“Appreciate the differences”: How study abroad shaped four UMBC student experiences
Many students come to UMBC with the goal of leaving the familiar behind to take on new challenges and gain a fresh perspective. Once they’re on campus, that’s also what inspires some Retrievers to explore international learning opportunities. Balancing course requirements, activities, research, and other responsibilities, while also pursuing study abroad, can prove challenging. But for these four UMBC students earning undergraduate degrees this month, it’s also been transformative. Continue reading “Appreciate the differences”: How study abroad shaped four UMBC student experiences
Five UMBC students see their degrees as a step toward community impact
“Being a valedictorian for me is about honoring South Asian women feminists whose achievements were not as visible when I was growing up. It is also about the need to transform research and community service skills into direct activism.”—Samiksha Manjani Continue reading Five UMBC students see their degrees as a step toward community impact
Laser focus without limits: UMBC’s newest grads choose their own adventures
He’s a bassoonist and chemical engineer. She’s a dancer and social justice advocate. UMBC students have a lot of focus, but that doesn’t mean they have to focus on one thing. For many, the UMBC experience is about figuring out how to combine their passions, not chose one or the other. Here, four UMBC students graduating this spring share how they have found their own unique balance. Continue reading Laser focus without limits: UMBC’s newest grads choose their own adventures
UMBC makes intro computing courses available to students in any major through X + Computing pilot
Computing and coding skills are becoming integral to many jobs and industries, but students outside of computing disciplines are not always exposed to these fundamentals. UMBC is working to change that with new learning pathways for non-computer science majors. Continue reading UMBC makes intro computing courses available to students in any major through X + Computing pilot
Leaders in public service, music, and addiction research to address UMBC’s Class of 2019
At UMBC’s upcoming commencement ceremonies, students and their families and supporters will hear from three distinguished speakers recognized as leaders in their different fields. They include a UMBC alumnus recently elected county executive, the first woman conductor of a major American orchestra, and one of the world’s top addiction researchers. Continue reading Leaders in public service, music, and addiction research to address UMBC’s Class of 2019
From dream to drive to degree: Five UMBC journeys
“My goal is to be a part of the change that I’d like to see,” says Vanessa Gonzalez ’19, American studies, sharing the vision of so many UMBC students graduating alongside her. “I want to be part of helping lift up a community that deserves more.” Continue reading From dream to drive to degree: Five UMBC journeys
UMBC softball clinches first America East title, advancing to the NCAA tournament
UMBC softball swept the America East tournament for their first title win. The Retrievers will advance to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002. Continue reading UMBC softball clinches first America East title, advancing to the NCAA tournament
Fourteen UMBC students and recent alumni receive Fulbright awards, setting new record
Since 1970, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program has chosen more than 70 UMBC students and recent alumni to represent the United States through conducting research, teaching English, or pursuing graduate studies internationally. This year’s recipients will pursue Fulbright experiences in Rwanda, Malaysia, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and more. Continue reading Fourteen UMBC students and recent alumni receive Fulbright awards, setting new record
UMBC’s newest grads share what inspired their unique paths
When students come to UMBC, they bring with them life experiences that shape the program they choose, the mentors they find, the research questions they ask, and the communities they build on campus. Here, five UMBC students earning their degrees this month share experiences that shaped their paths. Continue reading UMBC’s newest grads share what inspired their unique paths
UMBC to face No. 1 seed Penn State in NCAA men’s lacrosse tournament
Just four days after winning the America East men’s lacrosse championship, UMBC defeated Marist to head to the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament. They’ll face No. 1 seed Penn State in University Park, Pennsylvania, at noon on Sunday, May 12. Continue reading UMBC to face No. 1 seed Penn State in NCAA men’s lacrosse tournament
UMBC advances to the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship after America East victory
The Retrievers are America East champions again, with UMBC’s men’s lacrosse reclaiming the title for the first time in a decade. Now, the team is heading to the opening round of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship, facing MAAC Champion Marist on May 8, 7 p.m., at Tenney Stadium in Poughkeepsie, New York. Continue reading UMBC advances to the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship after America East victory
