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
UMBC is a 2021 Great College to Work For…in every category
In the Great Colleges to Work For rankings, UMBC is not just featured on the Honor Roll, it has been recognized in every single award category. The Chronicle of Higher Education publishes this list each fall. This is UMBC’s 12th consecutive year on the list, and 10th year on the Honor Roll. Continue reading UMBC is a 2021 Great College to Work For…in every category
UMBC’s Matthew Baker gets to the root of how trees cool cities
A new study describes nuances of how trees affect temperature in cities, which could help urban planners reap the greatest benefits from tree planting efforts and protect their most vulnerable residents. Continue reading UMBC’s Matthew Baker gets to the root of how trees cool cities
UMBC sets the national standard in 2022 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings
UMBC is among the best of the best in both undergraduate teaching and innovation. “What has always set UMBC apart is the people,” says President Freeman Hrabowski. “Year after year, these rankings illustrate the many ways in which our faculty and staff work to support the success and well-being of our students.” Continue reading UMBC sets the national standard in 2022 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings
Princeton Review highlights UMBC as a university that “wants every student to succeed”
UMBC’s profile in “The Best 387 Colleges” highlights the university’s academic strengths and supportive community spirit. At UMBC, says one student, “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 highlights UMBC as a university that “wants every student to succeed”
UMBC’s Mercedes Burns to explore spider glues and silks with new $900K NSF grant
Spider silks and glues are incredibly difficult to produce synthetically, but could have important medical or industrial applications. Mercedes Burns and Sarah Stellwagen will study sticky substances produced by other animals, which are “sticky like spider silk glues, but maybe their genetic architecture is easier for us to duplicate,” Burns says. Continue reading UMBC’s Mercedes Burns to explore spider glues and silks with new $900K NSF grant
UMBC welcomes largest incoming class in university history
As the 2021-2022 academic year begins, UMBC is on pace to welcome nearly 2,100 new first-year students, making this the largest incoming fall class in UMBC’s history. Continue reading UMBC welcomes largest incoming class in university history
UMBC senior Maya Jones wins bronze at U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships
UMBC has seen its share of academic and athletic success across a wide range of fields and sports, but the University recently earned national acclaim in something new: figure skating. Maya Jones ‘22, psychology, took home a bronze medal for UMBC at the 2021 U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships in Pennsylvania on July 29. Continue reading UMBC senior Maya Jones wins bronze at U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships
Ocean exploration to environmental justice: UMBC students seize on unique summer opportunities
When COVID struck, students, families, and educators nationwide worried about the impact it would have on learning experiences and career opportunities. Throughout summer 2021, UMBC students have proven that with tenacity and support they can still access meaningful internships. Continue reading Ocean exploration to environmental justice: UMBC students seize on unique summer opportunities
UMBC graduates more Black students who go on to earn doctorates in natural sciences and engineering than any other U.S. college
“When we have greater diversity of representation, we also have greater diversity of information, knowledge, lived experience, and perspectives—each of which enhances discovery and innovation,” Freeman Hrabowski and Peter Henderson write. “When the science and engineering community looks like the United States, we find greater trust in and support for that community…” Continue reading UMBC graduates more Black students who go on to earn doctorates in natural sciences and engineering than any other U.S. college
Hurricanes, well-being, and AI: START Awards set up UMBC researchers for success
Physicist Steve Guimond and collaborators have received a new $682,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to develop, run, and analyze complex hurricane models on supercomputers. However, Guimond might never have received the grant if he hadn’t received a UMBC Strategic Award for Research Transitions (START) first. A new cohort of START funding recipients begins their projects this summer. Continue reading Hurricanes, well-being, and AI: START Awards set up UMBC researchers for success
UMBC, State of Maryland launch Maryland Institute for Innovative Computing at cyber summit
The MIIC will address pressing challenges related to computing, analytics, and workforce in state agencies, with a focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. “Maryland is showing the way by creating this innovative partnership that brings together experienced faculty and students…with state agencies that need support facing pressing challenges,” says Anupam Joshi, director of UMBC’s Center for Cybersecurity. Continue reading UMBC, State of Maryland launch Maryland Institute for Innovative Computing at cyber summit
