UMBC to launch prestigious Beckman Scholars Program for aspiring M.D./Ph.D.s
“The Beckman Scholars Program at UMBC will serve as a springboard for students from all backgrounds to launch themselves into successful careers as physician scientists. And as Beckman Scholars, they will be surrounded by a community that enables them to explore, challenge themselves, and, yes, sometimes fail—all while feeling supported,” says Dean Bill LaCourse. Continue reading UMBC to launch prestigious Beckman Scholars Program for aspiring M.D./Ph.D.s
UMBC’s online master’s in information systems is one of the nation’s best, U.S. News reports
U.S. News today announced that UMBC’s online master’s degree in information systems is one of the nation’s best online programs in this growing field. This year, joining UMBC in the top 50 ranked programs are universities like Virginia Tech, Johns Hopkins, and George Mason. UMBC’s program is also included on the Best for Veterans list for the second year in a row, among the top 25 programs nationwide. Continue reading UMBC’s online master’s in information systems is one of the nation’s best, U.S. News reports
UMBC continues to advance Maryland’s biotech workforce through $900K biomanufacturing grant
UMBC’s new biomanufacturing program “is really the next wave of UMBC expanding our training offerings,” says Annica Wayman, associate dean. It builds on success with an award-winning Biotech Boot Camp and the Translational Life Science Technology bachelor’s degree, launched in 2019. Continue reading UMBC continues to advance Maryland’s biotech workforce through $900K biomanufacturing grant
Smithsonian features Erle Ellis’s research on how humans have shaped ecology over millennia as a top discovery of 2021
“Our work shows that most areas depicted as ‘untouched,’ ‘wild,’ and ‘natural’ are actually areas with long histories of human inhabitation and use,” Ellis previously shared with UMBC News. They might be interpreted like this, he suggests, because in these areas, “societies used their landscapes in ways that sustained most of their native biodiversity and even increased their biodiversity, productivity, and resilience.” Continue reading Smithsonian features Erle Ellis’s research on how humans have shaped ecology over millennia as a top discovery of 2021
UMBC’s Top 12 Stories of 2021
While we can’t wait to see what memories we will make in 2022, let’s first take a look back at the milestones, breakthroughs, and student stories that shaped our UMBC community in 2021. Continue reading UMBC’s Top 12 Stories of 2021
Graduating Retrievers are ready to leave their mark on the world
The end of the semester brings a lot to celebrate—the conclusion of finals, a well-deserved break on the horizon, and the addition of new graduates to the UMBC alumni community. Over the course of two days and three ceremonies, UMBC celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2021, as well as 2020 graduates who were unable to celebrate in person before due to COVID. Continue reading Graduating Retrievers are ready to leave their mark on the world
UMBC research group tackles ongoing hurdles to efficient solar power tech
Two new papers from Can Ataca’s research group at UMBC set the stage for further advances in solar power and other renewable energy technologies. Graduate students Daniel Wines and Gracie Chaney led the projects. Ataca’s group’s work is theory- and computation-based, but these projects took advantage of collaboration with experimental researchers. As work in this field develops from theory to implementation in devices, “There’s a need for both kinds of research at every stage,” Wines says. Continue reading UMBC research group tackles ongoing hurdles to efficient solar power tech
Tahir Hemphill merges hip-hop, computing, and cultural analysis as UMBC’s first postdoctoral fellow in the visual arts
Tahir Hemphill is a creative technologist, multimedia artist, and design researcher who uses a hip-hop framework to develop new ways for people to engage with data and culture. Hemphill is one of two Postdoctoral Fellows for Faculty Diversity to join UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences this fall. Continue reading Tahir Hemphill merges hip-hop, computing, and cultural analysis as UMBC’s first postdoctoral fellow in the visual arts
UMBC’s Fernando Tormos-Aponte is named an Early Career Faculty Innovator for research on energy inequality
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has named Fernando Tormos-Aponte, assistant professor of public policy and political science, an Early Career Faculty Innovator–one of 12 across the nation. He will partner with NCAR scientists to examine energy inequality in the wake of disasters, incorporating measures of social vulnerability. Continue reading UMBC’s Fernando Tormos-Aponte is named an Early Career Faculty Innovator for research on energy inequality
A new approach to environmental research may improve global management of common pool resources
“Monitoring a natural resource or an institution can generate valuable information that will improve governance, but it is necessary to engage decision-makers and the community,” says UMBC’s Maria Bernedo Del Carpio, assistant professor of economics. She and colleagues at other research institutions have conducted a field experiment to isolate one feature of local common pool resource governance: externally supported, technology-facilitated community monitoring. Continue reading A new approach to environmental research may improve global management of common pool resources
Hero of the Year: TIME honors UMBC alum Kizzmekia Corbett, COVID-19 vaccine leader
TIME magazine’s famed Person of the Year issue today announced Kizzmekia Corbett as a Hero of the Year for her leadership in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. “Vaccines have the potential to be the equalizer of health disparities, especially around infectious diseases,” Corbett has said. Continue reading Hero of the Year: TIME honors UMBC alum Kizzmekia Corbett, COVID-19 vaccine leader
UMBC swimming and diving makes waves at ECAC Winter Championships