UMBC international students find connection on campus, from day one to degree
When international students arrive on campus, they find a warm welcome from their departments and fellow students. These four May graduates share how they made a home on campus during their time at UMBC. Continue reading UMBC international students find connection on campus, from day one to degree
Business First names UMBC one of nation’s best public universities
Business First works to pinpoint “the public universities and colleges that offer the best educational experiences to their students.” Their ranking assesses over 500 four-year higher education institutions based on 22 key indicators, measuring academic excellence, affordability, diversity, and economic strength. Continue reading Business First names UMBC one of nation’s best public universities
UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars replications at Penn State, UNC show notable success in first four years
“These findings confirm that Meyerhoff-like programs and student outcomes can be achieved elsewhere, even at institutions very different from UMBC,” says Michael Summers. “It is my hope that this initial effort has laid the groundwork for partnership expansion with an even broader range of institutions.” Continue reading UMBC Meyerhoff Scholars replications at Penn State, UNC show notable success in first four years
UMBC community responds to launch of new icon and homepage following two-year branding initiative
Earlier this month, UMBC officially launched a new icon and homepage as the culmination of a two-year, community-driven brand message and logo development process—the first University-wide branding initiative in UMBC history. Continue reading UMBC community responds to launch of new icon and homepage following two-year branding initiative
URCAD 2019 features diversity-focused student research, with Baltimore, LGBTQ+, and international focus areas
These presentations affirm a core goal of URCAD. As Katharine H. Cole, vice provost and dean of undergraduate academic affairs, has shared, “UMBC encourages students of all disciplines to engage in mentored projects and through creative thought and focused inquiry, to discover in themselves their passion.” Continue reading URCAD 2019 features diversity-focused student research, with Baltimore, LGBTQ+, and international focus areas
“Researching” to “researcher”: UMBC students share why mentoring is the key
Mechanical engineering major Karla Negrete was drawn to Deepa Madan’s lab after she took a course about the chemical and physical aspects of materials. “Dr. Madan has been a mentor to me in many ways,” Negrete reflects, “but the most important has been her ability to believe in me and stand behind me.” Continue reading “Researching” to “researcher”: UMBC students share why mentoring is the key
UMBC labs share four essentials for undergraduate research success
#1: Developing scientist identity. For example, in Ruben Delgado’s lab, “Every undergraduate has a project that they can define when they first start and then fine tune it as they move along,” says Meredith Sperling ’19. “Graduate students and Ruben are great at providing guidance, pointing out possible pitfalls, etc., but at the end of the day it’s really our research and where we want to take it.” Continue reading UMBC labs share four essentials for undergraduate research success
UMBC celebrates 2019 Presidential Faculty and Staff Award winners
The UMBC community gathered to recognize the contributions of dedicated faculty and staff. “It’s your collective contributions that are the UMBC experience and story,” said President Hrabowski. Continue reading UMBC celebrates 2019 Presidential Faculty and Staff Award winners
Retriever Courage partners take stock of community work to prevent and respond to sexual assault
Six months into the Retriever Courage initiative, this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming at UMBC is especially meaningful for the University community. “Our efforts to support survivors and cultivate a survivor-responsive campus need to be a 365-days-a-year undertaking,” says Jess Myers, director of UMBC’s Women’s Center. “We all are responsible for this work.” Continue reading Retriever Courage partners take stock of community work to prevent and respond to sexual assault
UMBC’s David Di Maria briefs Congressional staff on opportunities to support international students
Di Maria recommended that the U.S. implement a national-level international education strategy, improve support for students, and adopt immigration policies that allow the U.S. to retain top graduates in our workforce. Continue reading UMBC’s David Di Maria briefs Congressional staff on opportunities to support international students
UMBC researchers invent creative approach to remove dangerous pollutant from waterways
“When we started working and talking together, we realized, ‘I can solve your problem and you can solve my problem,’” Upal Ghosh says of his interdisciplinary partnership with Kevin Sowers. Continue reading UMBC researchers invent creative approach to remove dangerous pollutant from waterways
