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
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