UMBC’s 6th Critical Social Justice Week focuses on passion and pathways to have an impact
CSJ: Ignite takes place October 22 – 26, 2018. The week’s programs have been designed both to tap into the passion people already feel for issues that matter to them and to provide pathways for people who haven’t been engaged in traditional forms of activism to see opportunities to have an impact. “It’s about being able to share your strengths and skills for activism and social change, and being able to share the message with others,” says Jess Myers, director of UMBC’s Women’s Center. Continue reading UMBC’s 6th Critical Social Justice Week focuses on passion and pathways to have an impact
Jasmine Abrams receives an NIH grant to reduce HIV/AIDS stigma in Haiti
“In almost every indicator of health Black women are disproportionately impacted by various illnesses and more likely to die from chronic illness,” Abrams says. “I want to change this.” Continue reading Jasmine Abrams receives an NIH grant to reduce HIV/AIDS stigma in Haiti
Lynne Schaefer and Jack Suess share UMBC’s “collaborative style” as national higher ed leaders
Lynne Schaefer and Jack Suess are known across UMBC for their essential roles in shaping and sustaining the university’s strong and steady growth over the years. They’ve also had a major impact beyond the university through leading boards of directors of national higher education organizations, bringing “UMBC’s collaborative style” along with them. Continue reading Lynne Schaefer and Jack Suess share UMBC’s “collaborative style” as national higher ed leaders
NSF grants UMBC and community college partners $1.4M to innovate science education
At its core, this partnership and others “are about building relationships, better communication, and building a community that benefits the students, the faculty, and the institutions,” Dean Bill LaCourse says. “The idea is to make a bigger tent, and not work as two institutions, but as one.” Continue reading NSF grants UMBC and community college partners $1.4M to innovate science education
UMBC and community colleges collaborate to boost transfer student success in STEM
“I was really interested in looking at transfer from an asset-based perspective,” says UMBC’s Sarah Jewett. “Transfer students bring so many experiences and talents to this campus, just like every other student, and I think those strengths need to be recognized and tapped.” Continue reading UMBC and community colleges collaborate to boost transfer student success in STEM
Third annual UMBC GRIT-X talks highlight thought-provoking ideas, experiences, and discoveries
Artists, scientists, and social change agents from across UMBC presented the third annual GRIT-X talks on October 13, sharing their ideas and perspectives on stage in UMBC’s Dance Cube. “All our talks gave a different facet, a different beam of … Continue reading Third annual UMBC GRIT-X talks highlight thought-provoking ideas, experiences, and discoveries
Alumni startup at bwtech@UMBC earns unique award for artificial intelligence work with UMBC research team
RedShred—cofounded by two UMBC alumni and housed in the bwtech@UMBC incubator—has received a rare Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Award from the National Science Foundation to expand in a new direction, in collaboration with UMBC faculty and graduate students. Continue reading Alumni startup at bwtech@UMBC earns unique award for artificial intelligence work with UMBC research team
UMBC researchers develop new method to address deep-seated biases in science, starting with birds
“We’re really hoping this new method is going to address some issues with what kinds of data get published,” says Evangeline Rose, first author on a new paper. This paper “is part of an amazing drumbeat that’s building up in the scientific community,” Kevin Omland says. “There’s a broader problem with the scientific method that’s being increasingly acknowledged, and the test we’ve developed can at least play a small role, and I hope a big role, in addressing it.” Continue reading UMBC researchers develop new method to address deep-seated biases in science, starting with birds
UMBC inaugurates new center to serve as hub for social science research
Prof. Christine Mallinson serves as the center’s inaugural director. “Christine Mallinson’s innovative, collaborative scholarship has influenced academic debates, informed policy, and empowered communities,” says Dean Scott Casper. “I look forward to her leadership on behalf of UMBC’s social science research community.” Continue reading UMBC inaugurates new center to serve as hub for social science research
UMBC’s Sebastian Deffner receives FQXi support for pioneering work to define laws of the universe
On the heels of a pioneering paper earlier this year, Deffner is off and running to help generate “a better, more concise understanding of the universe,” he says. He recognizes, however, that the journey will be a marathon, not a sprint. While it may take decades to complete this work, Deffner says, “Sometimes you have to take a risk and follow the dream.” Continue reading UMBC’s Sebastian Deffner receives FQXi support for pioneering work to define laws of the universe