It may be cold outside, but competition was heating up in the pool last weekend as UMBC men’s and women’s swimming and diving dominated the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) 2021 Winter Championships. Capturing 15 out of 20 events, UMBC … Continue reading UMBC swimming and diving makes waves at ECAC Winter Championships
UMBC’s Mercedez Dunn illuminates marginalized voices to boost equity, from public health to the classroom
“UMBC’s commitment to continue the Postdoctoral Fellowship for Faculty Diversity through the pandemic is one of the reasons I decided to come to UMBC,” says Mercedez Dunn, sociology, anthropology, and public health. Dunn is one of two fellows to join UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences through the high-impact program this fall. Continue reading UMBC’s Mercedez Dunn illuminates marginalized voices to boost equity, from public health to the classroom
UMBC Marshall Scholar Joshua Slaughter seeks to advance equity in personalized medicine
Joshua Slaughter ‘22, M30, has received the Marshall Scholarship, becoming the second student in UMBC history and the first in 29 years to be selected for the prestigious award. He was also a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship. Continue reading UMBC Marshall Scholar Joshua Slaughter seeks to advance equity in personalized medicine
UMBC and Israeli Ministry of Agriculture establish aquaculture research partnership
The partnership will center on addressing challenges to the aquaculture industry that, once overcome, will make aquaculture more efficient and sustainable, and expand it to more seafood species. “There is an urgent need to promote agriculture in a sustainable way in the U.S.,” said Russell Hill, “and we hope to contribute as much as possible to that effort.” Continue reading UMBC and Israeli Ministry of Agriculture establish aquaculture research partnership
Viral inventors: UMBC study finds virus DNA orchestrates a critical cellular pathway in bacteria
A protein produced by viral DNA is orchestrating the critical “SOS response” in a large group of bacterial species, according to a new study in Nucleic Acids Research. “It’s the SOS response because if the bacteria or virus doesn’t get it right, they die,” Ivan Erill says. Continue reading Viral inventors: UMBC study finds virus DNA orchestrates a critical cellular pathway in bacteria
UMBC’s Sharon Tran receives a Career Enhancement Fellowship for writing on Asian girlhood and anti-Asian racism
“Across time, literature has often served as a site of protest. Dr. Tran’s work addresses this important aspect of literary studies,” says Jean Fernandez, professor and chair of English. “The English department is proud of the recognition she has garnered with this prestigious award.” Continue reading UMBC’s Sharon Tran receives a Career Enhancement Fellowship for writing on Asian girlhood and anti-Asian racism
UMBC’s Marjoleine Kars receives the Cundill History Prize and Frederick Douglass Book Prize for “Blood on the River”
Based on a decade of archival research, “Blood on the River: A Chronicle of Mutiny and Freedom on the Wild Coast” tells the story of a nearly successful rebellion of enslaved people just over 250 years ago. UMBC’s Amy Froide, professor and chair of history, shares that Kars is a notable example of the rigorous historical research that thrives at UMBC – meticulously researched and carefully argued scholarship that is beautifully written and accessible to a wide range of audiences. Continue reading UMBC’s Marjoleine Kars receives the Cundill History Prize and Frederick Douglass Book Prize for “Blood on the River”
UMBC’s Lavik and Bieberich develop new approach to nanoparticles that stop internal bleeding
When a person experiences a trauma that leads to significant bleeding, the first few minutes are critical. It’s important that they receive intravenous medication quickly to control the bleeding, but delivering the medication at the right rate can prove challenging. Slower infusions can cause fewer negative reactions, but the medication might not work fast enough, particularly in the case of a serious trauma. Continue reading UMBC’s Lavik and Bieberich develop new approach to nanoparticles that stop internal bleeding
UMBC volleyball successfully defends America East title, advances to NCAA Championship
This weekend, UMBC women’s volleyball defended their America East title. Now, they will advance to the NCAA Championship for the fourth time in program history. Continue reading UMBC volleyball successfully defends America East title, advances to NCAA Championship
Women leaders from UMBC, Morgan State, and UMD receive $3M Mellon grant to diversify senior leadership in higher ed
“This experienced team of diverse senior leaders has an opportunity to create a structural answer to elevate diverse leaders from the arts and humanities,” says project PI Kimberly Moffitt, UMBC’s interim dean of CAHSS. “This will enable faculty to apply distinct knowledge, skills, and perspectives to address our communities’ needs as leaders at their respective institutions.” Continue reading Women leaders from UMBC, Morgan State, and UMD receive $3M Mellon grant to diversify senior leadership in higher ed
UMBC wins prestigious APLU award for global engagement strategy
UMBC is the only North American university to receive this prestigious Gold Award, affirming the collective, intentional work behind UMBC’s global engagement strategy. It reflects two years of work engaging over 400 members of the UMBC community, who together envisioned the future of UMBC’s global interconnections. Continue reading UMBC wins prestigious APLU award for global engagement strategy
UMBC students take second place in national ChemE Jeopardy competition for second year in a row
Nearly 1,400 students from 90 institutions across 26 countries, including Egypt, Switzerland, and Ethiopia, participated in hackUMBC’s annual fall hackathon. The 36-hour event encouraged students to collaborate with each other to develop projects addressing a range of real-world challenges. Meet UMBC students on some of the winning teams.
