“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
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
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
“In the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program, we seek to support students who want to live impactful lives,” says Laura Hussey, associate professor of political science, and director of the program. “Evan is already doing that and with great excellence, integrity, and care for people.” Continue reading Evan Avila is named a Truman Scholar, the fourth in UMBC history
“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
“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
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
“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 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
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
“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
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
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
“As someone who was a four-year competitor for the program and was the program’s president as a senior, I find weekends like this past one to be both rewarding and exciting,” says Dylan Rogers Elliott ‘17, history. “I came through the program and have been able to come back and coach while in law school, and nothing makes me happier than seeing both the success and potential of the UMBC Mock Trial Program continue to grow.” Continue reading UMBC Mock Trial takes top prize at Georgetown’s Hilltop Invitational as competition season kicks into high gear
“Both Maryland Humanities and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance immeasurably enrich our communities, region, and state,” says Scott Casper. “They nurture our collective humanity, our creativity, and our understanding of contemporary and historical contexts for our challenges and endeavors.” Continue reading Dean Scott Casper continues UMBC’s strong partnership with Maryland Humanities and the Greater Baltimore Alliance as a new board member
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
“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
“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’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
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 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
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
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
“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
“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
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
“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
“This recognition is incredibly important for UMBC because it acknowledges on a global stage our commitment to meeting the real and unique needs of our international students,” says Michelle Massey. “We listen to our students, we develop solutions together as a community, and we implement them to help these students have the best possible experience at UMBC, and as alumni.” Continue reading PIEoneer Awards recognize UMBC for career initiatives supporting international students
“Public-engaged humanities are essential to UMBC’s vision, specifically its commitment to civic engagement and social justice,” says Nicole King. “It is essential for our students to show up and to listen to the neighborhoods and communities that surround the university in ways that are honest, respectful, and ethical.” Continue reading National “Humanities for All” initiative features innovative work by UMBC scholars
“Researching school choice is challenging because there are so many stakeholders that are for and against it. But in the end,” she says, “looking at research across the United States allows us to identify what is working and help inform policy to help schools systems create equitable, successful, and safe learning environments.” Continue reading UMBC education policy expert Jane Arnold Lincove helps launch national center for research on school choice
“When you are trying to solve a problem, you may be able to do it faster yourself,” reflects Haffer, “but the product a team creates is better because it represents the intersection of different views. It will be of more value to your customers, who will be as diverse as the team that created the product.” Continue reading UMBC alumnus Chris Haffer becomes EEOC’s first chief data officer
Contest judge David Wegge, of St. Norbert College, said Evan’s entry, “demonstrated great policy depth, a keen understanding of the challenges millennials face, and creativity in devising solutions that are achievable for this age cohort.” Continue reading UMBC’s Evan Avila wins iOme Challenge with ideas to help millennials save for retirement
“We are changing Earth’s climate faster than at any time since the fall of the dinosaurs,” says Ellis. For scientists, he notes, “What’s controversial…is when did this begin? […] When did humans literally become the global shaper of the earth?” Continue reading When did humans start to transform Earth? UMBC’s Erle Ellis introduces the Anthropocene.
The South Baltimore center opened its doors on June 1, after a two-year, $1.6 million renovation supported by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and Northrop Grumman Mission Systems in partnership with UMBC. Sen. Ben Cardin called the space “a resource for people of all ages to acquire life-changing knowledge and skills.” Continue reading UMBC celebrates opening of new Lakeland Community and STEAM Center
“Confronting the barriers to health equity compels us to look across disciplines and toward collaborations among social scientists, scientists and engineers, and humanists and artists,” said Dean Scott Casper at the event. Continue reading UMBC health justice research forum focuses on the value of community voices
Hrabowski commented further on how humanities have made possible his approach to leadership and building relationships. “I think of the humanities as having given me a context for living my own life, and for knowing how I would work with and be as supportive as possible of others,” he said. Continue reading Maryland Humanities honors Pres. Hrabowski, James Brady, and Catherine Gira
“This year’s Fulbright Scholars demonstrate the excellence of the humanities and social sciences at UMBC, as well as the centrality of global understanding to a contemporary liberal arts education,” says Scott Casper, dean of CAHSS. Continue reading UMBC grads ready to travel the world as Fulbright Scholars
What do nine UMBC alumni with a passion for basketball, dance, and lacrosse, and fields from biology and biochemistry to information systems and political science have in common? They all chose to teach in Maryland public schools, and all returned to UMBC this May to speak at a special Celebration of Teaching event, launching a campus-wide initiative to increase recruitment and retention of teachers of color in Maryland public schools. Continue reading UMBC celebrates alumni educators in Maryland public schools
“The Catonsville Nine’s protest is one of the most significant acts of war resistance in our nation’s history, and it happened just down the road from UMBC fifty years ago this May,” says Joby Taylor, director of the Shriver Peaceworker Program. Continue reading UMBC Shriver Center explores civil disobedience and social justice fifty years after Catonsville Nine
How can Baltimore neighborhoods renew themselves without forcing out local residents or homogenizing diverse populations? Community-engaged researchers from UMBC, Morgan State University, and the University of Baltimore will examine this question through a special event on April 18. Continue reading UMBC hosts social justice-focused panel on gentrification in Baltimore
“It is an honor to represent the commitment of UMBC to service and engaged citizenship at a national level with the help of The Shriver Center,” Milani reflects. “They helped me to bridge the gap between my desire to create change and my ability to apply my knowledge through service-learning. Continue reading Stephanie Milani named Newman Civic Fellow for expanding access to computer science education
Seidel reflects that UMBC’s diverse student body and range of student experiences available are two of UMBC’s core strengths. Continue reading Valedictorian Kara Seidel focuses her research on supporting families dealing with trauma
