Thank you for your interest in this event! 

Online registration has now closed so we may prepare for the symposium. To register, please come to the on-site registration table, located outside of room A110/111 in the Conte Polymer Science and Engineering Center, available from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 24.

The UMass Center for Evolutionary Materials (CEM) is proud to announce a full day symposium – New Frontiers in Bioinspiration to explore new areas of bioinspired research. The goal of this symposium is to bring together scientists and engineers to discuss the physics, chemistry, and engineering principles related to intriguing and enabling behaviors observed in natural systems. The format is designed to provide a broad view of current research topics, while allowing significant time for cross-discipline discussion and idea generation. We invite scientists and engineers from all disciplines, backgrounds, and experience levels to participate in this inaugural event.


Registration
The $30 registration fee includes symposium proceedings and coffee. A box lunch (sandwich, hand fruit, all natural chips, UMass water and bakeshop cookie served in a UMass compostable paper tote bag.) can be purchased during registration for $12.95.

Click the Register Now button above to complete a registration. You will first be prompted to login to our registration system either by using an existing account or by creating a new account. Once you login you will be brought through the registration form. Payment is accepted online by credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover), or you can select to mail payment by check. For additional registration/payment related assistance, please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Office (413-577-8102, registration@umass.edu).

Preliminary Schedule
9AM Registration and Coffee

9:30AM Opening Remarks

Theme 1: Inspiration from Organisms
9:45-10:15AM George Lauder, Professor of Biology, Harvard University  
               Tuna robotics: a high-frequency experimental platform exploring the performance space of swimming fishes
10:15-10:45AM Diane Kelly, Senior Research Fellow, University of Massachusetts Amherst
               Hydrostat diversity and collagen organization: Changing stiffness and shape with fiber winding, packing, and pulling

10:45-11AM Break

Theme 2: Biofilms: Materials and Engineering
11-11:30AM Jessica Schiffman, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst
               Bioinspired materials meet microbiology
11:30-12PM Caitlyn Butler, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst
               Engineering biofilms for treatment of environmental systems

Noon-1:30PM Networking Lunch

Theme 3: Bioinspired Materials and Devices
1:30-2PM Niels Holten-Andersen, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
               Do bio-inspired metal-coordination crosslinking offer anything unique (and useful) for engineers of hydrogels?
2-2:30PM Jun Yao, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst
               Biological Protein Nanowires for Energy Harvesting and Neuromorphic Electronics

2:30-2:45PM Break

2:45-4:15PM 10 minute talks given by graduate students and postdocs

4:15PM Closing Remarks

4:30PM Reception

Conference Location
The conference will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Conference programming will be held in room A110/111 in the Conte Polymer Science and Engineering Center. On-campus lodging is available at Hotel UMass (located in the Campus Center). Parking is available in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here to take a look at a campus map. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions to the Campus Center Parking Garage.


Traveling by Air
If you are traveling to Amherst by plane, the closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (near Hartford). This airport is approximately 45 miles from the UMass campus. Another option is Logan International Airport in Boston, located approximately 90 miles from the UMass campus. While more flight options are typically available into Logan, please remember to account for extra travel time to campus. Please also be sure to organize transportation to/from the airport to campus in advance of your arrival.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES


Driving to Campus

FROM THE SOUTH, VIA I-91 NORTH
Take Exit 19 in Northampton. From the exit ramp, stay to the right to merge onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass Exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Take a left at the second set of lights onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left to go up the hill - you will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right. 

FROM THE NORTH, VIA I-91 SOUTH
Take Exit 25 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp turn left onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116. Follow until the lights and then turn right to stay on 5/10/116. Go one mile and turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow Route 116 South for eight miles to the UMass exit. Turn left at the stop sign. Take a left at the second set of lights onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left to go up the hill - you will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right.

