envision pursuing work in global health domains or who want to better understand the field from the sideline.”
NEW KILN AT SMFA
“THANKS TO the remarkable anonymous six-figure gift of a new kiln, the potential for what can be sculpted, thrown, glazed, or fired at SMFA is about to become boundless. The state-of-theart computer-operated, large-scale kiln is being custom-built for SMFA in California and will be installed and ready for students in Fall 2024.”
MATTHEW WINKLER ’25
HISTORY AND MUSIC DOUBLE MAJOR FROM AUSTIN, TX
As COVID-19 kept the world on its toes in 2020, Matthew was finishing high school in Austin, Texas, almost 2000 miles away from Tufts. “Not only does Tufts have a strong academic program but it also is close to Boston, a city with opportunities I think will be very beneficial to me,” says Matthew.
When evaluating his college decisions, he valued Tufts’ size as a small liberal arts college, which he later on ascribes to his later success: “I’m very, very happy that I chose Tufts because I have a lot of different interests, and one thing that I think I’ve benefited the most from is the amount of resources that they’re able to offer. Although I didn’t want to be a professional musician or go to a performing arts conservatory, Tufts has allowed me to pursue music and history at the same time.”
Initially unsure about the prospects of a history major, Matthew’s trajectory changed when he landed a job as a research assistant for an author writing a book on jazz, thanks to a listing on Handshake, a platform Tufts can access to find part- and full-time jobs. This opportunity led to a deeper involvement in historical research and culminated in his contributions being acknowledged in said author’s upcoming book.
With encouragement from David Proctor, Distinguished Senior Lecturer for History and Classical Studies, Matthew pursued further independent research on Joya Sherrill, a woman jazz artist, supported by the Laidlaw Scholar fellowship at Tufts. This endeavor took him to the Library of Congress and Smithsonian for archival research, enriching his academic experience. Matthew reminisces back to the moment he applied to the program, “The more I looked into her, the more I went ‘Oh, my God, this woman is incredible, and no one knows anything about her!’. There’s a big push in the humanities programs to pursue the Laidlaw
program as well, plus I get to do the same type of research that I was previously doing for the author. It’s such a cool opportunity to be funded to go to Washington D.C. to do archival research.”
Another key opportunity came when Jennifer Burton, Professor for Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, suggested his research be turned into a documentary, leading to the creation of a multimedia project at Tufts highlighting underrepresented women in American history. This project, which has garnered professional interest, including from PBS, has evolved into a full-fledged documentary effort, with Matthew deeply involved in its production. He excitedly describes the content creation process, “Since last summer, we’ve interviewed two people with a professional film crew. We also have around six interviews lined up next summer and then it’ll most likely be editing work by my senior year.” He credits Tufts as one of the select colleges around the world where undergraduate research projects like his can transform into more professional deliverables like documentaries.
Beyond history, Matthew’s passion for music, journalism, and film shines through. He has written numerous articles for the Tufts Daily, covering arts and music events, and has explored film production through a course at Tufts. “I started at the Daily writing columns on classical music and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Last semester I did 11 articles, and I got to interview artists like Declan McKenna and Peach Pit. I’m also taking a production course this spring for fun,“ Matthew says. His involvement in the arts extends to playing the trumpet and attending concerts, showcasing his diverse interests and talents.
Reflecting on his journey, Matthew emphasizes the importance of kindness to oneself and the inevitability of change and growth. “Close interpersonal
relationships are important to me. Whether that be friends, professors, or other professional relationships, it feels really good to have people you care about and people who care about you—that brings me fulfillment, and that’s why I keep going,” says Matthew. “In fact, I love interviewing so much because I really love talking one-on-one with people and have the opportunity to talk to very interesting people I normally never meet.” His competitive drive and ambition have been key to his success, alongside his openness to new experiences and perspectives.
Matthew also describes adjusting to life in Boston—as a Texan—with the phrase “brutal but in a good way.” While he does prefer warmer weather, Matthew notes that the New England vibe is different “but in a way that [he] liked” as it prioritizes old art and culture, which is up to his interests. “There’s a wonderful orchestra and an opera theater here, ballet museums there…there are all these old cultural institutions that really don’t exist in the same capacity in Austin.”
As for a long-term plan, Matthew goes with the flow. “First, I wanted to be a historian, and then I wanted to be a musicologist. Then, I wanted to be a historian again. But now, I don’t know. One thing’s for sure: I’ve discovered a love of public history, archival research, and interviewing people, and I would love to do more of that. Similarly, I really love investigating archival research and making it accessible to the public is a goal of mine.” Indeed, Matthew’s journey to the hill illustrates the power of perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to explore new avenues of learning and creativity.
JED QUIAOIT ’25
BY
PHOTO
KATHLEEN DOOHER
“One thing that I think I’ve benefited the most from is the amount of resources that [Tufts is] able to offer. ”
CHECK THESE OUT
Do you ever find yourself gravitating to that one cozy haven in your home? It could be the welcoming embrace of your bed, the heartwarming ambience of the living room where you share moments with friends and family, or the kitchen where your most cherished dishes are prepared. At Tufts, many students find that spot in one of our identity centers. Meet the Division of Student Diversity of Inclusion’s (DSDI) Identity Centers, inclusive spaces on Tufts’ campus where students can discover not only friendship and community, but also celebrate their common identities, interests, and life experiences. Check out each of the eight spaces eager to welcome Jumbos from all backgrounds!
—JED QUIAOIT
’25
Africana Center
The Africana Center is dedicated to fostering intellectual and personal growth among undergraduates. Through an array of programs, such as lectures, workshops, concerts, films, and community activities, the center celebrates the cultural heritage of students of African descent. Among the offerings are the Black Womyn’s Collective and Black Myn’s Group, two groups providing weekly discussions on identity, relationships, and cultural issues. The Africana Center also facilitates the Students’ Quest for Unity in the African Diaspora (SQUAD), a fourday pre-orientation program focused on unity and learning about African-diasporic history and culture at Tufts. The center’s Annual Orientation Retreat helps first-year students transition into college life, and various student organizations further enrich the Tufts experience for students of African descent.
Asian American Center
The Asian American Center serves as a vital resource for the Asian and Asian American communities on campus. Its mission is to support student’s personal and social development while recognizing the diversity and complexity of their identities. The center offers a wide range of programs and resources, including the Peer Leader Program for incoming students. Regular events, workshops, and affinity groups provide opportunities for cultural exploration and community building. The AAC also provides a dedicated space for study and events. Additionally, the Pan Asian Council (PAC) collaboratively supports Asian and Asian American student organizations.
Center for STEM Diversity
The Center for STEM Diversity is dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive community in STEM fields. The center actively supports historically excluded individuals and celebrates their unique perspectives, and provides academic support, mentorship, and special programming to enhance graduation rates and career prospects. Initiatives like the Bridge to Engineering Success (BEST), STEM Ambassadors, and Redefining the
Image of Science and Engineering (RISE) aim to create a nurturing environment for students through advising, mentorship, and academic seminars. The center also collaborates with various student organizations and programs, promoting diversity and access to STEM education and research.
FIRST Resource Center
The FIRST Resource Center supports first-generation, low-income, and undocumented students, fostering an inclusive community by bridging the gap between students and resources. The center aims to empower students academically, socially, and professionally. Financial knowledge, peer leadership programs, professional mentoring, and inclusive spaces for community building are all feature programs at the FIRST Center. Additionally, the Bridge to Liberal Arts Success at Tufts (BLAST) program prepares scholars for academic excellence and active citizenship, primarily serving first-generation and under-resourced students. It includes both summer programming and academic advising and events designed to promote a smooth college transition. To further assist the transition to campus, the center’s FIRST Advising Seminar provides academic guidance and social connection in a student’s first semester.
Indigenous Center
The newest DSDI Center at Tufts, the Indigenous Center, offers a “home away from home” that celebrates indigeneity within the Tufts community. Its dedication lies in supporting and empowering indigenous students through a culturally rich and inclusive environment. Its mission includes enhancing academic and personal experiences with engaging events, a welcoming physical space, and community building. The center fosters a sense of belonging, strengthening connections to cultural heritage, and promoting understanding of indigenous perspectives and experiences.
