Oona Metz ’93MSW is a therapist who leads therapy groups and supports women in transition. We spoke with her about her new book on navigating divorce and the essential training she received at Simmons.

• Careers and Internships

The Office of Research and Fellowships has announced the recipients of the 2025–2026 Graduate Student Research Award. This competitive, cross-disciplinary award provides up to $1,500 to five doctoral and master’s degree candidates to conduct research in the fields of mental health, social work, children’s literature, and archival preservation.

• Awards and Honors
• Research

Abigail Pearson ’26, ’27MSW is an honors student pursuing an accelerated degree in social work. We spoke with her about the vitality of an interdisciplinary education and the thriving community at Simmons.

• Careers and Internships
• Community Engagement
• Mentorship
• Research

Six undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected for a $3,000 grant that supports student-driven initiatives focused on advancing scientific research and improving communities, and represents unique voices through the arts and humanities.

• Adult Student (Dix Scholar)
• Awards and Honors
• Leadership
• Mentorship
• Research

Marie Beam ’95 is the Chief Executive Officer of the Discovery Museum in Acton, MA. We spoke with her about nonprofit work, her stimulating education at Simmons, and the value of curiosity.

• Careers and Internships
• Community Engagement

A senior in the Health and Exercise Science + Physical Therapy DPT (4+3) program, Jennah Harvey ’26, ’29DPT is engrossed in her capstone project on the cardiac effects of caffeine. We spoke with her about research/internship opportunities and the welcoming atmosphere at Simmons.

• Behavioral and Health Sciences
• Careers and Internships
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Mentorship
• Research

Karen LaFleur ’97MA, a graduate of the Simmons Master’s in Children’s Literature, is a “Techspressionist” artist and writer who incorporates moving images, text, music, and artistic renderings of nature and scientific discovery into her artwork. We spoke to LaFleur about how her studies at Simmons shaped the development of her art.

• Careers and Internships

Through a new partnership, undergraduate library and information science students at UMA will be able to fast track their graduate education at Simmons.

Jonathan Lill ’03MS is Head of Metadata and Systems at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Archives, Library, and Research Collections (ALRC). We spoke with him about his multifaceted career, the essential training he received at Simmons, and the rewards of his profession.

• Careers and Internships

Simmons University Center for the Study of Children's Literature presented the biennial Summer Children's Literature Institute from July 25-27, 2025. This year’s theme, “Are We There Yet?” brought an impressive array of creative writers, illustrators, publishers, and scholars to reflect and promote conversations about literature for young people.

• Community Engagement
• Simmons History