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
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