Latinx Center
The Latinx Center serves as a space and resource for Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American students and community members, through academic support, identity development, belonging, and leadership. Its Latino Peer Leaders Program offers mentorship and support to first-year students. La Casa Latina is an on-campus housing option dedicated to students with Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American heritage. The Latinx Center also collaborates with various campus partners and student-led organizations like the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA), the dance team Tufts Encendido, and the Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES).
LGBT Center
The LGBT Center is a welcoming space for all students to explore their relationships with gender and sexuality through personal, advocacy, and academic lenses. It offers resources, workshops, and diverse programming to affirm LGBTQIA+ experiences at Tufts. The center recognizes the intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ identities and is committed to community accountability and justice. They offer a Gender Affirmation Closet, identity-based student groups, referrals to counseling services, and more. Additionally, they support student groups like Aro/ Ace Space, Trans and Nonbinary Student Group, Queer Desis, DQ (Disability Queers), Tufts Athlete Ally, True Colors, and TRANScend, and provide safe spaces for various LGBTQIA+ communities across campus.
Women’s Center
The Women’s Center welcomes individuals of all genders and identities. It actively advocates for equality, bodily autonomy, and the challenge to patriarchal power structures. It also addresses the harmful effects of an enforced gender binary and provides a safe space for those interested in topics related to women’s experiences, sexism, misogyny, and the role of gender in our lives. The Women’s Center explores gender at the intersections of other identities like race, sexuality, class, and citizenship status.
Ethan Forde is a powerhouse in the Tufts community. Not only is he an international student and varsity athlete, but he is also an engineer and president of the ATO of Massachusetts fraternity on campus. And on top of this, he finds time to give tours in our Admissions Office and conduct research with a professor. When asked how he finds the time to do everything, he simply says “I like to do as much as I possibly can because I feel like if I’m not busy, I’m wasting my time here.”
Taking advantage of every opportunity is perfectly in line with his time at Tufts so far. Academically, Ethan chose to pursue what is considered one of the most challenging yet rewarding majors at Tufts in electrical engineering to set himself up as optimally as possible for his plans for the future. “Coming from the Caribbean…my passion for renewable energy, specifically solar power, could impact my home. I could work with a company that develops some semiconductor device that could be used to harness solar energy back in the Caribbean, or I could join a company, work hard and start my own branch [focused on renewable energy], or be a consultant back in the Caribbean. I would be doing something that would help my country.” In pursuit of that goal, he has taken on roles in the Renewable
Energy and Applied Photonics, or REAP Labs, here at Tufts. Within the REAP Labs, he works specifically for the Quantum Nanomaterials Lab within the larger facility, focusing on analyzing material compositions for future semiconductors. Ethan was kind enough to explain the work he is doing with a quick analogy: “Think about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. So we have the bread, which is a specific material, in this case it’s Aluminum Antimonide.The sandwich stuff in the middle, which is the peanut butter and the jelly, it’s two different crystalline structures, two different elements, and we change the compositions of each. Think of it like changing the thickness of the peanut butter spread or the sweetness of the peanut butter spread, and then also changing the thickness of the jelly layer, and then the sweetness of the jelly layer. So that’s kind of what we’re doing, we’re seeing what aspects of the materials can be changed to analyze and optimize the electrical characteristics for semiconductor devices.”
Outside of the lab, Ethan has a very busy senior year coming up. Besides running his fraternity, his time with the varsity track and field team is shaping up to be very impactful as well. As the team welcomes a new head coach, there is a lot he and
ETHAN FORDE ’25
his fellow upperclassmen have stepped up to do. “We’ve won three NESCAC championships in a row. If we win one more time, we’ll be the best team that Tufts has ever seen, that the NESCAC has ever seen. It’ll be a lot of work getting everyone’s mindset focused on the same thing.”
When asked about any advice he has for students applying to Tufts, he had one quick answer: just be yourself. “It’s easy to get stuck in that mindset of how many boxes can I check off to look the best for admissions counselors? What grades should I have, or what extracurriculars should I do and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, these admissions counselors are admitting a person, not a grade. What sets you apart from all the other people applying is you being yourself. Admissions counselors see the applicants as people adding to the community. The more real you are in your application, the more expressive you are, the more passionate you are when it comes to talking about things that are important to you, those things shine so much brighter than whatever grades you have. I always tell people at the end of my tours to just have fun with it, with the whole application process, because it’s a nice way to look inside and see what you actually want for yourself.”
“I want to do as much as I possibly can.”
AROUND TOWN
FOOD RESCUE AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
MAKING A JUMBO IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Tufts students are civically engaged and care deeply about their communities. There are a wide variety of opportunities for Jumbos to give back and become agents of social and environmental progress. Among the service initiatives focused on rectifying issues that face the Tufts community and beyond, students involved in the Tufts Food Rescue Collaborative (TFRC) are committed to sustainability and eliminating food insecurity on campus and in the Medford/Somerville area. TFRC works to reduce food waste while making food, especially protein and fresh produce, more widely accessible. —SHANNON
MURPHY ’26
The TFRC constitution consists of 6 principles: food recovery, education and outreach, sustainability, collaborative action, community engagement, and adaptability. These principles frame TFRC’s mission to redistribute food that might otherwise go to waste while educating about injustices within the food system. TFRC also emphasizes connecting with members of the community and making sure that their voices are heard.
This program has a strong impact on the community. Volunteers package several hundred nutritional meals every semester. During the 2022–2023 school year, they prevented 25,000 pounds of edible food from being discarded,
instead redistributing it among food pantries in the area.
On a larger scale, TFRC also makes sure to address the institutional causes of food insecurity, stating on their website, “food rescue does not solve the underlying problems of poverty, surplus food production, or incommensurate scales that lead to both waste and want in our food system. But it helps make use of some of the safe, edible food that would otherwise be composted or thrown away each day.” TRFC uses leftover meals from Tufts Dining that are not in large enough quantities to be used for another day, as well as food from supermarkets nearing their “sell-by date” that are
not in prime condition, but still perfectly healthy and fit for consumption. These initiatives highlight inequities in the way that food is produced and commercialized, and TRFC allows for a space to reflect on ways to change this system.
Jumbos are encouraged to be proactive agents of change, and the Tufts Food Rescue Collaborative demonstrates a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This community of advocates inspires a reflection on inequalities and truly shows how a group of individuals can make a positive impact on their community.
As a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) herself, there are few who understand the ins and outs of Tufts’ Combined Degree and BFA programs as well as Professor of the Practice of Ceramics, Jennie Jieun Lee. Despite leaving the fine arts world for over a decade between her time at the SMFA and now, Professor Lee returned with a desire to guide and assure artists like Julia Yoo ’26, in whom she sees reflections of her own artistic journey. I got the opportunity to sit down with them both and discuss their respective perspectives of art. JAY GUO ’24
How did you two meet?
Julia Yoo: I booked one of my first review boards in my freshman year Spring with Jennie. For my first review board I didn’t realize that people were specific about the professors they chose—I figured that out later—so when all my friends were like ‘you’ve gotta book it with Jennie Jieun Lee, she’s so amazing, you’ll get along so well,’ I booked her, and she was amazing, it was amazing, and we did get along really well.
Jennie Jieun Lee: That’s so fascinating because I didn’t know that you booked me, and when I walked into the room I was so blown away. To this day, I feel her body of work is one of the strongest I’ve seen, and the content she was working with really resonated with me, as we’re both Asian-American women thinking about our identity and lineage. At Julia’s review board, I learned that we both shared this feat of trying to pull information out from our families—how do you find out where your lineage comes from if your parents won’t tell you, and you have to work really hard to even get their name? How have you been working together for Julia’s independent study?
JY: What I really needed was conceptual guidance—how to navigate the ethics of my work, the research, and how to treat myself and my family within the art. I think Jennie was the best point of contact I could’ve had for that. She helped me work through a lot of the humps and barriers that I had—not only literal, but also internal insecurities and worries about my process. Having experience with similar struggles, she acted as a sort of conceptual guide, but also just an experienced artist that gives great critique and is well-versed in the world of art and culture.