FROM THE NORTH, VIA I-93 SOUTH
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Turn right onto North Pleasant Street. Stay on North Pleasant Street (you will need to turn left twice to remain on North Pleasant Street, - follow signs to the UMass Campus). As you enter campus you will come to a set of lights. Stay to the left to turn onto Massachusetts Avenue. Follow Massachusetts Avenue through campus until you come to a set of lights. At the lights take a right onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and go up the hill - you will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right. 

FROM THE EAST OR WEST, VIA I-90
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

  • Off Exit 8 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.
  • Off Exit 7 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.
  • Off Exit 5 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass.
  • Off Exit 4 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

Traveling by Bus
The Amherst area is serviced by Greyhound, Peter Pan Bus Lines and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority. Based on the service you select and route availabilities you should take a bus to Amherst UMass if at all possible instead of Amherst Center (Amherst Center is about 1.5 miles from the UMass Campus). Please be sure to review bus schedules and campus maps before your arrival as both the area and the campus can be confusing to navigate.

Conference Location
The conference will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Conference programming will be held in room A110/111 in the Conte Polymer Science and Engineering Center. On-campus lodging is available at Hotel UMass (located in the Campus Center). Parking is available in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst MA 01003. Click here to take a look at a campus map. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions to the Campus Center Parking Garage.


Parking

HOTEL UMASS GUESTS
Guests staying at Hotel UMass will receive a complimentary parking pass to the Campus Center Parking Garage at hotel check-in. The Campus Center Parking Garage is located at 1 Campus Center Way in Amherst MA 01003. Follow the signs down to park on Level 2. Take your gate with you and enter the Campus Center using the marked hallway. Stay to the left to walk through the main concourse. Take the elevators to the hotel lobby, located on the 3rd floor, to check-in (available after 3PM on your date of arrival). Provide your garage gate ticket to the hotel desk clerk to have your parking validated.

COMMUTING/OFF-CAMPUS ATTENDEES 
Attendees not staying at Hotel UMass should park in the Campus Center Parking Garage, located at 1 Campus Center Way in Amherst, MA 01003. Parking coupons for the garage will be provided upon your arrival at the registration desk. As you pull into the garage you will take a gate ticket. Prior to leaving for the day, but before you get to your car, take your gate ticket and the parking coupon to one of the garage paystations (paystations are located on levels 2, 3, and 4). Enter your gate ticket and, when prompted, scan the parking coupon. This will offer you a discounted rate of $6.50/day, valid for one exit. Once your coupon has been applied you will submit payment and your now validated gate ticket will be returned to you. Return to your car and drive the garage exit. Insert your validated gate ticket to lift the exit gate as you drive out of the garage. This process will need to be repeated each day you attend the conference.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING 
Attendees with a valid state-issued reserved accessible license plate or placard may park in any marked Handicap Space or any nonrestricted, nonreserved space or lot, at no charge, as long as your plate or placard is clearly displayed at all times during your stay. To locate reserved accessible parking, visit the UMass Parking Map, select the blue parking icon on the right, and click the "Handicapped Parking" option. You may also click here to view a complete campus accessibility map.


Please note: you should not park at UMass without first obtaining a valid permit as detailed above: parking on campus without a valid permit, pass, placard, or license plate will result in ticketing and/or towing.
 


Local Transportation
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a 15-20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from campus. If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located on University Drive and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley, about a 5-10 minute trip from campus by car or bus. Retailers include CVS, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Marshalls, and more. 

Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. The area is also serviced by a variety of cab companies, including UberLyftCelebrity Cab Company and  Taxi Express. There are also a number of bicycle rentals around campus, including Laughing Dog BicyclesHampshire Bicycle Exchange, and ValleyBike Share.

Lodging is not included in the cost of registration but there are many convenient on-campus and local options. If you have any questions about the area or lodging options below, please don't hesitate to contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Office at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.