UMBC economics students win 2021 iOme Challenge, a national competition for innovating retirement policy
“The iOME Challenge is an opportunity for UMBC students to further develop their research, writing, and presentation skills in the context of an important real-world topic,” says Douglas Lamdin, professor of economics. “It’s something that can only happen when you go beyond the classroom.” Continue reading UMBC economics students win 2021 iOme Challenge, a national competition for innovating retirement policy
Major UMBC stream restoration will enhance ecosystems, stormwater management, and the community experience
“This project will not only create and enhance wetland and stream habitats and functions, it will also provide recreational enhancements such as walking trails with stream access and connection to other existing trails,” says Lenn Caron. “The restored stream will elevate UMBC’s aesthetic appeal and provide a pleasant natural environment for members of the campus and local community for recreation, exercise and watershed education.” Continue reading Major UMBC stream restoration will enhance ecosystems, stormwater management, and the community experience
UMBC launches Faculty Expert Search tool to connect scholars with the public and each other
Every day UMBC faculty are hard at work testing antivirals in the lab, untangling the impacts of healthcare policy, and processing satellite data on Earth’s atmosphere. They are developing best practices for K-12 teaching, remediating water contaminants, and exploring how actors express intimacy on stage. But how can journalists, students, or the general public learn who these faculty are and what they study? And how can faculty connect with each other for innovative research collaborations? Anyone seeking UMBC experts can now find them through a new online tool that makes searches fast and easy. Continue reading UMBC launches Faculty Expert Search tool to connect scholars with the public and each other
NASA, Dept. of Energy grant prestigious research awards to UMBC physics Ph.D. students
Noah Sienkiewicz, the NASA recipient, says UMBC’s partnerships with the agency helped set him up for success. “I’ve gotten to be more exposed to actual NASA work, and sit in meetings with NASA officials,” he says. “So, as far as the childhood dream of ‘I want to work for NASA,’ I feel like it’s been a great stepping stone to doing that.” Continue reading NASA, Dept. of Energy grant prestigious research awards to UMBC physics Ph.D. students
UMBC researchers advance accessible COVID-19 testing technologies
Two research teams led by UMBC engineering faculty are transforming COVID-19 testing technologies. Rather than making users choose either the fastest or most affordable COVID-19 test, or the most accurate test, they seek to offer tests that are rapid, accessible, and highly accurate, all in one. Continue reading UMBC researchers advance accessible COVID-19 testing technologies
UMBC and Georgia State receive $3M NIMH grant to improve data-driven diagnosis of mood disorders
UMBC and Georgia State University have received a $3 million five-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for research supporting the diagnosis of mood disorders. Tulay Adali, professor of computer science and electrical engineering and distinguished university professor, will lead UMBC’s portion of the research. She says, “We hope this will enable us to better define subtypes of mental disorders, and will help inform effective and personalized forms of therapy.” Continue reading UMBC and Georgia State receive $3M NIMH grant to improve data-driven diagnosis of mood disorders
UMBC’s Krizmanic, Cannady contribute to research that adds new wrinkle to understanding the origins of matter in the Milky Way
New research shows that certain elements arrive at Earth from distant parts of the galaxy in different ways. Learning more about how these elements move through the galaxy helps address a fundamental, lingering question in astrophysics: How is matter generated and distributed across the universe? Continue reading UMBC’s Krizmanic, Cannady contribute to research that adds new wrinkle to understanding the origins of matter in the Milky Way
UMBC’s Tyson King-Meadows will carry forward commitment to inclusive excellence as dean at UMass Boston
“Whether centered on social justice issues related to the Baltimore Uprising or the racial reckoning after George Floyd’s death, Dr. King-Meadows has consistently encouraged us to do more and do better while continuing to center issues of inclusive excellence and equity,” says Kimberly Moffitt, interim dean of UMBC’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Continue reading UMBC’s Tyson King-Meadows will carry forward commitment to inclusive excellence as dean at UMass Boston
UMBC to partner with UMD, Army Research Lab to advance AI and autonomy through $68M collaboration