JJL: I think it’s an exchange. One of the great things about the SMFA is that it allows us to soften the hierarchy. I treat my fellow students like peers, because I know they have so much information about coming up in the world as young people and have a totally different perspective from when I grew up. I really respect Julia for living her formative years during this time, making work with so many new tools—saying very similar things with her work and expressing herself in similar ways, but doing it today in 2023. She teaches me so much about being an Asian-American woman living in the world right now and how much it’s changed—it’s wonderful to see that reflected in Julia’s being and her artwork.
For Jennie, what kind of ideology do you bring to art, and for Julia, what have you learned from it?
JJL: Ceramics—art in general—is full of failure. What I really try to do with my students is show them that failure is okay. When things are failing there’s a lot of problem-solving and pondering, and that struggle is a huge part of learning. I try to preface each of the classes with “things are going to break apart, things are going to fail, and that’s okay.” Another thing is to have fun. I think because it’s university-level art and we’re in a city so full of thinking and people are trying really hard to make great things, what’s lost sometimes is the joy, so I really try to push that people don’t forget to have fun while making.
JY: As Jennie was saying before, she really breaks down the hierarchy. I’ve had teachers try to do that in the past, but Jennie is super genuine about it. Seeing the same turmoil of identity, family, and history in someone so much older and more experienced than me opened me up to talk about things I was hesitant to say with others. I used to always fear narcissism or seeming ungrateful in my work, and hearing that Jennie, even after so many years, still struggles with the same issues, really validated my feelings and has inspired me to work harder and feel less guilty about indulging in myself and my identity.
Any last words of advice?
JJL: The SMFA taught me so much. Back when I was a student there, it really gave me the opportunity to be submerged in art. You can take whatever you want there; there are no rules. I would say to explore early on, focus on finding amazing people, and enjoy the community of creativity there. I left art for nearly eleven years, yet coming back to the SMFA felt right. Remember: you can do things a little skewed, live all sorts of lives and come back and make work and be successful. The art will wait for you.
JY: In the same vein, take advantage of all the academic resources at Tufts when it comes to making artwork. There are so many tools and people there to help you. And try whatever you want. You’ll get out of the experience what you put in, so it’s all about finding what you want for yourself.
FROM CLASSROOM TO CONVERSATION
CA R EER CEN T ER
HOW THE PREPARES JUMBOS FOR SUCCESS
It’s no surprise that burning questions during college application season include,
“Will I get a job after graduation?”
“Do students get into internships and apprenticeship programs during summers?”
“What opportunities are there to network?”
At Tufts, the Career Center works tirelessly to develop Tufts students and alumni professionally and prepare them for a lifetime of fulfilling career opportunities.
By Jed Quiaoit ’25
The Career Center is conveniently located in
Dowling Hall where prospective student tours embark and administrative offices like the Dean of Students and Student Services are housed. On any given bustling day, you’ll catch glimpses of students fine-tuning their resumes and cover letters, while staff members offer mock interviews for practice.
The Tufts Career Center serves as a readily available resource for both students and alumni, aiding in the management of their careers through a plethora of tools and services. These include the online Handshake database listing jobs and internships, virtual and in-person career fairs, campus-wide newsletters, and comprehensive career coaching services. In order to cater to Tufts’ diverse student body, the center is further organized into Career Communities, each tailored to a specific field such as “Finance, Consulting, Entrepreneurship, and Business,” “Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences,” and “Healthcare, Life Sciences, and the Environment,” among others. Each community features its own dedicated page on the Career Center’s website with the contact information for the lead advisor who is well-versed in the respective field of interest.
Robin Kahan, for one, has been advising the “Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences” community for 18 years. She has played an active role in organizing the annual Alumni Networking Night during National Engineers Week around midFebruary. “This year, we had 47 alumni and about a hundred kids eager to connect and ask questions,” says Robin. “The buzz in the room is always amazing to hear.”
Her impact extends far beyond the confines of the Career Center. Each semester, she co-teaches the ES 85 Professional Preparation for Co-op Education course, a collaboration involving the computer science, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering departments. ES 85 emphasizes strategies for enhancing work experience and offers opportunities to improve in areas such as strategic goal-setting, oral and
written communication, and interviewing skills. In the 2023–24 academic year alone, over 60 students benefited from participating in the course. In addition, Robin actively engages with engineering-oriented clubs. Notably, the School of Engineering boasts 25 student organizations. Throughout the year, she collaborates with these clubs, conducting activities such as resume workshops with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, portfolio review sessions with the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, and guest lectures on networking for STEM students in a first-year seminar class.
Robin finds the idea of working with students and watching them succeed down the road the most rewarding. “When you work with a student, and you know their goal is to get into a particular grad program or target a specific company since freshman year or land an internship, and you watch them achieve that—that’s fantastic!” exclaims Robin. “I’m delighted to see students do well.” The secret behind these successes? The environment. In Robin’s words, the Career Center is an “all hands on deck” kind of place. “If someone were to walk into the hall and say, ‘I don’t know the answer to this question!’, my colleagues would come out of their offices and provide that answer.”
To achieve a level where Tufts’ career-oriented events are bustling with enthusiastic alumni and employer partners, the Career Center diligently cultivates relationships with both groups. Led by Associate Director Sue Atkins, the Employer Relations team orchestrates a variety of events and initiatives designed to draw in employers and alumni. These include largescale, in-person career fairs held every semester; organization site visits as part of Jumbo Spring Break, which concentrates on civic engagement and community development; and networking nights like the Public Service and Social Impact Networking Night and the Marketing, Communications, and Media Networking Night.
The Career Center is no stranger to challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sue’s team investigated various ways they could continue to offer opportunities for students to connect with employers virtually. “The part of my work that I am most proud of was making the shift from in-person to virtual career fairs and events during the pandemic. During that time, we were able to work with Handshake to implement virtual career fairs and offer large and more industry-specific fairs,” Sue reminisces. “I also brought a collaboration together with Brandeis and Boston University to offer our virtual Biotech & Life Science Career Fair together.”
Sue also collaborates with Life Science Cares to support Project Onramp, a Massachusetts-based initiative that supports underserved students in launching their careers in the life sciences industry. This program offers paid summer internships spanning various roles from HR to finance to tech to lab science, and has been brought to Tufts for the third consecutive year. Sue remarks, “we have seen continual growth in both student interest and the opportunities that this provides to our students to obtain internships in the summer. [Life Science Cares] has used Tufts as the model of how to run that program and asked us to speak with other universities in the area to share our best practices.”
Reflecting on the characteristics of Tufts students, Sue observes, “Tufts students are very adept at communication and preparing for events and activities where they will be meeting with employers and alumni.” Recalling feedback from employer partners, Sue adds, “I hear great things from employers about their experiences with Tufts students as interns and full-time hires. I know that once an employer has one Tufts student or graduate, they reach out to the employer engagement team to find ways to build a closer partnership and have more interns and hires come from Tufts.”
When you work with a student, and you know their goal is to get into a particular grad program or target a specific company since freshman year or land an internship, and you watch them achieve that—that’s fantastic!
Another recurring theme at the Career Center is the constant quest for program improvement. Executive Director Donna Esposito addresses this by introducing innovative twists to existing programs. One such example is the “early walkthrough” she organizes before every in-person career fair specifically for first-generation students. This initiative aims to familiarize students with the career fair environment and teach them essential skills like self-introduction and pitching to employers. Donna notes that this aspect of the career fair has garnered positive feedback from both students and administrators.
Looking ahead, Donna discusses the future of the Career Center, mentioning the initiation of mentoring programs as a significant step. “Our Alumni Career Services team and our Assistant Director of Career Mentoring have started a firstgeneration mentoring program, and we’re going to be moving on to others. These have definitely been areas that are prioritized as we move on to more areas to develop and expand upon.”