UMBC students win top prize at Maryland Cyber Challenge
After hours of intense competition in cyberspace, UMBC’s team emerged victorious, named champions of the college division of the 2018 Maryland Cyber Challenge. Continue reading UMBC students win top prize at Maryland Cyber Challenge
UMBC connects thousands of students with top employers, from Google to GM
At the fall Career and Internship Fair, students across colleges and departments learned about job and internship opportunities, and connected with top global and local companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Continue reading UMBC connects thousands of students with top employers, from Google to GM
30th UMBC Alumni Awards celebrate leadership, service, and community
Hundreds of enthusiastic attendees heeded President Hrabowski’s advice to “listen, learn, and be inspired” as eight exceptional awardees from the founding class to the 2000s shared their UMBC stories. They all emphasized the relationships they formed here that are still strong today. Continue reading 30th UMBC Alumni Awards celebrate leadership, service, and community
Porta-NERDs: Meet the team changing how people think about waste through EPA-supported research
Lee Blaney received a phase one grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) program to develop an innovative system to recover nutrients from an unexpected source: human urine. Continue reading Porta-NERDs: Meet the team changing how people think about waste through EPA-supported research
UMBC outlines next steps in work to improve sexual assault prevention and response
“It’s time,” says Professor Chris Murphy, “for all of us to listen to survivors, engage in serious and deep self-reflection as a campus, and to work together to invest the time and resources needed to provide everyone with a safe and productive educational experience at UMBC.” Continue reading UMBC outlines next steps in work to improve sexual assault prevention and response
UMBC community gathers for listening session on sexual misconduct and campus safety
Hundreds of UMBC community members gathered on Thursday, September 20, for an open listening session on sexual misconduct, in a painful and powerful moment for the university. A large crowd rapidly filled the Fine Arts Recital Hall and then two overflow spaces in the biology building and library, connected through a live video feed. As everyone took their seats, ready to begin, a sense of quiet tension filled the space—a community taking a breath, ready to speak and to listen. Continue reading UMBC community gathers for listening session on sexual misconduct and campus safety
UMBC physicist Can Ataca developing quicker, cheaper way to create novel, one-atom-thick materials
“We can predict a material’s properties before experimentalists can even synthesize it,” says Can Ataca. The new methods his lab is developing will make those predictions many times more accurate, supporting other scientists in their efforts to develop materials for applications from solar cells to gas masks. Continue reading UMBC physicist Can Ataca developing quicker, cheaper way to create novel, one-atom-thick materials
As Lakeland sees continued gains in math scores, UMBC expands local school partnerships
“Teachers are the key lever to student success in the classroom,” Josh Michael says. “By developing their vast skill set in data analysis and engaging in changes to classroom practice, teachers can facilitate learning that creates a strong foundation for long-term success.” Continue reading As Lakeland sees continued gains in math scores, UMBC expands local school partnerships
UMBC’s Rachel Brewster investigates cellular survival to improve the preservation of organs for transplant
Following clue after clue, Brewster’s lab is on a mission to enable new methods that would allow organs to last longer and travel farther to those in need. NIH has rewarded the lab’s noteworthy progress toward that end with a $400,000, two-year Exploratory Research Award to continue the work. Continue reading UMBC’s Rachel Brewster investigates cellular survival to improve the preservation of organs for transplant
UMBC community focuses on ethic of care in sexual misconduct response training
“There is nothing more important here than a climate and culture that focus on respect for all people,” said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski at the start of the full-day workshop. “Some people think this is the work of a few, but it is all of our responsibility.” Continue reading UMBC community focuses on ethic of care in sexual misconduct response training
South Africa to Colorado: Summer research helps UMBC STEM BUILD students chart their course