Biology graduate students from UMBC earn national honors for unique aquatic research
Whether wading in a cold stream or in the lab, mentors who foster independent thinking balanced with guidance—for research and for life—make the difference for UMBC graduate students on the national and international stage. A close-knit graduate student community adds a level of support that helps students succeed. Continue reading Biology graduate students from UMBC earn national honors for unique aquatic research
UMBC Mock Trial takes 8th place at AMTA National Championship
“For me, this is like Division I sports,” team member Sydney Gaskins explains. “It’s extremely rigorous and competitive. Mock Trial demands a great deal of hard work, dedication, and commitment, to compete against some of the best teams and win. I always aim to win.” Continue reading UMBC Mock Trial takes 8th place at AMTA National Championship
UMBC welcomes Donna Ruginski as executive director for cybersecurity initiatives
Ruginski will work with campus leaders and industry partners to enhance UMBC’s portfolio of cybersecurity initiatives and research partnerships with public and private organizations. Continue reading UMBC welcomes Donna Ruginski as executive director for cybersecurity initiatives
UMBC ranks #3 among U.S. universities in global social and economic impact
“The new Times Higher Education impact rankings are distinct from other university rankings in that they are a measure of the difference UMBC is making in the world,” says UMBC’s Katharine H. Cole. “It is not surprising that UMBC is ranked so highly as it is this type of societal and economic impact that is at the very core of UMBC’s mission and values.” Continue reading UMBC ranks #3 among U.S. universities in global social and economic impact
UMBC’s Bradley Arnold develops laser-based technology to safely and quickly detect IEDs and other hazards in combat zones
You’re a U.S. soldier, motoring across the desert at 60 miles an hour in an Army truck. Suddenly, a red light flashes on your dashboard—an instrument has detected traces of explosive material on the road surface ahead. You divert around the hazard and continue safely toward your destination. “There is currently nothing available to do this at this speed,” says Bradley Arnold. But that could soon change. Continue reading UMBC’s Bradley Arnold develops laser-based technology to safely and quickly detect IEDs and other hazards in combat zones
UMBC’s Tyson King-Meadows becomes an ACE Fellow, as an emerging national higher ed leader
“Tyson King-Meadows has long been a visionary leader at UMBC at every level, from department to College to University,” shares Scott Casper, dean of CAHSS. “I’m delighted that ACE has recognized his record of accomplishments, and I look forward to the exciting ideas and approaches he will bring back to us from institutions across the country.” Continue reading UMBC’s Tyson King-Meadows becomes an ACE Fellow, as an emerging national higher ed leader
New GEARS symposium offers professional development opportunities to grad students across disciplines
“We want to provide an avenue for people to learn skills that they’re not going to get in the classroom or the lab,” says Alex Rittle, Ph.D. student in geography and environmental systems and chair of the GEARS planning committee. Continue reading New GEARS symposium offers professional development opportunities to grad students across disciplines
UMBC recognizes Renetta Tull for transformative leadership advancing diversity in STEM
Renetta Tull has worked with students, faculty, and staff across UMBC and the University System of Maryland to increase diversity in STEM disciplines for over a decade. At the end of March, Tull will begin a new role as vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion at UC Davis. Continue reading UMBC recognizes Renetta Tull for transformative leadership advancing diversity in STEM
UMBC’s Maheen Haq receives 2019 Newman Civic Fellowship, affirming the importance of supporting local and global communities facing discrimination
Whether she’s in Jordan or Baltimore, UMBC’s Maheen Haq brings a deep sense of duty to her work with communities facing discrimination. “Amanah is a word in Arabic that means trust. For me this means that if I have knowledge of oppression, I have been trusted with the task of standing up against it,” Haq explains. “I study very hard so that I can develop the best skills to serve communities dealing with grave injustices because they deserve the best.” Continue reading UMBC’s Maheen Haq receives 2019 Newman Civic Fellowship, affirming the importance of supporting local and global communities facing discrimination
UMBC delegation joins students from three continents at International Model African Union
“The world seems small when we stay in one place, but when we travel we come to understand issues beyond our own culture,” says Marion Sillah ’22, political science, from Sierra Leone. “Broadening my point of view made me think about where I stand as a woman, a black woman, a Muslim woman, and an immigrant on a global scale.” Continue reading UMBC delegation joins students from three continents at International Model African Union