Continue reading UMBC students take second place in national ChemE Jeopardy competition for second year in a row
HackUMBC 2021 brings together 1,400 creative students from 26 countries to solve challenges in their communities
Last weekend, nearly 1,400 students from 90 institutions across 26 countries, including Egypt, Switzerland, and Ethiopia, participated in hackUMBC’s annual fall hackathon. The 36-hour event encouraged students to collaborate with each other to develop projects addressing a range of real-world challenges. Continue reading HackUMBC 2021 brings together 1,400 creative students from 26 countries to solve challenges in their communities
New study led by UMBC’s Qianqian Song furthers understanding of atmospheric dust’s role in climate
“These results are important because spatial variation of dust around the globe can help determine whether dust is cooling or warming the planet overall,” which is still unknown, Qianqian Song says. Using new techniques to identify dust among all atmospheric particles opens up new avenues for research in this area. Continue reading New study led by UMBC’s Qianqian Song furthers understanding of atmospheric dust’s role in climate
Scientists may be underestimating Arctic ecosystem changes, new UMBC research shows
A metric that climate scientists rely on, called NDVI, has limitations that may be causing them to misinterpret their results. Fred Huemmrich’s new paper suggests “that there very well may be more ecological change going on at high latitudes than we are perceiving, if we’re leaning on NDVI as the metric we’re using to detect these changes.” Continue reading Scientists may be underestimating Arctic ecosystem changes, new UMBC research shows
NASA awards $72 million for new UMBC-led Earth science research partnership
NASA has announced a major award of $72 million over three years for the new Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) II center. UMBC serves as the lead for a national consortium and will receive over $38 million. Morgan State University serves as the primary partner. The GESTAR II consortium will support over 120 researchers, creating extensive opportunities for breakthroughs in earth and atmospheric science research. Continue reading NASA awards $72 million for new UMBC-led Earth science research partnership
UMBC’s Tinoosh Mohsenin develops COVID-Matter framework to determine severity of respiratory disease
When COVID-19 upended daily life a year and a half ago, scientists and engineers worldwide responded with new research on detecting, tracking, and managing cases. UMBC’s Tinoosh Mohsenin, associate professor of computer science and electrical engineering, has partnered with UMB’s Mohammad Sajadi to develop COVID-Matter. It’s a technology to identify respiratory disease, associated symptoms, and their severity. Continue reading UMBC’s Tinoosh Mohsenin develops COVID-Matter framework to determine severity of respiratory disease
UMBC alumnus Kafui Dzirasa is named an HHMI Investigator, elected to the National Academy of Medicine
Kafui Dzirasa ‘01, M8, chemical engineering, recently earned two highly prestigious honors distinctive even among leaders in the medical and life sciences: an HHMI Investigator award and election to the National Academy of Medicine. His work examines the role of the brain’s electrical activity in psychiatric illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction, with the goal of creating mechanisms to disrupt these disorders. Continue reading UMBC alumnus Kafui Dzirasa is named an HHMI Investigator, elected to the National Academy of Medicine
After COVID halted global travel, UMBC’s newest Fulbright Scholars begin their journeys
Senior year ended with a surprising turn of events for Dominique Ross ‘21 and Yianni Karabatis ‘21. Both received prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for 2021 – 2022. But, like many Fulbright recipients, their Fulbright experiences were initially stalled due to COVID-19. Now, with immunization and continued mask requirements, international travel is once again possible for Fulbright recipients. Continue reading After COVID halted global travel, UMBC’s newest Fulbright Scholars begin their journeys
UMBC receives a $1M gift plus $1M in state match to establish the Fred and Virginia Pausch Professorship in Economics
“The process of creating this professorship speaks to the power of collaboration within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) and across UMBC,” says Kimberly Moffitt, interim dean of CAHSS. “I am excited to partner with donors and other supporters who are so dedicated to building programs that broaden the reach and impact of UMBC’s teaching and research in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.” Continue reading UMBC receives a $1M gift plus $1M in state match to establish the Fred and Virginia Pausch Professorship in Economics
UMBC’s GRIT-X talks return for Homecoming 2021, highlighting research with a public impact
Eight members of the UMBC community, including faculty and alumni, spoke about their work, providing online and in-person audiences a glimpse of UMBC’s local, national, and global impact. Continue reading UMBC’s GRIT-X talks return for Homecoming 2021, highlighting research with a public impact