During our conversation, Donna expressed a sense of joy and pride in the Career Center. “As an executive director, I am really proud of the caring and dedication that our entire staff exhibit in working with Tufts students and alumni and all the different populations that we serve. Our team goes the extra mile because they really care and enjoy their work in providing resources that a student might need but isn’t readily available or helping find mentors in the Herd [Tufts’ internal platform for alumni networking]. I’m just impressed with our entire staff.”
Whether you’re a prospective or current Jumbo, the next time you visit Dowling Hall, make sure to stop by. You will undoubtedly gain valuable insight on careers, industries, professional development opportunities, and everything in between!
DIREN PAMUK
SENIOR LECTURER IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CHEMISTRY
Have you ever grappled with a problem that no one has ever answered? Become curious about a phenomenon that has never been explained? In Professor Diren Pamuk’s view, these mysteries aren’t just inevitable for a scientist—they’re part of the fun. Professor Pamuk’s journey at Tufts is a long one. She first began at Tufts as a graduate student in 2003, serving as a TA and substitute lecturer while earning her PhD in Chemistry. Looking back, she credits that time with solidifying her love of teaching and giving her perspective she would later use as a full-time lecturer. “Being a grad student helped me understand where the undergrads were coming from…how they do their work, and what they do and don’t want in the classroom.”
Professor Pamuk’s desire to understand and learn about her students was a common strain throughout our conversation. Ever since her time as a TA, she has been an ardent supporter of pedagogical research and techniques to excel in her own practice. She pointed out some of the many teaching resources she’s taken part in and championed at Tufts, including the Graduate Institute for Teaching (GIFT), The Listening Project, and The Tufts Institute for Research on Learning and Instruction (IRLI). In a paper she co-published in 2023, titled, “How chemists handle not-knowing in reasoning
about a novel problem,” she found that chemists confronted with strange or difficult problems are quick to admit their non-understanding, but also prone to sticking with the problem and making inferences with the available information. “The instinct is to wait until we have all the data and the checkboxes are filled before tackling the problem, but life doesn’t work that way. As scientists, we have to intuit, persist, and create the most complete picture we can.”
This is the teaching philosophy Professor Pamuk brings into the classroom, mostly teaching courses on General Chemistry and Biochemistry. She advocates for the importance of empathy, patience, and individual attention for students, especially in scientific fields. “You’re opening your mind up to very abstract ideas. Even though we talk about atoms and molecules, these things aren’t immediately accessible to see.” Professor Pamuk is unceasing in her aim of creating an inclusive and productive learning environment for everyone, utilizing everything from simulations to analogies to guide students through concepts. The most important step, she believes, is fostering perseverance and confidence in her students. “It’s rare that experiments will work to perfection, and lab blocks are very long…sometimes that can be enough for
students to think ‘what am I doing here?’ But learning and science exist because there are things we don’t know, problems that haven’t been solved. Why be embarrassed about not knowing?”
It’s a good thing that Tufts students, as Professor Pamuk noted, have traits that make them extraordinarily receptive to the challenge—always curious, persistent in their interests, and not easily deterred. Her favorite part of teaching, she says, is seeing the fruits of students’ labor pay off. “We start with a lot of fundamentals, which often aren’t immediately exciting... as one moves onto Organic Chem, Molecular Chem, Biochemistry—there’s a realization of how complex life is. It’s very humbling, and seeing people make connections across what they’ve learned makes me so happy.” When asked about advice for prospective chemists or scientists, Professor Pamuk returned to encourage the curious: “Exploring the unknown has a lot of rewards, but the journey is not smooth. There will be uncertainty—the key is to be okay with it and work through it.” Fortunately for scientists at Tufts, instructors like Professor Pamuk are there to guide and encourage every step of the way.
JAY GUO ’24
PHOTO BY KATHLEEN DOOHER
“Learning and science exist because there are things we don’t know, problems that haven’t been solved. Why be embarrassed about not knowing?”
ARTSHIGHLIGHT
LOOKING FOR LAUGHS
What do you call a Jumbo who loves comedy? An el-laugh-phant! [canned laughter]. Alright, fine—I may not be the funniest ‘bo on campus, but there’s a whole circus of groups at Tufts that are sure to tickle your tusks! Whether you’re a fan of sketches, music videos, mimes, or improv, these Jumbos have a ton of jokes hidden up their trunks, just for you! (Alright, really, I’m done.)
—JAY GUO ’24
HYPE! Mimez
As New England’s #1 (and only) collegiate mime troupe, HypeMimez has a lot of (invisible) responsibility to shoulder. Clad in their distinctive all-black attire and ghost-white makeup, the Mimez perform roughly five times a semester, opening for events as well as holding their own hour-long production at the end of the term. The catch? No speaking, no mouthing, no props, no backdrop—only whatever they can conjure in the minds of their audience. “I think I’m drawn to it personally because of the kind of person I am,” shared current Mimez member, Newt Gordon-Rein ’26, “I’m very aware of what my body is doing at all times, and [through miming] I can channel that.” Unlike most audition groups, Mimez neither requires nor expects prior mime experience; what they seek is a strong sense of storytelling and attraction to non-conventional narratives. While their work is largely comedic, Mimez also performs dramatic, even tragic, plots. The possibilities of mime are endless; their act all comes down to what Newt calls “Mimefulness”—a mix of physicality, creativity, and openness in constructing a story.
Cheap Sox
If you’ve ever been to a Cheap Sox performance, you’ve seen it: sprinting out in hot-pink bowling shirts and a pandemonium of shouts, the Sox storm the stage with electrifying levels of confidence—an impressive feat, considering they have no material prepared. An audition-based improv comedy group at Tufts, Cheap Sox performs four times a semester (often in collaboration with other groups), feeding off the energy and suggestions of their audience to spontaneously generate skits. At the beginning of their show, you’ll usually see rapid-fire, short-form games that take in audience prompts to show off the Sox’s versatility and on-the-spot thinking; later, they migrate into longer-form games that emphasize collaboration and creativity to produce complex, hilarious, and unexpectedly riveting storylines.
Jumbo Night Live
Live from Curtis Hall, it’s Jumbo Night Live! One of Tufts’ newest groups, JNL takes advantage of the Tufts University Television (TUTV) studio in Curtis to put a spin on America’s longest-running sketch comedy program, Saturday Night Live. Welcoming writers, actors, and comedians of all experiences, JNL is for creative, open-minded students with a mind for the unique limitations and possibilities of live video in comedy. From writing to rehearsal, every sketch in their semesterly performance is developed during weekly meetings before being performed live on the TUTV broadcast. In between bits, you’ll find musical performances, impromptu game shows, and coverage of important political issues at Tufts (such as “which on-campus dining option has the best food?”). If you’d like to make a name for yourself in the gauntlet of live sketch-comedy, check out JNL!
The Institute
Want to see your jokes come alive on the screen? Don’t worry, The Institute (lovingly nicknamed the “Tute”) has a place for you. Made up of a versatile group of actors, writers, and filmmakers, The Institute tackles all things sketch. On their YouTube channel, “The Institute Sketch Comedy,” you’ll find mock music videos, musicals, parodies, fake trailers, and classic skits—all written, directed, and filmed for your enjoyment! Come to their performances to see screenings of their work, as well as live performances of some of their skits!
BUILDING INCLUSIVE ATHLETICS
ATHLETICS FOR ALL JUMBOS
Jumbos come from a wide variety of backgrounds. While these diverse perspectives enrich our athletic community, it is important for students to connect with those who share similar experiences based on their identities. In sports, certain identities have often been historically underrepresented. Athlete Ally was formed in order to foster a sense of community for studentathletes identifying as members of the LGBTQ+ community.While exploring the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports, Athlete Ally aims to provide support and a sense of community to these students and amplify their voices, making sure all of our jumbos are heard.
Ryan Kane ’25 is the President of Athlete Ally and on the men’s rowing team. He began a Tufts chapter of this national nonprofit to create a space for LGBTQ+ athletes to connect over their shared experiences and struggles. Over 80% of people have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sports, and only 1% of people globally believe members of the LGBTQ+ community are accepted in sports. As an openly gay athlete, Kane wanted to become an advocate for and offer resources to other queer students involved in athletics.