On-Campus Lodging

HOTEL UMASS
Rated the best hotel in Amherst and seated in the center of the picturesque UMass Amherst campus, Hotel UMass blends a tranquil countryside escape with the bustling energy of campus life, making it your ideal destination when staying in the area. Hotel UMass is located in the Campus Center just an elevator ride from many meeting spaces and amenities, including the University Store and several newly renovated dining options. Check-in is available after 3 p.m. on your date of arrival. Check-out is by 11 a.m. on your date of departure. Click here or call 877-822-2110 to complete a reservation. 


Off-Campus Lodging
The Amherst area is full of many hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. A variety of hotel chains offer their familiar comforts just a short 5 - 10 minute drive from the UMass Campus on Route 9/Russell Street in neighboring Hadley, while charming independent inns and B&Bs dot the area, offering a true taste of Pioneer Valley living.

Below are some popular off-campus lodging options, including the estimated drive time to the Campus Center. Click here for a full listing of area lodging courtesy of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. Interested in staying at a local Bed and Breakfast? Click here for more information on what the Pioneer Valley has to offer, courtesy of the Five College Area Bed and Breakfast Association.

AMHERST
    Allen House Inn - 413-253-5000 (9 minutes)
    Amherst Airbnb
    Black Walnut Inn - 413-549-5649

    Lord Jeffrey Inn - 413-253-2576 (10 minutes)
    University Lodge
- 413-256-8111 (6 minutes)

HADLEY
    Courtyard Marriott - 413-256-5454 (8 minutes)
    Econo Lodge - 413-582-7077 (9 minutes)
    Hampton Inn
- 413-586-4851 (16 minutes)
    Holiday Inn Express - 413-582-0002 (7 minutes)
    Howard Johnson
- 413-586-0114 (10 minutes)
    Rodeway Inn
- 413-584-9816 (13 minutes)

DEERFIELD
    Deerfield Inn - 413-774-5587 (27 minutes)
    Red Roof Inn - 413-665-7161 (19 minutes)

NORTHAMPTON
    Hotel Northampton - 413-584-7660 (21 minutes)
    Quality Inn & Suites - 413-586-1500 (21 minutes)

Local Transportation
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a quick 10-15 minute walk from campus. Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. A variety of bike rental options are also available, including Laughing Dog BicyclesHampshire Bicycle Exchange and ValleyBike


Dining
Looking to head off-campus for a meal? There are so many wonderful and convenient options! Downtown Amherst, located about a 5 minute drive/25 minute walk from campus, has many unique restaurants, with fare ranging from Thai, Chinese, Italian, American, Indian and more. Some longstanding downtown favorites include Antonio's pizza by the slice, Judie's (try a popover), Bueno Y Sano, and Johnny's Tavern. About 5 minutes in the other direction, heading down University Drive, you will find some more popular local spots including The Hangar Pub and Grill, Rafters and Ginger Garden. Travel just a bit further (7 - 10 minutes from campus) and you will reach the Route 9/Russell Street area of Hadley, which is replete with familiar chains and fast-food spots including Friendly's, Panara, Chili's, Wendy's, Chipotle, Texas Roadhouse and more. Have a little more time on your hands? Visit downtown Northampton, about a 25 minute drive from campus, to explore the many restaurants and shops that make up this artistic, academic and countercultural hub. Click the links below for some more information on off-campus dining options, and be sure to take a look at the bus services offered by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to help you get where you need to go! 


Shopping
If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located 5 - 10 minutes from campus in downtown Amherst, as well as on University Drive in Amherst and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley. These locations are also serviced by PVTA buses.