UMBC will partner with the University of Maryland, College Park, and the DEVCOM Army Research Lab on the $68-million, five-year endeavor, which ARL is funding. The goal is to strengthen Army AI technology so it is able to meet the demands of today’s national defense. Continue reading UMBC to partner with UMD, Army Research Lab to advance AI and autonomy through $68M collaboration
Graduating with gratitude: UMBC welcomes a new class of alumni
Persistent. Innovative. Determined. These are the words UMBC’s commencement speakers returned to again and again to describe the Class of 2021. And despite a year of challenges—missing family and friends, technological frustrations, life lived through the computer screen—one of the resounding themes of this year’s Commencement ceremonies was gratitude. Continue reading Graduating with gratitude: UMBC welcomes a new class of alumni
UMBC to receive over $63 million in NASA renewal of CRESST II space science consortium
NASA has committed $178 million to extend support for the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology II (CRESST II), a five-institution research consortium, through 2027. The consortium leverages resources at each institution to develop a diverse talent pipeline in space science and answer big questions about the universe. Continue reading UMBC to receive over $63 million in NASA renewal of CRESST II space science consortium
UMBC’s Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition winners focus on tech innovations, social impact
The eighth annual Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition hosted by the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship was held virtually on April 29, with one track focused on technology and the other focused on social impact ideas beyond tech. Continue reading UMBC’s Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition winners focus on tech innovations, social impact
UMBC grads share what inspires them: family, Baltimore communities, international experiences
“I had never been part of a university whose work was centered around social justice,” says Nicholas Nguyen ‘21, M.A. sociology. “The Peace Corps showed me how political systems work at an international level. UMBC’s Peaceworker Program is giving me an understanding from a social justice and antiracist perspective.” Continue reading UMBC grads share what inspires them: family, Baltimore communities, international experiences
Graduating Retrievers find joy and career inspiration in supporting K-12 students and families
“I was able to access excellent research opportunities in the humanities that I never thought would be available at the undergraduate level,” says Emily Rose Paul ‘21, global studies. “UMBC is known as a STEM school, but I have received the most amazing humanities education as a global studies student. You will be surprised at all that you can find here.” Continue reading Graduating Retrievers find joy and career inspiration in supporting K-12 students and families
UMBC’s 2021 grads advance research with public impact—from disaster response to assistive tech
Students from across all three UMBC colleges are graduating this week having taken advantage of the unique undergraduate research opportunities and supportive mentorship UMBC offers. They’re poised to take their research to the next level and move on to new challenges through graduate school and careers. Continue reading UMBC’s 2021 grads advance research with public impact—from disaster response to assistive tech
UMBC’s latest graduates in the arts forge new creative paths despite a challenging year
The past pandemic year saw arts communities unable to connect with audiences in traditional ways. Usually reliant on people gathering together to experience their work, creators and performers were thrust online. Some artistic experiences were rendered impossible, but the challenging situation didn’t slow the creative efforts of visual and performing artists of UMBC’s Class of 2021. Continue reading UMBC’s latest graduates in the arts forge new creative paths despite a challenging year
Doing their homework: Graduating Retrievers use internships to jumpstart their careers
While juggling their academic work and co-curricular activities, these graduating Retrievers also completed multiple internships to help prepare them for their future. They share how putting their knowledge into practice is a classic UMBC experience. Continue reading Doing their homework: Graduating Retrievers use internships to jumpstart their careers
UMBC’s newest grads leave a legacy of advocacy, inclusion, and support for fellow students
On the back of every UMBC black and gold ID card is a guide to essential emergency resources, including numbers for health, counseling, sexual assault, and suicide prevention helplines. The new card design was the result of student advocacy through UMBC’s Retriever Courage initiative, seeking to better prevent and respond to sexual assault and violence. And the person who suggested that change is Autumn Cook, graduating this week, a tireless advocate for fellow UMBC students. Continue reading UMBC’s newest grads leave a legacy of advocacy, inclusion, and support for fellow students
New UMBC grads find entrepreneurial ways to positively impact communities
