UMBC delegation joins students from three continents at International Model African Union
“The world seems small when we stay in one place, but when we travel we come to understand issues beyond our own culture,” says Marion Sillah ’22, political science, from Sierra Leone. “Broadening my point of view made me think about where I stand as a woman, a black woman, a Muslim woman, and an immigrant on a global scale.” Continue reading UMBC delegation joins students from three continents at International Model African Union
UMBC School of Public Policy and APPAM work to diversify the field through outreach to students
“UMBC was uniquely positioned to meet APPAM’s goals in helping to diversify the field because of UMBC’s strong, diverse student scholars, many of whom are first-generation or come from underrepresented groups,” shares Jane Lincove, associate professor of public policy. Continue reading UMBC School of Public Policy and APPAM work to diversify the field through outreach to students
UMBC men’s basketball advances to the America East final after a gripping semifinal victory
After battling through two rounds of fatiguing overtime, UMBC men’s basketball bested Hartford 90-85 to advance to the America East championship game and defend their title. Continue reading UMBC men’s basketball advances to the America East final after a gripping semifinal victory
Class project to clinical trials: UMBC’s affordable infant incubator wins Global Health Research Award
Govind Rao and his students have developed a cardboard incubator to support premature babies in communities with limited resources, and in remote areas that do not have access to medical facilities. The inexpensive, easily constructed devices are poised to make a major impact. Continue reading Class project to clinical trials: UMBC’s affordable infant incubator wins Global Health Research Award
UMBC’s Jonathan Singer supports South Korean science teachers through Howard County partnership
The Howard County Public School System, in partnership with the South Korean Iksan District Office of Education, recently invited Jonathan Singer to provide professional development to visiting secondary science teachers from South Korea. “Working with Dr. Singer was a great start,” said partnership coordinator Sunghwa Jung. “His research and the tasks he prepared benefited the Korean science teachers greatly, helping them to reflect on their own teaching practices.” Continue reading UMBC’s Jonathan Singer supports South Korean science teachers through Howard County partnership
UMBC’s Susan McDonough receives NEH fellowship for more inclusive research on medieval women
“I want to look into the lives of medieval prostitutes to help us understand the gendered and political influences that fostered their roles as businesswomen and community members,” says McDonough. Continue reading UMBC’s Susan McDonough receives NEH fellowship for more inclusive research on medieval women
UMBC students Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Olusayo Adeleye co-create 1st U.S. conference for Black women economists
Reflecting on her inspiration, Sadie T.M. Alexander, Opoku-Agyeman says, “Similar to Dr. Alexander, people have projected their limitations onto me, often focusing on what I could not do because of my race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic background, age, or all of the above. She taught me that there is absolutely nothing that I cannot do. If want to reach a goal, all I have to do is run towards it.” Continue reading UMBC students Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Olusayo Adeleye co-create 1st U.S. conference for Black women economists
Retriever basketball heads to America East playoffs
The month of March is a favorite for Retriever Nation, with America East playoffs on the horizon and memories of UMBC’s 2018 March Madness victory on everyone’s mind. This year, both UMBC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete in America East postseason play. The women will take on Hartford on March 6 and the men will host UAlbany at the UMBC Event Center on March 9. Continue reading Retriever basketball heads to America East playoffs
UMBC mentors support a record number of Fulbright student award semifinalists
This year UMBC has produced thirty applicants and twenty-two semifinalists—a record number for the university. “I am always happy to share and promote the Fulbright experience wherever I go,” says Brian Souders, UMBC’s Fulbright U.S. Student Award advisor. “I have seen first-hand how it catapults students’ success in a way they never thought possible.” Continue reading UMBC mentors support a record number of Fulbright student award semifinalists
UMBC’s Chris Swan contributes to landmark global stream ecology study
The experimental design at each site was simple, “but to manage and deploy it across the globe to all seven continents was a Herculean task that could only be done with a network of colleagues,” says Swan. “The key here is true partnerships and global coverage.” Continue reading UMBC’s Chris Swan contributes to landmark global stream ecology study
