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
Amy Bhatt shines light on gender and immigration policy in new book High-Tech Housewives
“Now more than ever, Professor Bhatt’s research is crucial in helping all of us understand the everyday impact of high-skilled immigration,” shares Jessica Berman, director of the Dresher Center for the Humanities. “Thriving academic research communities are enriched by the knowledge and expertise highly-skilled international faculty, staff, and students bring and share.” Continue reading Amy Bhatt shines light on gender and immigration policy in new book High-Tech Housewives
UMBC joins innovative ACE Internationalization Lab, expanding commitment to global engagement
“UMBC’s participation in this year’s cohort of the ACE Internationalization Laboratory is a key component in our work to create the university’s first-ever internationalization roadmap,” shares Tony Moreira, vice provost for academic affairs. “Given today’s global landscape for higher education, universities need to implement international, intercultural, and global elements in all areas of the institution to ensure that they stay relevant and continue to provide a high-quality education to all students.” Continue reading UMBC joins innovative ACE Internationalization Lab, expanding commitment to global engagement
Meet UMBC’s Linda Wiratan, Rhodes Scholar finalist
“Being a Rhodes finalist tells me that I can combine my passion for cell biology research, my interest in educating the public, and also my promotion of mental illness discussion within academia—and have a really unique, rewarding career,” Wiratan says. Continue reading Meet UMBC’s Linda Wiratan, Rhodes Scholar finalist
Student scientists take center stage at UMBC’s largest-ever Undergraduate Research Symposium
“It is so inspiring to see hundreds of undergraduate researchers from over 40 colleges and universities and nearly a dozen states coming together to present research to fellow students, mentors, and faculty judges,” shares CNMS Dean Bill LaCourse. Continue reading Student scientists take center stage at UMBC’s largest-ever Undergraduate Research Symposium
UMBC and Morgan Stanley support students and research in data-intensive computing fields
The collaboration is made possible by Morgan Stanley’s contribution of $125,000 toward several UMBC initiatives, renewable annually for up to four additional years. “Morgan Stanley already employs so many UMBC graduates and student interns,” says Anupam Joshi, UMBC’s chair of computer science and electrical engineering. “This scholarship fund further supports our shared commitment to developing a diverse talent pool for the future.” Continue reading UMBC and Morgan Stanley support students and research in data-intensive computing fields
UMBC men’s soccer advances to the America East Championship
After a 1-0 victory against No. 1 Stony Brook, UMBC men’s soccer travels to New Hampshire to play for the America East Championship. Continue reading UMBC men’s soccer advances to the America East Championship
UMBC celebrates 40 years of the W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture with talk on genetics, race, and racism
UMBC’s annual W.E.B. Du Bois lecture series “provides an important platform for intellectual dialogue on crucial aspects of African American experiences and those of peoples of African descent,” says Chuku. “It offers us an opportunity to draw inspiration from Du Bois’s scholarship and activism.” Continue reading UMBC celebrates 40 years of the W. E. B. Du Bois Lecture with talk on genetics, race, and racism
UMBC’s Ashe and Berry-McCrea earn national honors for doctoral research addressing inequities
UMBC doctoral student Jason Ashe and new Ph.D. recipient Erin Berry-McCrea have been selected for notable national honors as emerging leaders in work to address inequalities, in health care and in educational and professional spaces. Continue reading UMBC’s Ashe and Berry-McCrea earn national honors for doctoral research addressing inequities
UMBC welcomes Beth Saunders as the new curator and head of Special Collections
Saunders comes to UMBC from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she was assistant curator in the Department of Photographs. She will oversee the management, preservation, and exhibition of UMBC’s photography, rare book, and archival collections. “One of the things that excites me about Special Collections is that it’s a nerdy collection in the best possible way, bridging the sciences, the humanities, the arts, and other fields of research,” she says. Continue reading UMBC welcomes Beth Saunders as the new curator and head of Special Collections
Bahama Oriole Project team awarded NSF grant to offer more UMBC undergrads international research experiences
“Being on the Bahama Oriole Project was my first hands-on glimpse at international research,” Matthew Kane ’19 says. “It was the first time I had seen scientists from two different countries collaborating on a conservation project on this scale.” Continue reading Bahama Oriole Project team awarded NSF grant to offer more UMBC undergrads international research experiences