“[Athlete Ally] offers a safe space to share my personal journey, foster a sense of belonging, and access valuable resources and guidance to navigate the intersection of queerness and college athletics,” Kane said. “By participating in such a group, I can contribute to breaking down stereotypes, advocating for inclusion, and promoting diversity in sports while simultaneously improving my own mental and emotional well-being.”
Instrumental to the success of the chapter’s mission so far was Joel Gutierrez, the Associate Director of the Tufts LGBT Center, who Kane says has given Athlete Ally the funds, space, and resources necessary to launch this affinity group. The LGBT center has also hosted some of the chapter’s events, including a welcome pizza party at the beginning of September.
Athlete Ally holds social events monthly, which have included a tie-dye event in celebration of National Coming Out Day where members personalized their own Athlete Ally shirts for future pride games. These are games that recognize LGBTQ+ identity in sports and often include rainbow t-shirts or uniforms during the game. The club is currently working with Athletics to implement mandatory pride games for varsity teams. Other activities include study breaks each month, where members can eat snacks and hang out in a relaxed atmosphere, creating a sense of community. And as it
is still a relatively new club, there are even more activities and events being planned.
Outside of athletics, Kane is a chemistry major with a focus on environmental toxicology and is involved with the Environmental Health League, Tufts Emergency Department, and the Tufts PreMed Society. He is proud to add the wide range of club and varsity teams represented in Athlete Ally to his list of accomplishments. Prospective student athletes are encouraged to reach out to their team representatives to ask questions and learn more about what it means to be an LGBTQ+ athlete at Tufts.
“We are working to make Tufts Athletics synonymous with LGBTQ+ safety and inclusion,” Kane said, “We want prospective athletes to understand that the Tufts Athletics space is a beacon of inclusion for LGBTQ+ athletes, where you can live your identity without fear, both on the field and off.”
—SHANNON MURPHY ’26
THE MOUNTAIN LODGE ON POTATO HILL ROAD
Nestled in the woods near Woodstock, New Hampshire lies a rustic and timeless Tufts hideaway: the Loj (lɑdʒ, but you can just pronounce it like “lodge”). In its rural environment—juxtaposed with Tufts’ suburban undergraduate campus—the Loj provides peace and relaxation that is unique to the great outdoors. Many students recall their best memories at Tufts in the mountain retreat and endearingly reflect on their time there. And after decades of excursions up to the north, it appears that the charm of the Loj has only grown. Truly, nothing quite unearths one’s inner adventure more than a trip to the Loj.
quick history lesson on the Loj will convey the resilience and timelessness of this place. It has truly survived it all and withstood the test of time. The original Loj was purchased in 1940 for a mere $15,000. Being over 100 years old when it was purchased, this repurposed farmhouse became the hub for adventurous Tufts students to flee to whenever they wanted. It truly became a home away from home. Then, in 1962, this building tragically burned down in a fire. Using the insurance money from the fire, the Loj rebounded and was rebuilt. But this did not last long. The United States Government was paving the way for I-93, and sights were set on the site of the Loj. So, after a federal buyout, the new building was demolished, and another Loj would take its place––this time being built on Potato Hill Road in Woodstock, New Hampshire, where it stands today. In the late 1980s, the Loj got its infamous three-letter moniker. All this goes to say that the Loj has survived the overwhelming challenges placed before it, a testament to the sense of adventure all Tufts students find at the Loj.
Despite all of this history, the Loj is unassuming; it looks like any other wooden cabin you would find in the area. However, the magic of this place exists within the memories made and the joy felt by its visitors. This bunk-style cabin has provided generations of Jumbos with the ability to unwind and unplug from the hectic lives many face. It is no wonder that so many students are eager to plan return trips to the Loj once they have had a visit. Thankfully, through student organizations like the Tufts Mountain Club (TMC, if you’re in-the-know), these return trips are easy to partake in.
The Tufts Mountain Club is Tufts’ largest student organization, with over 300 members. Their motto is joyful, playful, and to-the-point: “Go Outside.” This group is for every tree-hugging, nature-loving Tufts student or general outdoors enthusiast. After a long week in lecture halls, TMC leads groups up to the White Mountains region of New Hampshire for a weekend in the wilderness. They lead hiking excursions, play board games, go kayaking, volunteer with environmental nonprofit organizations, and
“ONCE YOU’RE THERE, IT’S EASY TO FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE.”
otherwise enjoy their time away from the hustle and bustle of our beloved campus.
“Once you’re there, it’s easy to forget about everything else,” TMC vice president Mayura Thomas ’23 said. She spoke highly of her experiences at the Loj. Thomas recalled early-morning debates over which breakfast place is better and trips through the scenic White Mountains in vivid detail. As Vice President, she gets to help coordinate trips and social events for TMC. Logistically, Thomas estimates that 30 students go on any given weekend, but the Loj can sleep up to 75 students. Regardless of the group’s size, one thing is for certain: A fun time will be had by all. “This is my time not to stress,” Thomas concluded.
The Loj also provides many groups the ability to gather and grow closer together. Different affinity groups, united by a common identity, belief, or sense of kinship, often head to the Loj in order to facilitate a deeply meaningful retreat. These student groups, such as the trans/non-binary affinity group or the Garden Club, have used the Loj as a space to foster connections in their respective communities. In this space, the members of these groups get to grow closer together. Their chance to unplug from power cords and computer screens allows them to enjoy their experience—and the people around them—that much more.
Andres Baja ’24 visited the Loj for the first time last year and recalled the events of his experience fondly:
“The Loj was a nice two-hour ride from Tufts. The vibes were immaculate because I went with the Philippine Student Union. The overnight was a great way to escape the stressful events of campus and indulge in the fresh air in the middle of the woods in New Hampshire. We mostly bonded by cooking meals together and playing card games.
On the second day, we hiked along a nearby mountain. If you are looking for a nice brunch place to cap off your relaxing trip, check out The Common Man. Great bites!”
All that stands between Jumbos and their mountain paradise is a two-hour-long car ride. To get there, students hop into TMC’s shuttles or friends’ cars, put on an epic road trip playlist, and enjoy all the sights and sounds that rural New England has to offer. Jumbos love to get outside and explore the great outdoors. To Tufts students, there is no shortage of adventure.
Tufts students are adventurous. They love seeing the beautiful sights that the world has to offer, and they love seeing these sights with people whom they love and care deeply about. When you come to Tufts, you should definitely make a visit to the Loj.
WHY TUFTS? THE REWRITE
IDAH DUCHE
SERVICE ATTENDANT, TUFTS DINING
Idah has been a staple of the Tufts community for years. Students across the University speak fondly of her kindness and happiness brightening their day. When not at Tufts, Idah can be found sewing beautiful clothing and spending time with her family.
WE ASK TUFTS COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO TACKLE THE TUFTS SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS
Why did you choose Tufts?
Immigrating to the US from Africa, I unexpectedly found myself at Tufts Dining. Upon arrival, I sought assistance at the Jewish Vocational Center in Boston. Due to my prior teaching experience in Africa, I applied for a dining attendant position, seeing it as a chance to gain professional skills. Through this opportunity, I had the privilege of interacting with wonderful students and the Tufts community has welcomed me, despite my background and my identity. Now in my twelfth year at Tufts, I’m proud to see my son thrive in the inclusive community, reflecting the institution’s commitment to creating a supportive environment.
How have the environments or experiences of your upbringing? Your family, home, neighborhood, or community- shaped the person you are today.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was immersed in the cultural belief that “It takes a village to raise a child.” This philosophy emphasizes not only proactive care but also positive interactions within the community to provide a nurturing environment for children. As the fourth eldest among ten siblings, I embraced early maturity, shouldering the responsibility of caring for my family. Guided by Ubuntu, an African ethos emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual responsibility, I ensured my siblings experienced love, peace, and joy daily.
As a mother of four children, I’ve put into practice the lessons I learned from looking after my siblings. One of the many phrases I tell my children is, “You can never go wrong with treating someone with kindness.” My family and I hope that by doing this, we may make at least one person smile every day. One of my favorite things about this position at Tufts is the opportunity to interact with the Tufts community and have the chance to make someone’s day. At Tufts, countless individuals are celebrated for their uniqueness, fostering an environment where diverse backgrounds illuminate our shared humanity.