  • Downtown Amherst
  • Amherst Shopping Center - retail/grocery stores and dining, including Big Y, Dunkin Donuts, CVS and Wings Over Amherst. Located at 181 University Drive in Amherst, MA.
  • Hampshire Mall - retail/grocery stores, dining, and entertainment, including Target, Trader Joe's, J. C. Penney, Cinemark, Pinz Bowling, Autobahn Indoor Speedway, LaserBlast, and Planet Fitness Gym. Located at 367 Russell Street in Hadley, MA.
  • Campus Farms Mall - retail/grocery stores and dining, including TJ Maxx, Super Stop & Shop, Dollar Tree, Liquors 44 and Johnny's Roadside Diner. Located at 440-454 Russell Street in Hadley, MA.
  • Mountain Farms Mall - retail/grocery stores and dining, including Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, Panera Bread and Whole Foots Market. Located at 335 Russell Street in Hadley, MA

Area Attractions

  • Amherst is known for its rural charm and big city appeal. With many restaurants, bars and local shops, visitors get lost exploring our downtown. Located just a few minutes drive from the campus, it is a convenient and popular destination. 
  • The city of Northampton is a blend of historic, contemporary, intellectual, artsy, athletic and entrepreneurial. With cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, museums, rivers, parks and spas, Northampton is a place to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of budget.
  • The Emily Dickinson Homestead, located right in downtown Amherst, was mentioned frequently in her intensely idiosyncratic and strikingly modern poetry. Devoted Dickinson readers visit the Homestead and The Evergreens, the Italianate home built next door by Emily's brother Austin Dickinson, to walk today where Emily walked and to see what Emily saw.
  • The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located in Amherst, looks to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books, just a short 15 minute drive from campus. Founded by Eric Carle and his wife Barbara, the Museum is for visitors of all ages: children and families, teachers and librarians, scholars, and everyone interested in the art of the picture book.
  • The Yiddish Book Center is a nonprofit organization working to tell the whole Jewish story by rescuing, translating, and disseminating Yiddish books and presenting innovative educational programs that broaden understanding of modern Jewish identity. The Yiddish Book Center is located on the Hampshire College campus, about a 15 minute drive from UMass.
  • The Amherst College Beneski Museum of Natural History, located about 5 minutes from the UMass campus, is one of New England’s largest natural history museums, boasting three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display, and tens of thousands of specimens available for use by scholars and researchers from across campus and around the world. 
  • Yankee Candle, located about 15 minutes away in South Deerfield, offers an enchanting mix of shopping and entertainment. You'll find 400,000 candles in over 200 different famous Yankee scents, but there are more than just candles at this flagship Village Store. It's a unique, entertaining world of New England charm, fairy tale fantasies, and hands-on, interactive candlemaking that's fun for every age.
  • Historic Deerfield is an authentic 18th-century New England village. Tour beautifully restored museum houses with period architecture and furnishings, see yankee ingenuity at work in demonstrations of colonial-era trades, and explore the world-famous collection of early American crafts, ceramics, furniture, textiles and metalwork. 
  • The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens is a 14,400 square foot facility that includes a 4,000 sq. ft. glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation, about a 20 minute drive from campus in neighboring South Deerfield.
  • Home to more than three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history, the Basketball Hall of Fame stirs the spirits of basketball fans everywhere. Hundreds of interactive exhibits share the spotlight with skills challenges, live clinics, shooting contests and enough basketball history to impress the world’s most avid sports fans. 
  • The Springfield Museums grant visitors access to the Springfield Science Museum, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Springfield History and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden and Museum, all under a single admission. The museums are located in the heart of downtown Springfield, about a 40 minute drive from UMass.
  • Six Flags New England is home to many rides and attractions, from pulse-pounding roller coasters to gentler options for the youngest of thrill seekers. With some of the fastest, tallest, wildest, most gut-wrenching rides in the country (including a few record breakers), as well as family rides, kid rides, entertaining shows and the Hurricane Harbor Water Park, Six Flags New England has fun for everyone.

Interested in learning about more things to do in the Pioneer Valley? Click here!

Questions? Contact Us!

For questions regarding registration, payment, travel or the UMass campus, please contact the UMass Conference Services Registration Office by phone (413-577-8102, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m - 5:00 p.m. ET) or by email (registration@umass.edu).

UMass Conference Services 
810 Campus Center
1 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003
t: 413-577-8102
e: 
registration@umass.edu