Letitia Dzirasa to serve as Baltimore City health commissioner
“As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve begun to understand just how blessed I was to be afforded the opportunity to attend college and pursue my dreams,” Letitia Dzirasa ’03 says. “As I was fortunate, it is my responsibility to reach back and help others, especially those most under-resourced.” Continue reading Letitia Dzirasa to serve as Baltimore City health commissioner
Looking ahead to UMBC Giving Day—shining a spotlight on ways to make a difference
At midnight on Thursday, February 28, UMBC Giving Day will officially begin, kicking off the university’s second annual 24-hour marathon of giving. The goal: for as many UMBC alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students as possible to make a gift, supporting UMBC students and projects. UMBC is relying on Retriever Nation to make the 1,000 donor goal a reality. Continue reading Looking ahead to UMBC Giving Day—shining a spotlight on ways to make a difference
UMBC men’s and women’s swimming and diving shatter records, capture America East titles
After a record-setting championship tournament, UMBC Swimming & Diving Coach Chad Cradock reflects, “From the minute the events started, we all rallied around each other to compete at our best.” Continue reading UMBC men’s and women’s swimming and diving shatter records, capture America East titles
UMBC connects insightful students with growing companies through the Maryland Technology Internship Program
MTIP launched in fall 2018 to increase the number of paid technical internships in the state by providing financial assistance to businesses, as well as state and local agencies, to hire more interns. Continue reading UMBC connects insightful students with growing companies through the Maryland Technology Internship Program
President Hrabowski shares an inclusive approach to difficult conversations in Bipartisan Policy Center interview
In a recent interview at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Bob and Elizabeth Dole Series on Leadership, UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski shared his perspective on leading diverse and inclusive communities in today’s political environment.
Continue reading President Hrabowski shares an inclusive approach to difficult conversations in Bipartisan Policy Center interview
UMBC Mock Trial takes top prize at Georgetown’s Hilltop Invitational as competition season kicks into high gear
“As someone who was a four-year competitor for the program and was the program’s president as a senior, I find weekends like this past one to be both rewarding and exciting,” says Dylan Rogers Elliott ‘17, history. “I came through the program and have been able to come back and coach while in law school, and nothing makes me happier than seeing both the success and potential of the UMBC Mock Trial Program continue to grow.” Continue reading UMBC Mock Trial takes top prize at Georgetown’s Hilltop Invitational as competition season kicks into high gear
UMBC chosen to host AAAS science and faith dialogue project
“UMBC is blessed with such diversity in every imaginable dimension that it is an exciting place to experience a scholarly exploration of the interface between science and faith,” says event co-organizer Steve Freeland. Continue reading UMBC chosen to host AAAS science and faith dialogue project
UMBC scientists tackle persistent hurdles in the aquaculture industry with new NOAA grant
The grant will support efforts to optimize an innovative procedure for growing fish that can’t reproduce. “Everybody has been looking for another way to develop reproductively sterile fish,” Yonathan Zohar says. Sterile fish produce higher-quality meat and can’t breed with local populations if they escape from net pens. Continue reading UMBC scientists tackle persistent hurdles in the aquaculture industry with new NOAA grant
Dean Scott Casper continues UMBC’s strong partnership with Maryland Humanities and the Greater Baltimore Alliance as a new board member
“Both Maryland Humanities and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance immeasurably enrich our communities, region, and state,” says Scott Casper. “They nurture our collective humanity, our creativity, and our understanding of contemporary and historical contexts for our challenges and endeavors.” Continue reading Dean Scott Casper continues UMBC’s strong partnership with Maryland Humanities and the Greater Baltimore Alliance as a new board member
UMBC’s Ivan Erill finds resistance to modern drug in ancient bacteria
“The drug you design ten years from now may already be obsolete,” Ivan Erill says. In a new study in Frontiers in Microbiology, Erill and colleagues describe how bacteria that existed hundreds of millions of years ago were already resistant to an antibacterial drug not invented until the 1930s. Continue reading UMBC’s Ivan Erill finds resistance to modern drug in ancient bacteria
UMBC biologist Phyllis Robinson recognized for research, advocacy, and mentorship
