UMBC historian Anne Rubin examines food scarcity in the Confederate South through NEH fellowship


Policy & Society

“I research people who don’t always leave letters or diaries, but can be found through a receipt for the food they were given,” says Rubin. “I want students to think of food history as another tool in the historian’s toolbox—that you can look at a recipe and you can piece together a whole social network from it.” Continue reading UMBC historian Anne Rubin examines food scarcity in the Confederate South through NEH fellowship

The Carnegie Foundation honors UMBC as a leading community-engaged university


Community, Policy & Society, Science & Technology

“Carnegie’s definition of community engagement emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and mutual benefits in the partnerships that are created,” explains Michele Wolff, director of the Shriver Center. “Shriver Center programs ask us to think about how we can make our partnerships more authentic, to effectively meet the needs of all involved. In this way, the longstanding approach of the Shriver Center also reflects the Carnegie Foundation’s principles of reciprocity and mutuality.” Continue reading The Carnegie Foundation honors UMBC as a leading community-engaged university

Baltimore Field School: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supports UMBC’s inclusive approach to community-based research


Policy & Society

“We want to think differently about how public humanities work can be done by reflecting on what ethical community-university partnerships look like,” says Nicole King, associate professor of American Studies and director of the Orser Center. “This collaborative process takes a great deal of time, listening, and building trust.” Continue reading Baltimore Field School: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supports UMBC’s inclusive approach to community-based research

UMBC and UMB partner to become Maryland’s first “age-friendly” universities


Policy & Society

“What I love about the UMB and UMBC connection is that we draw many people together for a greater good. This is an interdisciplinary journey to address aging through policy, business management, life sciences, entrepreneurship, and technology lens,” said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski Continue reading UMBC and UMB partner to become Maryland’s first “age-friendly” universities

UMBC graduates create their own paths to excellence, focused on succeeding together


Class of 2019, Community

Each graduating student’s path looks different. For many Retrievers, UMBC offers an opportunity to develop not just knowledge and skills, but also self-awareness that enables them to pursue personal passions. That self-awareness often means understanding what kinds of support made an impact on their experiences, and how they can lend support to those coming up behind them. Excellence for these seniors is about more than accolades; it is about succeeding together.  Continue reading UMBC graduates create their own paths to excellence, focused on succeeding together

UMBC’s Jason Schiffman and his YouthFIRST lab advance early identification and treatment of psychosis


Policy & Society, Uncategorized

“On average, life expectancy for someone with schizophrenia is twenty years less than someone without schizophrenia,” says Schiffman. “We are changing the paradigm by moving away from institutionalization and incarceration, and towards prevention—enabling people with psychosis a chance to live a life of their choosing in the community and the opportunity to reach towards their highest potential.”  Continue reading UMBC’s Jason Schiffman and his YouthFIRST lab advance early identification and treatment of psychosis

UMBC welcomes European Union ambassadors to the U.S.


Policy & Society

Ambassadors from the European countries of Slovenia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic convened at UMBC this month as part of the first joint European Union State outreach trip outside of Washington, D.C. Delegations from over twenty E.U. member states participated in the day of engagement with Maryland state and local officials, students, educators, and environmental and trade organizations.  Continue reading UMBC welcomes European Union ambassadors to the U.S.

UMBC’s Evan Avila, advocate for equal access to financial services, is a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship


Policy & Society

April Householder, director of undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships, shares that Evan Avila emerged as such a strong candidate for multiple national awards “because of his exemplary commitment to public service, and his ability to work with diverse groups of individuals.” She notes, “We felt that he has great potential as a policymaker and social change agent.” Continue reading UMBC’s Evan Avila, advocate for equal access to financial services, is a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship

UMBC broadens international learning opportunities: Stories from five continents


Arts & Culture, Policy & Society, Science & Technology1 Comment

“It is one thing for international partners to hear how UMBC is diverse and inclusive, it is another to actually see how it works in person,” reflects Rashed. “The success of this program, one we hope to continue, depends on the continued committed of the entire campus to the preparation of teachers from all over the world. This is where the real-life implementation of diversity and inclusion is invaluable.” Continue reading UMBC broadens international learning opportunities: Stories from five continents

UMBC’s newest Postdoctoral Fellows for Faculty Diversity explore who has a voice in literature, policy, and social movements


Policy & Society

“UMBC is giving me the ultimate opportunity of time and support to think, write, and teach about what matters to me the most—conducting research about my community,” says Fernando Tormos-Aponte, political science. He shares the same enthusiasm that Emily Perez, English, and Blake Francis, philosophy, have about their new appointments as 2019-2020 Postdoctoral Fellows for Faculty Diversity. Continue reading UMBC’s newest Postdoctoral Fellows for Faculty Diversity explore who has a voice in literature, policy, and social movements

In Baltimore Revisited, UMBC and community authors reflect on the city’s history of inequality and resistance


Policy & Society3 Comments

King and Drabinski recognized the need for an updated history of Baltimore, written by and for scholars and community members alike, so they took up the task. “We wanted our work to reach beyond the academy because these histories belong to everyone,” shares Drabinski. “We hope readers can find pieces that speak to them.” Continue reading In Baltimore Revisited, UMBC and community authors reflect on the city’s history of inequality and resistance

UMBC’s Erle Ellis crowdsources global archaeological research to trace the history of human impacts on Earth


Policy & Society

“Our hope is that this is only the first achievement of what will become a new, massively collaborative scientific approach to understanding the global environmental changes caused by humans over the long term,” shares Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems. Continue reading UMBC’s Erle Ellis crowdsources global archaeological research to trace the history of human impacts on Earth

Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities hosts literacy-focused institute for Baltimore teachers


Policy & Society

UMBC’s Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities recently welcomed to campus early childhood educators from four Baltimore City public schools. They gathered for a Summer Teacher Institute designed to enhance their expertise on improving reading and writing instruction and outcomes for young English language learners. “These strategies support and build on the skills students have and open worlds of unexplored possibilities,” says Olivia Grimes ‘19, individualized study, an early childhood teacher at Maree G. Farring Elementary/Middle School and a presenter at the event. Continue reading Sherman Center for Early Learning in Urban Communities hosts literacy-focused institute for Baltimore teachers

UMBC partners with Latino Racial Justice Circle and Maryland Humanities in community-engaged research in Baltimore


Policy & Society

“Our goal as researchers was to use dialogue and digital stories as two ways to bring different communities together around religion, race, and immigration,” explains Felipe Filomeno, professor of political science and global studies. Continue reading UMBC partners with Latino Racial Justice Circle and Maryland Humanities in community-engaged research in Baltimore

Preminda Jacob focuses on building connections as new associate dean of research and community engagement


Arts & Culture

Scott Casper, dean of CAHSS, is excited about the level of expertise Jacob brings to the team. “Preminda Jacob brings a wealth of experience as a scholar, teacher, and UMBC citizen, and leader to the Dean’s Office,” says Casper. “I am delighted that she has joined our leadership team and look forward to her continued contributions to the College and the University in this new role.” Continue reading Preminda Jacob focuses on building connections as new associate dean of research and community engagement

2015-2017 Postdoctoral Fellows for Faculty Diversity

UMBC’s Mejdulene B. Shomali receives Woodrow Wilson Foundation fellowship for research on gender and sexuality in transnational Arab culture


Policy & Society

“Most people don’t know there are twenty-two countries in the Arab league. These countries share Arabic as the primary national language. Many are Muslim-majority nations,” shares Shomali. “Many, but not all.” She notes, “There is great linguistic, cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity within the Arab world.” Continue reading UMBC’s Mejdulene B. Shomali receives Woodrow Wilson Foundation fellowship for research on gender and sexuality in transnational Arab culture

UMBC’s Erickson School celebrates new grads as innovators in aging services


Policy & Society

“Our ceremony provides an opportunity to reflect upon the tremendous personal growth of each of our graduates,” explains Dana Bradley, dean of the Erickson School. “We celebrate the amazing opportunities our graduates have as leaders in aging services to ensure that our society is ready to embrace the longevity economy.” Continue reading UMBC’s Erickson School celebrates new grads as innovators in aging services

(L to R): Steiner, Mallinson,  Don Engel, assistant vice president for research, and Casper.

UMBC convenes research forum on immigration and mobility in higher education


Policy & Society

“The research results showed that for each undocumented student that graduates from a four-year college, who would not have gone otherwise, the net benefits to the state were $350,000,” explains Gindling. “Providing access to higher education and financial aid to undocumented youth is a good investment for the individual, for the state, and for the government as a whole.” Continue reading UMBC convenes research forum on immigration and mobility in higher education

UMBC celebrates student achievement in the arts, humanities, and social sciences


Arts & Culture, Policy & Society

“CAHSS’s amazing students do it all: think and learn across boundaries and borders, develop their identities as scholars and citizens, and contribute their imagination and expertise to local and global communities,” says Scott Casper, dean of CAHSS. “Given all they’ve already accomplished, it’s exciting to envision what they’ll do next.” Continue reading UMBC celebrates student achievement in the arts, humanities, and social sciences

Fourteen UMBC students and recent alumni receive Fulbright awards, setting new record


Class of 2019, Policy & Society, Science & Technology3 Comments

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

URCAD 2018

URCAD 2019 features diversity-focused student research, with Baltimore, LGBTQ+, and international focus areas


Arts & Culture, Community, Policy & Society

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

Evan Avila is named a Truman Scholar, the fourth in UMBC history


Policy & Society2 Comments

“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

UMBC’s Tyson King-Meadows becomes an ACE Fellow, as an emerging national higher ed leader


Policy & Society1 Comment

“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

UMBC’s Maheen Haq receives 2019 Newman Civic Fellowship, affirming the importance of supporting local and global communities facing discrimination


Community, Policy & Society1 Comment

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


Policy & Society

“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


Policy & Society

“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’s Jonathan Singer supports South Korean science teachers through Howard County partnership


Policy & Society

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 students Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Olusayo Adeleye co-create 1st U.S. conference for Black women economists


Class of 2019, Policy & Society3 Comments

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

UMBC mentors support a record number of Fulbright student award semifinalists


Arts & Culture, Policy & Society2 Comments

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

UMBC Mock Trial takes top prize at Georgetown’s Hilltop Invitational as competition season kicks into high gear


Policy & Society1 Comment

“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

Dean Scott Casper continues UMBC’s strong partnership with Maryland Humanities and the Greater Baltimore Alliance as a new board member


Policy & Society

“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

Student trainer in UMBC t-shirt (at right) chats with a small group of other UMBC students (at left).

UMBC’s newest grads leave a legacy of community-building and support


Class of 2018, Community

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

Three people speak in a conference space, in professional attire, next to a photograph

CS3 leads research summit on community-based violence prevention in Baltimore


Policy & Society, Strategic Planning

“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

Amy Bhatt shines light on gender and immigration policy in new book High-Tech Housewives


Policy & Society1 Comment

“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


Community

“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