UMBC School of Public Policy and APPAM work to diversify the field through outreach to students
“UMBC was uniquely positioned to meet APPAM’s goals in helping to diversify the field because of UMBC’s strong, diverse student scholars, many of whom are first-generation or come from underrepresented groups,” shares Jane Lincove, associate professor of public policy. Continue reading UMBC School of Public Policy and APPAM work to diversify the field through outreach to students
UMBC men’s basketball advances to the America East final after a gripping semifinal victory
After battling through two rounds of fatiguing overtime, UMBC men’s basketball bested Hartford 90-85 to advance to the America East championship game and defend their title. Continue reading UMBC men’s basketball advances to the America East final after a gripping semifinal victory
U.S. News recognizes UMBC graduate programs as among nation’s best in new 2020 rankings
UMBC has again been recognized by U.S. News for exceptional graduate programs in the newly released rankings for 2020. Continue reading U.S. News recognizes UMBC graduate programs as among nation’s best in new 2020 rankings
UMBC’s Joe Sherburne is named Academic All-American of the Year
UMBC men’s basketball team captain Joe Sherburne ‘18, financial economics, has nabbed top national honors as the 2018-19 Google Cloud Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year for Division I men’s basketball. “With the passion he brings on the court and the dedication he brings to the classroom, Joe truly serves as a role model for our university,” says President Freeman Hrabowski. “We’re so proud of how he represents UMBC and the leadership he’s brought to the team.” Continue reading UMBC’s Joe Sherburne is named Academic All-American of the Year
Class project to clinical trials: UMBC’s affordable infant incubator wins Global Health Research Award
Govind Rao and his students have developed a cardboard incubator to support premature babies in communities with limited resources, and in remote areas that do not have access to medical facilities. The inexpensive, easily constructed devices are poised to make a major impact. Continue reading Class project to clinical trials: UMBC’s affordable infant incubator wins Global Health Research Award
UMBC’s Jonathan Singer supports South Korean science teachers through Howard County partnership
The Howard County Public School System, in partnership with the South Korean Iksan District Office of Education, recently invited Jonathan Singer to provide professional development to visiting secondary science teachers from South Korea. “Working with Dr. Singer was a great start,” said partnership coordinator Sunghwa Jung. “His research and the tasks he prepared benefited the Korean science teachers greatly, helping them to reflect on their own teaching practices.” Continue reading UMBC’s Jonathan Singer supports South Korean science teachers through Howard County partnership
UMBC’s Susan McDonough receives NEH fellowship for more inclusive research on medieval women
“I want to look into the lives of medieval prostitutes to help us understand the gendered and political influences that fostered their roles as businesswomen and community members,” says McDonough. Continue reading UMBC’s Susan McDonough receives NEH fellowship for more inclusive research on medieval women
UMBC students Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Olusayo Adeleye co-create 1st U.S. conference for Black women economists
Reflecting on her inspiration, Sadie T.M. Alexander, Opoku-Agyeman says, “Similar to Dr. Alexander, people have projected their limitations onto me, often focusing on what I could not do because of my race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic background, age, or all of the above. She taught me that there is absolutely nothing that I cannot do. If want to reach a goal, all I have to do is run towards it.” Continue reading UMBC students Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Olusayo Adeleye co-create 1st U.S. conference for Black women economists
Retriever basketball heads to America East playoffs
The month of March is a favorite for Retriever Nation, with America East playoffs on the horizon and memories of UMBC’s 2018 March Madness victory on everyone’s mind. This year, both UMBC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete in America East postseason play. The women will take on Hartford on March 6 and the men will host UAlbany at the UMBC Event Center on March 9. Continue reading Retriever basketball heads to America East playoffs
UMBC mentors support a record number of Fulbright student award semifinalists
This year UMBC has produced thirty applicants and twenty-two semifinalists—a record number for the university. “I am always happy to share and promote the Fulbright experience wherever I go,” says Brian Souders, UMBC’s Fulbright U.S. Student Award advisor. “I have seen first-hand how it catapults students’ success in a way they never thought possible.” Continue reading UMBC mentors support a record number of Fulbright student award semifinalists