At UMBC, “I’ve been able to do my science and also put energy into the social justice aspects of the world that are important to me,” Phyllis Robinson says. “One doesn’t exclude the other.” Continue reading UMBC biologist Phyllis Robinson recognized for research, advocacy, and mentorship
UMBC’s Aaron Smith works toward developing new antibiotic targets with NIH grant
“We have to think about more strategic and clever ways of attacking bugs,” says Aaron Smith. His work studies nutrient uptake mechanisms, specifically how bacteria acquire iron, as potential targets for new antibiotics. Continue reading UMBC’s Aaron Smith works toward developing new antibiotic targets with NIH grant
UMBC’s Amy Lien helps NASA unravel the mystery of an unusual blast from across the universe
“We’ve never seen anything exactly like the Cow,” Amy Lien says, “which is very exciting.” Her team at NASA’s Swift Observatory hypothesizes that a black hole tearing apart a white dwarf star caused the blast. Continue reading UMBC’s Amy Lien helps NASA unravel the mystery of an unusual blast from across the universe
UMBC’s Colleen Burge helps show oyster aquaculture can limit disease in wild oysters
“Oyster aquaculture is growing in Maryland,” says Colleen Burge. As long as growers employ proper management techniques, “This paper suggests this growing aquaculture industry could actually support restoration efforts and also the wild fisheries.” Continue reading UMBC’s Colleen Burge helps show oyster aquaculture can limit disease in wild oysters
UMBC’s Top 10 Highlights of 2018
It wouldn’t be a proper farewell to 2018 without reminiscing about some of the biggest UMBC stories from the year. Here are ten highlights from a year we won’t soon forget. Continue reading UMBC’s Top 10 Highlights of 2018
U.S. News ranks UMBC’s online master’s in information systems among top 20 in the nation
The program climbed up four places this year, reaching #19 and joining other leading institutions on the 2019 Best Online Information Technology Programs list. Continue reading U.S. News ranks UMBC’s online master’s in information systems among top 20 in the nation
Hour of Code brings Baltimore 3rd and 4th graders to UMBC for fun intro to computing
“It’s important for UMBC to have an impact in our local community. UMBC is a public university and we are part of the community,” says Fayo Ojo ‘20, computer science, who helped coordinate the event. “Hosting events like this shows that UMBC is committed to education beyond the courses offered here.” Continue reading Hour of Code brings Baltimore 3rd and 4th graders to UMBC for fun intro to computing
The Baltimore Sun again names UMBC one of Baltimore’s top places to work
UMBC ranked eighth among all top large employers in the region—the only university and only government institution featured on the list. In describing UMBC as a workplace, President Hrabowski has said: “UMBC is truly a supportive and inclusive community. This is a place where we believe in mutual respect and in achieving great things when we combine our strengths and work together toward our shared vision.” Continue reading The Baltimore Sun again names UMBC one of Baltimore’s top places to work
Times Higher Ed spotlights UMBC as a model in supporting student achievement
This week, Times Higher Education shined a spotlight on UMBC’s advancements in graduating more low-income and minority students in the sciences—what it calls the “holy grail of academia.” “Everybody wants to understand our model,” UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski told reporter Paul Basken. As Hrabowski explained, lessons learned in one area can inform another, and UMBC’s work to support underrepresented students in STEM fields has led to investments in support programs for students of all backgrounds across UMBC. Continue reading Times Higher Ed spotlights UMBC as a model in supporting student achievement
UMBC places 10th at Pan-Am Team Chess Championship
UMBC Chess competed in the 2018 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship, held in San Francisco, California, December 27 – 30. “The Pan-Am tournament was great for all of the players on the team,” says team member Ewa Harazinska ‘20, chemistry. “We take a great pride in representing UMBC in a national competition, and we were delighted to place in the top 10 chess teams.” Continue reading UMBC places 10th at Pan-Am Team Chess Championship
UMBC ranks among top 150 U.S. universities in federal research funding
The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently released its latest Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey, including UMBC among the top 150 U.S. universities in federal research and development expenditures for fiscal year 2017. Continue reading UMBC ranks among top 150 U.S. universities in federal research funding
UMBC’s Tim Finin named an ACM fellow for advancements in artificial intelligence and semantic web technology