LIVING THE DREAM
UNIQUE ON-CAMPUS HOUSING FOR UPPERCLASSMEN
For most students, moving into their freshman-year residence hall is their first time living away from home. In that first year, the residence hall experience is crucial to meeting new people and immersing themselves in a new environment. But after that formative first year, students can choose who they live with, and where. While residence halls are still popular options, Tufts hosts a number of alternative living options for students based on interests, identities, languages, and living preferences. In these alternate housing options, students gain unique connections and closeness with their housemates.
—RUBY MCELHONE YATES ’25
CoHo
Tufts Community Housing, or “CoHo,” are wood frame houses open to juniors and seniors. Margo Costigan ’24 lived in CoHo her junior year, and cited the “convenience of living on campus combined with the flexibility of living in a house.” The best of both worlds, living in CoHo provides an off-campus experience with the perks and location of living on campus. All fully renovated in the last five years, CoHo is a popular option for students looking for a cozy atmosphere.
Language Houses
Around Tufts’ campus there are a variety of houses where you will hear very little English spoken around the dinner table. Currently, students who speak Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, and Russian/Slavic languages can live with a handful of others to practice their language skills. Last year, Liam Randall ’25 chose to live in Schmalz House, the French language residence, because he was no longer taking French classes. In addition to maintaining his French skills, Liam says it “was also a home where we developed a community dedicated to exploring francophone cultures together while developing lasting friendships.”
Identity Housing
Eight housing options around campus are dedicated to providing living options for students with specific religious, ethnic, cultural, and gender and sexual identities. These houses are designed to provide living options for students to further explore their own identities, as well as support each other as minorities in the United States and at Tufts. Throughout the year, these eight houses can be found hosting pumpkin carving, movie nights, art exhibits, and other student-run events for the community. These houses currently include options for Black students; Asian and Asian American students; LGBTQ+ students; Latinx students; first generation, low income, and undocumented students; Muslim students; Jewish students; and international students. Isabella Gismundo-Hook ’25, a dual degree student living in FIRST house says, “The FIRST House is not just a living space. It’s a mutual web of support for each other and the entire FIRST community—my home away from home.”
Special Interest Housing
Various houses pop up through the years highlighting different student interests at Tufts. The Hive, housed in the apartment-style building, Latin Way, is composed of students invested in sustainability. Sierra Moll ’25, reflects on her experience in the Hive, “When you live with a group of people dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint and spreading awareness about environmental and climate justice issues, all your impacts become magnified. Individual lifestyle changes focused on sustainability are the most effective, and arguably can only be effective, when they inspire and influence others to do the same.” Bartol House, aka Arts Haus, is a residence dedicated to celebrating creativity and the arts that hosts movie nights, costume parties, and concerts throughout the year. Anthony House, also called the Crafts House, also celebrates the arts as they run the Crafts Center under Lewis Hall while also living communally as a food and labor co-op. Simpson House is one of the newest houses on campus. It joins Wilson House as one of our two options for students who wish to live in substance free housing.
“It’s a really rewarding thing that we do. ”
JEFFREY GUASTO
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Engineering at Tufts is all about working to understand complex systems across multiple disciplines. Professors here are knowledgeable in topics relevant to many different areas of study. For Professor Jeffery Guasto, his area of expertise lies within the world of fluid mechanics: a subject at the intersection of physics, mechanical engineering, and biology. Through research and analysis of fluid movement and transport, Professor Guasto seeks to understand the broader impacts of this biomechanical process in our world.
Professor Guasto’s research focuses on how fluids move, which he demonstrated through the use of a microfluidic device. These devices represent the physical and chemical properties of fluid flow on a really tiny scale and were made right here at Tufts through a molding process. Using these devices, Guasto and his students study the physics of different systems. These tools help them understand how complex fluids move, defining complex fluids as “stuff that’s not like water…stuff that’s sticky and squishy and stretchy, like polymer solutions or saliva.” Another system they look at with the devices is how single cells swim, such as in the cases of bacteria, sperm cells, and plankton. With these devices, they can manipulate the conditions of these cells: changing the fluid flow or putting food on one side and seeing how they swim when competing with the fluid flow. “It’s a good way of probing the effects of the geometry, the fluid flow, and the chemical environment all at the same time.” Guasto said.
Being able to fully plunge into these problems that he works on in fluid mechanics is what inspired Guasto to become a professor. “Having the freedom to just dive into these and to explore where the science takes us…it’s a really rewarding thing that we do.” Guasto said. Becoming a professor here at Tufts began as a geographic decision because his wife was studying here to become an endocrinologist, but he stayed because of the unique balance between research and academics. His career has brought him from engineering-focused universities with thousands of graduate students, to physics
departments with six professors and hardly any graduate students, to schools inbetween, like Tufts. Here, Guasto feels no pressure to dedicate all of his time towards either one activity or the other.
This idea of exploration across disciplines also influences the classes that Guasto teaches. At the undergraduate level, Guasto teaches Thermal Fluid Systems I and II (ME 50 and 51) which encompasses thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. These three systems are all very interconnected with one another, and this two course sequence takes a blended approach of the disciplines. Guasto emphasized the versatility of mechanical engineering. “Mechanical engineers do a little bit of everything,” he said. He referenced how topics in mechanical engineering relate closely to electrical and computer engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering. There are also a wide variety of jobs available to those with a background in mechanical engineering. Guasto mentioned biotechnology as an important growing industry, which uses microfluidic devices to measure diseases and make advancements in medical care.
When asked if he had any advice for prospective mechanical engineering students, Guasto repeated words from a professor at Lehigh, his undergraduate alma mater, that he recalled from his admitted students day. “One of the parents asked one of the mechanical engineering professors ‘well, what does a mechanical engineer do?’” Guasto recounted.
“And his answer was fantastic, it stuck with me for the last 25 years or whatever. What he said was ‘if it moves or makes things hot or cold, we do it.’
And that’s really true, I haven’t found an example that that doesn’t work for.” In other words, the skills you learn in mechanical engineering can be applied to many different fields. Here at Tufts, you build a foundation of knowledge and hands on-skills that will be useful no matter what you do. Whatever it is you find most interesting, whether that’s fluid mechanics or something else, there is a place for you at Tufts, in engineering, and in the world!
SHANNON MURPHY
’26
ASK ADMISSIONS
BY SAM NICOL, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
The college search process can feel daunting. We know how easy it is to get overwhelmed when figuring out where to start, much less in finding the right college(s) for you. That’s where we come in! You probably have a million questions like “what does it take to get in’’ or “how will my extracurriculars be looked at” or “who is the best economics/biology/ political science professor to take classes with.” And some of these can be great questions to ask later on in the process. But before you dive into something super specific, we think it would do you well to mull over some deeper questions to help you understand what type of college environment is the best fit for you. Plus, that will make asking those previous questions even more impactful down the line. So, here are some good questions to ask yourself as you begin your college search process, with some Tufts-specific answers to boot.
1)
What are your values, and what do you want from your college experience?
> Now I know this is a really big question to start, but the answer to this will help you the most in the long run. One great way to start thinking about how a college or university shows what they value in their students is to look at the ways they talk about them. Think about what a school says it values in its students, and if you are a fan of the kind of people the school attracts, that’s a really good sign! Here at Tufts, we like to say that Jumbos are kind, collaborative, civically engaged, and intellectually playful. We like to say that because it’s true! If you’re walking around campus and look lost, chances are a student will walk up to you and help you find your way. Professors encourage students to collaborate on assignments and projects because it’s incredibly important in both your personal growth and professional trajectory. Student civic engagement is strong, and the Tisch College of Civic Life helps everyone on campus stay engaged as active citizens, both in the classroom and in the community. And finally, at Tufts, students like to have fun while doing really impressive things. A favorite story of mine was hearing how one day in the dining hall, some Jumbos had a lively debate about what exactly constitutes a thermodynamically perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Tufts students are intelligent and grounded, driven and fun, dedicated and supportive. If that sounds like your kind of people, then you’ve found the right spot.