Traveling far from home for an immersive research experience can be transformational for an undergraduate. Living and working in a completely new environment, with new colleagues, can be intimidating, but it also offers powerful opportunities for growth. Five STEM BUILD students from UMBC took that plunge this summer, and all made lasting memories that will inform their paths forward. Continue reading South Africa to Colorado: Summer research helps UMBC STEM BUILD students chart their course
Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Ed name UMBC a top U.S. university, with focus on diverse learning community
The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education have just released their popular college rankings for 2019, again naming UMBC one of the nation’s top universities. This year’s rankings specifically highlight the strength of UMBC’s diverse learning community, including student and faculty diversity and the representation of international students. Continue reading Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Ed name UMBC a top U.S. university, with focus on diverse learning community
National Security Agency highlights strong partnership with UMBC through Featured School campaign
Over the past two decades, UMBC and the National Security Agency (NSA) have developed a strong relationship, which has led to research, internship, and career opportunities for faculty, students, and alumni. Continue reading National Security Agency highlights strong partnership with UMBC through Featured School campaign
Library Gallery displays recent acquisitions in “Depth of Field” exhibition
On Wednesday, August 29, the Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery launches UMBC’s Fall 2018 arts season with the exhibition Depth of Field, presenting approximately one hundred images acquired over the last ten years by UMBC’s Photography Collections through gifts from donors and artists. Continue reading Library Gallery displays recent acquisitions in “Depth of Field” exhibition
UMBC ushers in new academic year with largest class ever
“This year’s entering freshmen and transfer class represents our most diverse ever—ethnically, academically, as well as geographically,” says Dale Bittinger, assistant vice provost for admissions and orientation. Continue reading UMBC ushers in new academic year with largest class ever
UMBC Student Internship and Service Fund expands access to career-building experiences
Through the Student Internship and Service Fund, six UMBC students were given a summer opportunity that will have a lasting impact on their career. Continue reading UMBC Student Internship and Service Fund expands access to career-building experiences
UMBC, NASA, and partners mount intensive Chesapeake Bay air-quality study
“My favorite part of this project is giving the students hands-on experience,” says Ruben Delgado. “They get to contribute to the process from start to finish.” Delgado is the UMBC lead on the project, in partnership with the NASA lead John Sullivan, Ph.D. ’15, atmospheric physics. Continue reading UMBC, NASA, and partners mount intensive Chesapeake Bay air-quality study
UMBC’s Matthew Baker teams up with Chesapeake Conservancy to create detailed stream maps
“If we want to understand how what we do on the landscape influences stream integrity and downstream health in places like the Chesapeake Bay,” says Matthew Baker, “then being able to map the connections between human activities on the land and the circulatory waters system that delivers their effects to the Bay is paramount.” Continue reading UMBC’s Matthew Baker teams up with Chesapeake Conservancy to create detailed stream maps
PIEoneer Awards recognize UMBC for career initiatives supporting international students
“This recognition is incredibly important for UMBC because it acknowledges on a global stage our commitment to meeting the real and unique needs of our international students,” says Michelle Massey. “We listen to our students, we develop solutions together as a community, and we implement them to help these students have the best possible experience at UMBC, and as alumni.” Continue reading PIEoneer Awards recognize UMBC for career initiatives supporting international students
UMBC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fest 2018 spotlights talents of emerging scientists
More than 30 faculty mentors, 120+ undergrad and high school students, and dozens more attendees celebrated the students’ achievements at the conclusion of their summer research experiences. “The experience helped us to think like scientists,” says Olufolake Majekodunmi ’21. Continue reading UMBC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fest 2018 spotlights talents of emerging scientists
Princeton Review recognizes UMBC as one of the top universities in the nation
UMBC’s Princeton Review profile speaks directly to the dedication and commitment of the university’s faculty and staff. As one student says, “UMBC wants to see every student succeed—they provide you with the tools, people, and resources to make sure you get where you want to go in life.” Continue reading Princeton Review recognizes UMBC as one of the top universities in the nation
Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore” highlights UMBC arts and athletics
Baltimore Magazine recognizes men’s basketball as “Best Upset” and Lisa Moren’s NONUMENT app as “Best Public Art” in this year’s Best of Baltimore edition. Continue reading Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore” highlights UMBC arts and athletics
National “Humanities for All” initiative features innovative work by UMBC scholars
“Public-engaged humanities are essential to UMBC’s vision, specifically its commitment to civic engagement and social justice,” says Nicole King. “It is essential for our students to show up and to listen to the neighborhoods and communities that surround the university in ways that are honest, respectful, and ethical.” Continue reading National “Humanities for All” initiative features innovative work by UMBC scholars
UMBC education policy expert Jane Lincove helps launch national center for research on school choice
“Researching school choice is challenging because there are so many stakeholders that are for and against it. But in the end,” she says, “looking at research across the United States allows us to identify what is working and help inform policy to help schools systems create equitable, successful, and safe learning environments.” Continue reading UMBC education policy expert Jane Lincove helps launch national center for research on school choice
UMBC research team awarded grant to innovate anti-malarial drug production
A team of researchers from UMBC is developing a new, low-cost anti-malarial drug to help tackle a disease that causes over 200 million infections and 400,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Continue reading UMBC research team awarded grant to innovate anti-malarial drug production
UMBC’s BUILD a Bridge to STEM internship offers students a transformative research experience
“I think the greatest thing about this experience was how we were treated as equals,” shared Zulekha Karachiwalla, a sophomore at Howard Community College. “It’s been challenging in a way that’s made us better scientists,” added Rahaf Alhabashi, also a sophomore at HCC. Continue reading UMBC’s BUILD a Bridge to STEM internship offers students a transformative research experience
UMBC alumnus Chris Haffer becomes EEOC’s first chief data officer
“When you are trying to solve a problem, you may be able to do it faster yourself,” reflects Haffer, “but the product a team creates is better because it represents the intersection of different views. It will be of more value to your customers, who will be as diverse as the team that created the product.” Continue reading UMBC alumnus Chris Haffer becomes EEOC’s first chief data officer
UMBC astronomer Kenji Hamaguchi confirms binary star system produces cosmic rays
Producing cosmic rays, which also happens following a supernova, requires that particles be accelerated nearly to the speed of light. “We found that the accelerated particles are really energetic, which is much more than we expected from this star,” says Kenji Hamaguchi, the lead author on the study. Continue reading UMBC astronomer Kenji Hamaguchi confirms binary star system produces cosmic rays
UMBC and partners launch project to provide fresh fish to underserved communities
“UMBC is proud to be part of this important collaboration, applying scientific innovation in aquaculture to offer a healthy source of food for our local communities,” said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. Continue reading UMBC and partners launch project to provide fresh fish to underserved communities
UMBC men’s basketball nominated for “Best Moment” at ESPY Awards
In the wake of March Madness, UMBC men’s basketball is now on the edge of another monumental achievement. UMBC’s bracket-busting win over University of Virginia at the NCAA tournament has been nominated for an ESPY Award as the “Best Moment” … Continue reading UMBC men’s basketball nominated for “Best Moment” at ESPY Awards
UMBC launches infrastructure-focused cybersecurity research collaboration with Japanese and UK partners
The new research initiative focused on cybersecurity for critical national infrastructures, including information technology, public transit, and financial services. Continue reading UMBC launches infrastructure-focused cybersecurity research collaboration with Japanese and UK partners
UMBC’s Evan Avila wins iOme Challenge with ideas to help millennials save for retirement
Contest judge David Wegge, of St. Norbert College, said Evan’s entry, “demonstrated great policy depth, a keen understanding of the challenges millennials face, and creativity in devising solutions that are achievable for this age cohort.” Continue reading UMBC’s Evan Avila wins iOme Challenge with ideas to help millennials save for retirement