“It’s a great honor to be selected as an ACM fellow, since it is based on the recommendations of one’s peers and recognizes contributions to the field of computing,” says Finin. “I am especially honored since ACM fellows include so many pioneers of the field whose work and contributions I have studied and used over the past 40 years.” Continue reading UMBC’s Tim Finin named an ACM fellow for advancements in artificial intelligence and semantic web technology
Grit and community support help UMBC grads envision—and claim—their futures
Each UMBC student has a unique journey, including challenges to tackle with tenacity, courage, and grit. For many of UMBC’s newest grads, a culture of community support has made all the difference, enabling them to both claim their future and help others along the way. Continue reading Grit and community support help UMBC grads envision—and claim—their futures
From visual effects to cybersecurity, UMBC grads share transformative career connections
Each year, thousands of UMBC students complete high-value internships, service-learning, research, and other applied learning experiences, and they have an impact. Surveys of UMBC graduates show that 90 percent head directly to a job, advanced degree, or both. Of those employed, a majority worked for or interned with their employer as a UMBC student. Continue reading From visual effects to cybersecurity, UMBC grads share transformative career connections
Three generations, thousands of miles: Scientists unlock the mystery of a dragonfly’s migration
“We know that a lot of insects migrate, but we have full life history and full migration data for only a couple. This is the first dragonfly in the Western Hemisphere for which we know this,” says Colin Studds. “We’ve solved the first piece of a big mystery.” Continue reading Three generations, thousands of miles: Scientists unlock the mystery of a dragonfly’s migration
Faculty receive START and SURFF awards to pursue new research and creative work
UMBC’s Office of the Vice President for Research presented awards to support the work of two dozen UMBC faculty examining topics from health disparities among people with diabetes to natural language processing. Continue reading Faculty receive START and SURFF awards to pursue new research and creative work
From lab to museum, new UMBC grads show the powerful impact of original research
Student passion guided by faculty support is part of the fabric of UMBC. Four students’ stories, from Asian studies to biological sciences, shed light on how this winning combination makes possible big breakthroughs. Continue reading From lab to museum, new UMBC grads show the powerful impact of original research
UMBC’s newest grads leave a legacy of community-building and support
Meet a few of the many UMBC students graduating this December who exemplify the Retriever spirit of building connections and community by offering a compassionate ear, a helping hand, and a voice of support when it is most needed. Together, these students have created a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive UMBC for everyone, and they continue to reach together to help UMBC grow. Continue reading UMBC’s newest grads leave a legacy of community-building and support
CS3 leads research summit on community-based violence prevention in Baltimore
“We wanted to purposefully use this summit to convene as many researchers as possible to examine, discuss, and share expertise and data,” Mallinson says. “Our intent is increasing collaboration and resources beyond this room, between institutions and the community, to create tangible, applicable and responsive human- and community-centered research in violence prevention with and for Baltimore.” Continue reading CS3 leads research summit on community-based violence prevention in Baltimore
Student entrepreneurs share fresh perspectives at UMBC’s 9th annual Idea Competition
UMBC’s Idea Competition offers students from all fields an opportunity to present business ideas to a panel of expert judges and receive immediate feedback on moving from vision to reality. The university’s Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship hosts this competition … Continue reading Student entrepreneurs share fresh perspectives at UMBC’s 9th annual Idea Competition
UMBC launches PROMISE Academy with USM partners, to support diverse faculty in the biomedical sciences
The PROMISE Academy will draw on the expertise of universities around the nation and evidence-based best practices to recruit and retain a diverse group of faculty members in STEM fields. “With so many top programs supporting the success of diverse students and faculty, UMBC has a strong foundation on which to build,” Renetta Tull said. Continue reading UMBC launches PROMISE Academy with USM partners, to support diverse faculty in the biomedical sciences
UMBC partners with Blackboard, VitalSource on research to support student success
UMBC, Blackboard and VitalSource researchers found that by combining data from a wide range of sources, they were able to develop a model that was 70-98 percent accurate in predicting, by week four in the semester, which students would go on to earn a C or higher final grade. Continue reading UMBC partners with Blackboard, VitalSource on research to support student success