2 )
What kind of environment is most beneficial to your success as a student? As a person? What support systems are most important to you?
> For a question like this, think about what resources and institutional support a school offers and whether or not that is what you need to do your best. Does the university provide advisors, and what kinds? Every incoming student at Tufts is assigned a pre-major advisor—a faculty or staff member who is a resource and sounding board as you explore many academic and intellectual paths. And they stick with you until you declare your major! We also have pre-professional advisors who will help you (even as an alum!) prepare for and apply to medical, dental, veterinary, and law schools. For academic support, our Student Accessibility and Academic Resource (StAAR) Center helps students advocate for their needs both in and out of the classroom. In terms of communities outside of the classroom, our Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion (DSDI) Centers provide a home and place of belonging for students interested in thinking about social identities and the ways they impact our lives and our world. From affinity group spaces to special leadership and mentoring events, our eight identity-based resource centers in the DSDI provide a home away from home and specialized services for Tufts students.
)3What do you want to do outside of the classroom? Extracurriculars, the local area? Internship, research, or co-op opportunities?
> Your time in undergrad will be a lot more than just the classroom. A good fit comes from more than just the academic life—it’s everything: student organizations, community engagement, location. Some of the most common ways to get involved outside of the classroom at Tufts are through the over 300 student organizations. With the majority of your time spent outside the classroom, finding a community within the broader university is a great way of both engaging with your interests and making life-long friends. There are, of course, more academic ways of spending your time. Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of many students’ experiences, and with labs and projects in nearly every discipline, it’s easy to understand why. But there’s more to college life than what happens on the campus. Tufts is lucky to be in incredible neighborhoods,
with our Medford/Somerville campus straddling (you guessed it) the Medford and Somerville city lines just five miles outside of Boston. And our SMFA Fenway campus is nestled in the Avenue of the Arts amongst world-renowned institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston right next door. Community events are accessible from our shuttle (called the Joey), and the T (what we call the Boston subway and train system) has a stop right next to the Joyce Cummings Center on campus! Tufts also offers opportunities for programs even further away. Students have access to hundreds of programs around the world—we even have a campus in Talloires, France that offers summer programs for Tufts students. We also have US-based programs like Tufts-in-Washington where undergraduates interested in political science, international relations, civic studies, or American studies spend a semester in Washington, DC taking classes and interning. About half of our juniors go abroad or study away each year, so there are many ways to expand your knowledge and to expand your “places I’ve been” list.
There are lots of ways to think about what it means for a college to be a good fit for you, and hopefully this helps you think about what matters most to you in your future college home (and has given you a headstart on figuring out Tufts). Whatever your ultimate decision is, going in with clear eyes and a full heart will set you up for success for years down the road. Good luck and have fun!
CLASSES THAT WORK YOUR BRAIN-STEM
At Tufts, math isn’t just solving for x, and science is not limited to lab coats and petri dishes (although we have plenty—check out what’s going on in Kaplan Lab!). Instead, we take those tools and apply them to the world around us.Whether that means talking about the environment, the economy, or the technology we use every day, Tufts bridges the tools of math and science to make a difference in our communities and in the world.
—RUBY MCELHONE YATES ’25
MATH 15 Mathematics in Antiquity
At the cross-section of history and math is Math 15: Mathematics in Antiquity. This course focuses on how our predecessors studied the same things we are studying today (but without calculators.) Achievements and techniques by the ancient societies including the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks, are discussed. In addition to learning the history of math, students learn to solve problems and proofs in the style of the ancients.
MATH 164 Mathematics of Poverty and Inequality
If you want to know the math behind economic inequality and exactly how resources are distributed across populations, you should take Math 164: Mathematics of Poverty and Inequality. Using principles of probability, economics, and statistics, this course unpacks wealth distributions, economic inequality, and upward mobility through the lens of quantitative mathematics. Through economic theory, kinetic theory, probability, and models like the Asset-Exchange model, students investigate why and how wealth is consolidated.
PHY 10 Physics of Music and Color
This course explores the role of physics in sound and light, including how instruments make sounds and how waves travel. This intro-level course provides an opportunity for students interested in music and art to deepen their understanding of how their craft works. It also introduces tangible examples for those interested in physics and experimental processes.
PHY 28 Energy in Science and Society
As a scientist, a student, or just a human being, it is natural to want to know more about how we can protect our earth. This course takes those concerns and discusses just how we can use energy in new ways to minimize the impact of human interference. Through quantitative analysis, students learn how energy sustainability can make an impact on Earth.
CS 23 Game Design
This course draws from economics, music, psychology, and—of course— computer science, to teach the principles, design, and development of online games. Through interactive assignments where students design their own games, concepts like 3D rendering, physics principles, and online security provide students with the tools and techniques to create the next big game.
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
WHAT TO SUBMIT: HERE’S THE LIST. FIND MORE DETAILS ON OUR WEBSITE!
4 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 +
Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application
Tufts Short-Answer Questions
High School Transcript(s)
Senior Year Grades
Testing (Optional)
We accept either the ACT or the SAT; neither is required. Applicants may choose whether they wish to have exam scores considered as one component of their application.
Letters of Recommendation
We require one from a school counselor and one from a teacher in a junior or senior year major academic course (math, natural science, social science, English, or a world language). You may send us one additional if you’d like.
Art Portfolio
Required only for applicants to the BFA and Combined Degree (BFA + BA/BS) programs.
Financial Aid Documents for US Citizens
If you are applying for aid, you will need to submit: 1. FAFSA 2. CSS Profile 3. Federal Income Tax Returns
For more information, or for foreign nationals, please visit students.tufts.edu/financial-services-home.
Additional Materials (Optional)
• Alumni Interview
• Arts or Maker Portfolio: Students applying to the School of Arts and Sciences or the School of Engineering may submit an optional arts or maker portfolio to highlight talent in studio art, drama, dance, music, or engineering.
APPLICATION DEADLINES AND NOTIFICATION DATES*
Early Decision I
Application Deadline: Early November
Notification Date: Mid-December
Early Decision II
Application Deadline: Early January
Notification Date: Early February
Regular Decision
Application Deadline: Early January
Notification Date: By April 1
Transfer Admission
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Notification Date: Mid-May
*Please visit admissions.tufts.edu/apply for the most up-to-date information on deadlines.
TUFTS
CLASS OF 2028 ADMISSIONS PROCESS
34,000+ first-year applications
11% admitted
100% of demonstrated financial need met for all admitted students
In the first four years of our SAT/ACT test-optional pilot, around 50% of applicants and around 60% of admitted students submitted scores. Please review our website for the latest information about our testing policies.
Please visit our Class of 2028 Profile, available online in September, for more information.
TUFTS UNDERGRADUATE STATISTICS
6,815 Undergraduate Enrollment
4.8 Miles from Boston
20 Average Class Size
28 Varsity Sports Teams
350+ Student Groups
46% Women in the School of Engineering
45% of Juniors Study Abroad
$55,697 Average Grant Award
88 Countries Represented
THE REAL DEAL: FINANCIAL AID AT TUFTS
THE BASICS WHAT IS FINANCIAL NEED?
Cost of Attendance Tuition and fees Food and housing Books and supplies Personal expenses
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount your family is expected to pay for college for the academic year. It is calculated from the information provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), CSS Profile, and your family’s federal tax returns. Your financial need is the difference between the annual cost of attendance and your calculated family contribution. Your financial aid package will make up the difference, for all four years—even if your family’s situation changes. We generally do not include student loans for students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year. All Tufts financial aid is need-based—we do not offer merit-based scholarships or athletic scholarships.
*Grants are need-based gift aid that are not paid back.
*Please review the financial aid website for the most up-to-date information and deadlines: admissions.tufts.edu/tuition-and-aid
COMPLETE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* fafsa.ed.gov
Tufts code: 002219
Cost: free
*Note: not required of international or undocumented applicants for financial aid
College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile cssprofile.collegeboard.org
Tufts code: 3901
Cost: $25 initial fee plus $16 for each additional college. Fee waivers are available for students who qualify for an SAT fee waiver or whose family incomes are below $45,000.