UMBC’s Reem Hannun to co-lead urban air quality study with NOAA Climate Award
Emissions from household products are on the rise compared to emissions from combustion engines, but their effect on air quality is poorly understood. “So, if we want to have a better understanding of air quality, now and as climate continues to change, we really need to be able to understand how the chemistry changes with this new class of emissions,” says Reem Hannun. “It’s a new, interesting dynamic.” Continue reading UMBC’s Reem Hannun to co-lead urban air quality study with NOAA Climate Award
UMBC’s Yonathan Zohar to lead $10 million partnership to scale land-based salmon aquaculture
“The mission is to enable an innovative, effective, and sustainable U.S. Atlantic salmon production platform that will transform the U.S. food and aquaculture systems and secure and increase high-quality and affordable seafood production for the world,” Yonathan Zohar says. Continue reading UMBC’s Yonathan Zohar to lead $10 million partnership to scale land-based salmon aquaculture
UMBC’s Haleemat Adekoya, education advocate, is named 2021–22 MHEC student commissioner
Adekoya’s appointment as MHEC student commissioner recognizes her community-engaged work connecting students to resources and leading enrichment and leadership opportunities at both K–12 and university levels. She shares, “I believe that education is the most powerful tool to change the world.” Continue reading UMBC’s Haleemat Adekoya, education advocate, is named 2021–22 MHEC student commissioner
UMBC and IMET faculty reveal a hidden world in the Chesapeake Bay
A new augmented reality app, developed in partnership between UMBC and IMET, will give users an imagined glimpse under the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Continue reading UMBC and IMET faculty reveal a hidden world in the Chesapeake Bay
UMBC to lead climate-focused NSF data science institute through $13M award
Tens of millions of people live in areas that are at risk for flooding due to climate change, sea level rise, and melting of glaciers. UMBC’s Maryam Rahnemoonfar and a team of researchers are using data science, machine learning, and AI to analyze enormous volumes of climate data, and Arctic and Antarctic observations, in ways that could help populations prepare for and respond to these risks. Continue reading UMBC to lead climate-focused NSF data science institute through $13M award
Forbes ranks UMBC among the nation’s top 50 public universities
Forbes lists UMBC among the nation’s top 150 colleges—and top 50 public universities—in new rankings announced this month. UMBC is also among the top three public universities in Maryland on the list, alongside University of Maryland, College Park, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Continue reading Forbes ranks UMBC among the nation’s top 50 public universities
Patricia Young’s new book explores emerging ed-tech trends and how COVID has changed the future of the field
“COVID has already changed the way we think and approach technology innovation,” says Patricia Young, associate professor of education. “These are reasons why educational technologies and technology-enhanced learning must keep pace with trends in design and technology.” Continue reading Patricia Young’s new book explores emerging ed-tech trends and how COVID has changed the future of the field
UMBC’s Jack Suess and instructional tech team earn national awards for leadership, innovation
“What makes this award special is that it truly recognizes the work of our entire Division of Information Technology (DoIT),” Suess says. “Our team’s work, particularly in helping the university quickly shift to remote learning last year, due to COVID, reflects a spirit of empathy and collaboration. This spirit has made IT true partners in the university’s success, not just technology experts.” Continue reading UMBC’s Jack Suess and instructional tech team earn national awards for leadership, innovation
International labor economist Tim Gindling is named UMBC’s 2021 – 2022 Liptz Professor
“This professorship will help Tim continue his research in wages, work, poverty, and income distribution in Latin America and East Asia,” says UMBC’s David Mitch, chair and professor of economics. “It brings to the forefront the importance of his research and its impact at an international level, which is in large part due to his ability to foster successful research collaborations.” This includes research partnerships in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Canada, China, and Taiwan. Continue reading International labor economist Tim Gindling is named UMBC’s 2021 – 2022 Liptz Professor
UMBC to receive $10 million from NASA to support sun and space environment research
The new funding will “enable closer connections between NASA and universities, which simplifies sharing ideas and performing joint research and technology development,” Jan Merka says. He emphasizes, “Another significant benefit is connecting students with research opportunities and mentors in heliophysics.” Continue reading UMBC to receive $10 million from NASA to support sun and space environment research