UMBC’s Alan Sherman and colleagues receive over $5M in NSF support for cybersecurity education
The National Science Foundation recently awarded Alan Sherman, professor of computer science and electrical engineering (CSEE), two grants totaling over five million dollars to support his students and research at UMBC. Sherman will work with several faculty across campus, including Rick Forno and Dhananjay Phatak (CSEE) and Linda Oliva (education). Continue reading UMBC’s Alan Sherman and colleagues receive over $5M in NSF support for cybersecurity education
New UMBC research suggests need to rethink goals of global reforestation efforts
Forests store carbon, clean water, prevent soil erosion, and provide habitat for a wide range of species, “but all those benefits start kicking in when forests are older,” says Matthew Fagan. Based on their new research, Fagan and colleagues argue that nations would do better to take the long view when committing to forest restoration. Continue reading New UMBC research suggests need to rethink goals of global reforestation efforts
UMBC launches Center for Democracy and Civic Life at a critical national moment
“We can develop the knowledge, skills, and resourcefulness to work across differences and address challenges together, and to build thriving civic communities,” says David Hoffman, director of the new center. “UMBC is the perfect setting for that kind of learning, with so many people and programs already contributing to a vibrant civic culture.” Continue reading UMBC launches Center for Democracy and Civic Life at a critical national moment
New Fulbright Accelerator connects CAHSS faculty with international opportunities
Through international work, says Nohe, “Scholars transform their teaching and scope of experience and share that with UMBC faculty and students. The perspective and broad scope of references is truly invaluable, and we as scholars serve as ambassadors for our institutions abroad.” Continue reading New Fulbright Accelerator connects CAHSS faculty with international opportunities
Twenty years of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study: An icon of urban ecology research
“More than half of the world’s population lives in cities,” says Chris Swan, “and understanding how these environments function from the natural, physical and social science perspectives has never been more important.” Continue reading Twenty years of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study: An icon of urban ecology research
UMBC community leaders launch Retriever Courage, a sexual assault prevention and response initiative
UMBC community leaders have announced the Retriever Courage initiative—the next phase in UMBC’s work to prevent and respond to sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct. The initiative emphasizes, “Change requires the courage to speak out, to listen, to learn, and to take action. We must fully live our campus values—inclusive excellence, collaboration, innovation, and impact—to make UMBC a safer, more caring living, learning, and working environment for all.” Continue reading UMBC community leaders launch Retriever Courage, a sexual assault prevention and response initiative
UMBC among the best universities in the world in 2019 U.S. News global ranking
UMBC performed well in several notable areas, including regional research reputation, international collaboration, and the percentage of faculty papers that are among the top 1 percent most cited. UMBC also received acclaim on two “subject lists,” as a global leader in geosciences and space science. Continue reading UMBC among the best universities in the world in 2019 U.S. News global ranking
UMBC welcomes Dana Bradley as new dean of the Erickson School for Aging Studies
Bradley believes “This is a world where engineers, designers, coders, visual artists, musicians, writers, mathematicians, economists—you name it—they are all needed to design living, working, and transportation spaces that are responsive to how humans age. This is a collective question that needs answers from all fields.” Continue reading UMBC welcomes Dana Bradley as new dean of the Erickson School for Aging Studies
UMBC’s McNair Scholars Program prepares the next generation of leading researchers
“There should not be any student that limits their aspirations because they are unsure how to pursue a Ph.D. or because of financial constraints,” says Michael Hunt, a UMBC alumnus and Ph.D. student, and assistant director of the McNair Scholars Program. Continue reading UMBC’s McNair Scholars Program prepares the next generation of leading researchers
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 light, on what we do at UMBC,” said Vice President for Research Karl Steiner, who spearheaded the event. 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