Non-Custodial Profile (NCP): if your parents are divorced or separated. The requirement may be waived by the Tufts Financial Aid Office under very specific circumstances.
Federal Income Tax Returns
BY THE DEADLINE*:
Early Decision Round II Regular Decision
For questions while applying: HOW DO I APPLY?
Applicants should submit all documentation to IDOC (idoc.collegeboard.org/idoc). Your account will be created at idoc.collegeboard.org once you submit the CSS Profile. Please do not send tax returns directly to Tufts Admissions or Financial Aid.
For International Students International students applying for financial aid must submit the CSS Profile with supporting documents submitted through IDOC. If the CSS Profile cost would cause significant financial hardship for your family, you may instead complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) through your Tufts portal once your application has been submitted. The completed ISFAA supporting documents must be submitted through your Tufts applicant portal.
If you are applying for financial aid at Tufts and have a Social Security number, please make sure to include that information in your application for admission so your materials can be properly matched. Application Type Early Decision Round I
To estimate the amount of financial aid you might receive if admitted to Tufts:
Tufts Net Price Calculator npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/tufts
CSS Profile 305-420-3670 FAFSA 800-433-3243 “Chat With Us” Service IDOC 866-897-9881 (US and Canada) 212-299-0096 (International)
PROGRAMS
With nearly 150 majors and minors, 30 interdisciplinary programs, and the courses of the Experimental College, Tufts’ offerings require more than a brief skimming, so you can find an expansion of this quick list on our website. But in the meantime, skim away. Just note that Tufts’ undergraduate programs are offered in three schools: Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Students may take classes across schools, and many students do.
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES MAJORS
Africana Studies
American Studies
Ancient World Studies
Anthropology
Applied Environmental Studies
Applied Mathematics
Applied Physics
Arabic Language and Cultural Studies
Archaeology
Architectural Studies
Astrophysics
Biochemistry
Biology
Biomedical Sciences1
Biopsychology
Biotechnology1
Chemical Physics
Chemistry
Child Study and
Human Development
Chinese Language and Cultural Studies
Civic Studies1
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive and Brain Science
Community Health
Computer Science
Economics
Education1
Engineering Psychology
English
Environmental Geology
Environmental Studies1
Film and Media Studies
French and Francophone
Cultural Studies
French and Francophone
Literary Studies
Geological Sciences
German Language and Cultural Studies
German Studies
Greek
Greek and Latin
History
History of Art and Architecture
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Literary and Visual Studies
International Relations
Italian Studies
Japanese Language and Cultural Studies
Judaic Studies
Latin
Latin American Studies
Mathematics
Middle Eastern Studies
Music, Sound, and Culture
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Quantitative Economics
Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora Studies
Religion
Russian and Eastern European Studies
Russian Language and Cultural Studies
Science, Technology, and Society1
Sociology
Spanish Cultural Studies
Spanish Literature Studies
Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING MAJORS
Architectural Studies
Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology1
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Data Science
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Engineering Physics
Engineering
Science
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Health
Human Factors
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
SMFA AT TUFTS AREAS OF STUDY
All BFA students at SMFA at Tufts focus in interdisciplinary art. They may explore many of the following areas of study while pursuing this interdisciplinary art education.
Animation
Book Arts
Ceramics
Digital Media
Drawing
Fibers
Film
Graphic Arts
Illustration
Installation
Jewelry
Metals
Painting
Papermaking
Performance
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Sound
Video
Virtual Reality
FIVE-YEAR COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAM
Arts & Sciences/SMFA
Combined Degree: BA or BS and Bachelor of Fine Arts
MINORS
Africana Studies
American Politics
Analytical Chemistry
Ancient World Archaeology
Applied Computational Science3
Arabic
Archaeological Anthropology
Architectural Engineering3
Architectural Studies
Asian American Studies
Astrophysics
Biological Anthropology
Biophysical Chemistry
Biotechnology
Cellular Agriculture
Chemical Engineering2
Chemical Mechanism and Structure
Chemical Physics
Chemistry
Chemistry of Life
Child Study and Human Development
Chinese
Cognitive and Brain Science
Colonialism Studies
Comparative Politics
Computational Chemistry
Computer Science
Cultural Anthropology
Dance
Economics
Education
Embedded Systems2
Engineering Education2
Engineering Management
English
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship for
Social Impact
Environmental Science and Policy2
Film and Media Studies
Finance
Food Systems and Nutrition
Foreign Policy Analysis
Foundations for Future Leadership2
French
Geology2
Geoscience3
Geosystems2
German
Greek
Greek Civilization
Hebrew
History
History of Art and Architecture
Human Factors Engineering2
Italian
Japanese
Judaic Studies
Latin
Latin American Studies
Latinx Studies
Linguistics
Materials Engineering
Materials and Surface Chemistry
Mathematics
Medical Anthropology
Medieval Studies
Museums, Memory, and Heritage
Music, Sound, and Culture
Music Engineering
Native American and Indigenous Studies
Peace and Justice Studies
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Political Thought
Portuguese
Religion
Roman Civilization
Russian
Science, Technology, and Society
Social Justice Anthropology
Sociology
Spanish
Studio Art
Theatre and Performance Studies
Urban Studies
Visual and Material Studies3
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
1 Available only as a co-major
2 Available only to students enrolled in the School of Engineering
3 Available only to students enrolled in the School of Arts and Sciences
WE DO OUR RESEARCH
Tufts is a student-centered research university, which means that we like to dig into our passions deeply and figure things out for ourselves—whether that involves using silk to regenerate tissue or spending a fully-funded summer exploring the political implications of Shakespeare’s plays through the Summer Scholars program. Students and professors come together, across disciplines, to ask questions and create meaning.
WE ARE ACTIVE CITIZENS
Jumbos use their skills and ideas to better people’s lives, whether they are teaching engineering in local elementary schools, creating sustainable businesses, or spending a semester in Peru or Thailand immersed in social and environmental justice as part of the Tufts Civic Semester. They understand that they are citizens of a global community, and they embrace that responsibility.
WE ARE INTERESTED
…in a lot of things. Tufts students don’t limit themselves: they combine biology with philosophy, compete as nationally-ranked D-III athletes, pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in studio art at our School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and solve problems as engineers. They’re part of a community that embraces the unconventional and the uncategorizable.
WE AREN’T AFRAID TO HAVE FUN
This is a place where students are as excited to debate fan theories as they are to apply mathematical theorems—as intellectually playful as they are powerful. We believe that ideas can have a profound impact on the world, and those ideas can be born around the seminar table but also in the residence hall common room.
Sound about right? Read the stories here to learn more. Also check out our website: admissions.tufts.edu
Non-Discrimination Statement
Tufts does not discriminate in admissions, employment, or in any of its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct including acts of sexual violence such as rape, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, sexual exploitation and coercion, relationship/intimate partner violence and domestic violence), gender identity and/or expression (including a transgender identity), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Retaliation is also prohibited. Tufts will comply with state and federal laws such as M.G.L. c. 151B, Title IX, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment and Rights Act, Executive Order 11246 and other similar laws that prohibit discrimination, all as amended. Tufts is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. More detailed Tufts policies and procedures on this topic may be found in the OEO Policies and Procedures page.
Any member of the Tufts University community has the right to raise concerns or make a complaint regarding discrimination under this policy without fear of retaliation. Any and all inquiries regarding the application of this statement and related policies may be referred to: Jill Zellmer, MSW, Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Title IX and 504 Coordinator, at 617.627.3298 at 196 Boston Avenue, 4th floor, Medford, MA 02155, or at Jill.Zellmer@tufts.edu. Anonymous complaints may also be made by reporting online at: tufts-oeo.ethicspoint.com. As set forth in our
individuals may also file complaints with administrative agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”). The contact
Rights, Boston Office U.S. Department of Education, 8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921. The email address
OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Tufts University
Bendetson Hall
2 The Green Medford, MA 02155-7057
617-627-3170
admissions.tufts.edu