Six members of UMBC’s Class of 2021 share how they’ve been able to impact issues and communities that matter to them through strong relationships and an entrepreneurial approach to their UMBC experience. Continue reading New UMBC grads find entrepreneurial ways to positively impact communities
UMBC together: Graduating Retrievers reflect on building community through conversations
When listeners tune in to the Retriever Tales podcast hosted by Tirzah Khan ‘21, information systems, who is graduating this week, they’ll hear UMBC voices sharing their journeys of finding and creating community. Moving, inspiring, funny, and thought-provoking, the show is a testament to Khan’s own UMBC experience and a broader culture of co-creating community at UMBC. Continue reading UMBC together: Graduating Retrievers reflect on building community through conversations
UMBC softball wins America East championship, continues on to NCAA tournament
After five scoreless innings, UMBC softball pulled ahead in the bottom of the sixth to successfully defend their 2019 America East title with a 1-0 win over No.3 seed Stony Brook in the 2021 America East Championship this past Saturday. Continue reading UMBC softball wins America East championship, continues on to NCAA tournament
UMBC expands arts opportunities for K-8 students in Baltimore through Charlesmead partnership
Two UMBC projects have taken flight this spring, designed to support the academic, creative, and social success of Baltimore City students through arts opportunities. Both projects are funded through the UMBC-Charlesmead Initiative for Arts Education, which was established in 2018 with a $500,000, five-year gift from the Charlesmead Foundation. Continue reading UMBC expands arts opportunities for K-8 students in Baltimore through Charlesmead partnership
Strong finish: UMBC student-athletes discuss support and resilience in “one of the toughest years”
Due to the pandemic, the NCAA has offered senior college athletes around the country a waiver to compete for an extra year. Many fourth-year student-athletes at UMBC and around the country will take advantage of this opportunity, but others decided to press forward with making the most of an unusual senior year before shifting gears to the next phase of their lives. Continue reading Strong finish: UMBC student-athletes discuss support and resilience in “one of the toughest years”
Retrievers buck ‘traditional’ timelines and redefine success
“Transfer students bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences to our campus,” says UMBC’s Chloe Terrell. “Without them, we wouldn’t be the vibrant community we are.” Continue reading Retrievers buck ‘traditional’ timelines and redefine success
UMBC celebrates 25th Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day with an expanded global audience
“While we are eager to get back to the live event, there are definitely aspects of the online event that have widened the scope of URCAD,” says April Householder, director of undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships. “Presenters were able to invite friends and family members from other countries to view their presentations, and invite international scholars as potential future collaborators.” Continue reading UMBC celebrates 25th Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day with an expanded global audience
UMBC’s Faith Davis is named a 2021 Newman Civic Fellow for work on healthcare, food, and housing insecurity
Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic has named Faith Davis a 2021 Newman Civic Fellow. “My greatest hope for this fellowship is to connect with a large network of change-makers who I can learn from and be inspired by throughout my life,” says Davis. “I hope to eventually work together to create a better world.” Continue reading UMBC’s Faith Davis is named a 2021 Newman Civic Fellow for work on healthcare, food, and housing insecurity
UMBC Cyber Dawgs defend title as Mid-Atlantic cyber champions
UMBC’s Cyber Dawgs took first place in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) earlier this month. The team participated in the competition virtually, working to protect their networks from simulated cyber threats and attacks. Continue reading UMBC Cyber Dawgs defend title as Mid-Atlantic cyber champions
UMBC’s Jordan Troutman to continue algorithmic fairness research as Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford
At UMBC, says Jordan Troutman, he’s had space to develop his authentic self and build confidence that he can do impactful work. “I think that’s the beauty of this school,” Troutman shares. “You can be whoever you want.” Now, he’s heading to Stanford for a Ph.D. in computer science. Continue reading UMBC’s Jordan Troutman to continue algorithmic fairness research as Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford
UMBC education faculty and partners work to humanize K-12 distance learning
“We value the humanizing practices that are often embedded in the teaching practices of Black teachers,” explains Keisha McIntosh Allen, assistant professor of language and literacy education. “This is an opportunity for them to lead and share their knowledge, which is often overlooked by teacher evaluations that do not acknowledge these approaches to teaching.” Continue reading UMBC education faculty and partners work to humanize K-12 distance learning