The Brandeis Roosevelt Fellows hosted their “Hidden Gems” event on March 25 in Skyline Commons. The event was organized to help students discover unique courses or “hidden” courses for the fall 2026 registration period. The speakers urged students to explore interdisciplinary paths and take courses outside from their major. The event brought together faculty and students from different fields of study, featuring Prof. Gowri Vijayakumar (SOC/WGS), Prof. Sarah Curi (LGS/HSSP), Prof. lan Roy (ENGR/BUS) and Prof. William Chalmus (CAST/THA). 

Prof. Vijayakumar started the conversation by sharing her experiences in the field of sociology as a lens through which students can better understand social change, identity and globalization. She presented a list of courses that she is teaching this semester and introduced the courses for fall ’26 as well. She highlighted her course titled “Protest, Politics and Change” as well as “Sociology of Love,” both of which examine human experience. She discussed how sociology encourages students to critically analyze the world around them. 

Echoing similar ideas, Prof. Curi introduced her specialization in the Legal Studies and Health: Science, Society and Policy program. She mentioned that the Legal Studies program is not limited to those pursuing pre-law and is relevant across various careers including government, healthcare, public policy and sociology. Prof. Curi encouraged students to broaden their academic interests, noting that law schools value applicants with a diverse educational background. 

Prof. Roy elaborated on STEM opportunities, discussing engineering and digital innovation. He introduced students to the Brandeis Design Innovation labs on campus including the MakersLab and the Automation Lab. Prof. Roy emphasized the importance of being able to learn through experimentation and failure, stating that “mistakes drive learning.” He also highlighted entrepreneurship courses where students would be able to develop prototypes and pitch business ideas. Prof. Roy believes learning extends beyond the classroom. His approach showcased the way engineering can act as an intersection between business and innovation, paving the way for students to engage with technological problem-solving. Prof. Roy also mentioned the robotics program and other opportunities that Brandeis offers in the space of engineering. 

Next, Prof. Chalmus discussed courses in theater and the arts, introducing concepts of playback theater. He broke into a rap to explain the importance of art in life and how it can be used to represent real issues that we face today. Prof. Chalmus used this form of expression to depict that art can be provocative and unexpected, challenging students’ current notion of it and allowing them to express their identity through it. He encouraged students to bring their personal experiences into the classroom and battle with questions about how art can influence social change. 

One of the central themes that emerged throughout the event was the idea that all academic disciplines are connected. The professors encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones and explore courses that may not directly align with their major but would help them develop the skills needed for the real world. Each speaker highlighted the value of approaching problems from different angles and perspectives. This helps students’ academic experiences and gives them insight into the real life practice of their areas. Moreover, the event emphasized the importance of experimental and hands-on learning. These courses aim to offer exactly what Brandeis as a liberal arts college provides: a gateway to exploring areas that an individual can envelop themselves in. These professors highlighted the true liberal arts spirit on which Brandeis prides itself. 

The event was followed by lunch from Chipotle where the atmosphere fostered a sense of community among the students. It gave them an opportunity to engage directly with the faculty, ask questions and reflect on their own academic journeys. This setting was an accessible forum for students to converse with these professors and think about their course selections in alignment with their future goals. 

Overall, this event served as an introduction to the fall ’26 registration for students and allowed them to reflect on their courses and explore new ones that enhance their skills. The event encouraged students to take action and ownership of their learning. It called for individuals to seek out opportunities, challenge them, fail and get back up again. The insights shared by faculty will likely influence students to consider new paths, embrace interdisciplinary learning and uncover the hidden gems that Brandeis offers.