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
Times Higher Ed names UMBC top-10 U.S. leader and top-200 global leader in social and economic impact
UMBC has recently been named a global leader in two prominent international university rankings—one focused on economic and social impact and the other on research influence, academic distinction, and alumni leadership. Continue reading Times Higher Ed names UMBC top-10 U.S. leader and top-200 global leader in social and economic impact
UMBC’s Anthony Johnson, pulse laser innovator, elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Being elected as a member of the Academy is one of the highest honors a scholar can receive. Founded in 1780, its members, who come from every field of study, “examine new ideas [and] address issues of importance to the nation and the world.” Anthony Johnson has spent his career dedicated equally to creative applications of ultrashort pulse lasers and to teaching and mentorship. Continue reading UMBC’s Anthony Johnson, pulse laser innovator, elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
UMBC Mock Trial defeats Yale to win first national championship
On the evening of April 18, UMBC defeated Yale University to win the American Mock Trial Association National Championship for the first time in program history. UMBC Mock Trial President Sydney Gaskins ‘21, political science, remembers thinking, “What a beautiful day to win a national championship.” But she didn’t quite realize exactly what becoming a champion would feel like. Now, she knows. Continue reading UMBC Mock Trial defeats Yale to win first national championship
UMBC Event Center partnership launches new chapter in Retriever history with a new name
The UMBC Event Center has become synonymous with high-level athletic play, premier entertainment, and university milestones since opening in 2018. This spring, UMBC has officially announced the beginning of a new chapter for the Event Center—a new name. The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, a new partnership between UMBC and Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, will open doors for both the university and the facility. Continue reading UMBC Event Center partnership launches new chapter in Retriever history with a new name
UMBC welcomes Jim Ferry as new men’s basketball head coach
Talking about the interview process, Ferry says, “The sincerity and the love for this place, it just came through. This is one of the fastest-growing universities in the country and I’m excited to be a part of this family and such an outstanding basketball program.” Continue reading UMBC welcomes Jim Ferry as new men’s basketball head coach
UMBC’s Erle Ellis and international team show people have shaped Earth’s ecology for 12,000 years
“Our work shows that most areas depicted as ‘untouched,’ ‘wild,’ and ‘natural’ are actually areas with long histories of human inhabitation and use,” says UMBC’s Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems and lead author.
Continue reading UMBC’s Erle Ellis and international team show people have shaped Earth’s ecology for 12,000 years
UMBC students set new record in prestigious Goldwater Scholarships for STEM research
Four UMBC students have been named 2021-2022 Goldwater Scholars, setting a new university record for the most Retrievers to earn this prestigious undergraduate award in a single year. “The impact that these students will have in their respective fields is immense, and they are ready for the challenge,” says April Householder, director of undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships. Continue reading UMBC students set new record in prestigious Goldwater Scholarships for STEM research
UMBC’s Ryan Kramer confirms human-caused climate change with direct evidence for first time
Sixteen years of continuous data from NASA’s CERES mission confirm that humans’ role in climate change, indicated by a quantity known as the “radiative forcing,” is the driving factor pulling Earth’s energy budget out of balance. “As far as we can see, the long-term trend in the CERES record seems to be almost entirely accounted for by the radiative forcing,” Ryan Kramer says. Continue reading UMBC’s Ryan Kramer confirms human-caused climate change with direct evidence for first time
URCAD 2021 showcases creativity, resilience of UMBC student researchers
Due to the constraints of COVID, student researchers have become even more creative in using technology not just to display their research, but to pursue their research at a time when in-person interviews, fieldwork, and traditional performances aren’t possible. Students learned to do interviews online and navigated lab research within physical distancing guidelines. They also responded to the pandemic by examining the changes in society and in themselves. Continue reading URCAD 2021 showcases creativity, resilience of UMBC student researchers
UMBC volleyball makes program history, returns to NCAA tournament for the first time since ‘98
“History-making” is a term that’s become synonymous with UMBC athletics over the last few years, and UMBC women’s volleyball has exemplified that spirit this spring. On April 2, they took on UAlbany to win their first America East Championship in program history. Continue reading UMBC volleyball makes program history, returns to NCAA tournament for the first time since ‘98
Meet “The Terminator”: UMBC-led research connects solar cycle with climate predictions in a new way
Understanding “the terminator” phenomenon may facilitate prediction of weather patterns such as La Niña and El Niño, which affect everything from the likelihood of severe hurricanes to the success of the growing season, several years in advance. The name was an easy choice, lead scientist Robert Leamon says. “It indicates the death of a solar cycle, and, because it’s predictable, it will, as always, ‘be back.’” Continue reading Meet “The Terminator”: UMBC-led research connects solar cycle with climate predictions in a new way
Kizzmekia Corbett ’08 talks to CNN about Meyerhoff Scholars, vaccine hesitancy
“Had I not been exposed to Dr. Hrabowski and the Meyerhoff Program…I’m not even so sure that I would be a scientist. It’s really about exposure and resources given to people,” Kizzmekia Corbett told CNN. In particular, encounters at UMBC that led her to double major in biological sciences and sociology uniquely prepared her for this moment. Continue reading Kizzmekia Corbett ’08 talks to CNN about Meyerhoff Scholars, vaccine hesitancy
UMBC announces return to vibrant on-campus community for Fall 2021
“We are excited to be able to return to offering a fully immersive on-campus experience this fall,” says Yvette Mozie-Ross, vice provost. “These experiences help to enrich the academic and social life at UMBC for many of our students.” Continue reading UMBC announces return to vibrant on-campus community for Fall 2021
UMBC celebrates U.S. News Best Grad School rankings in engineering, public affairs
In the latest national U.S. News Graduate School rankings, UMBC has top-100 programs in public affairs and several engineering fields. Engineering is one of a few areas where rankings also reflect the opinions of professionals who hire or work with new graduates. Continue reading UMBC celebrates U.S. News Best Grad School rankings in engineering, public affairs
UMBC ranks in the top 100 public universities to receive federal research funding
“We’ve now had year-over-year growth in the last six years,” says Karl V. Steiner, vice president for research at UMBC. “These rankings also help us see how UMBC is progressing in meeting our public impact research goals.” Continue reading UMBC ranks in the top 100 public universities to receive federal research funding
UMBC-Montgomery College collaboration expands with digital storytelling humanities internship for transfer students
The heart of the internship program “is about building meaningful relationships between Montgomery College students and UMBC faculty and staff as a bridge to university life,” says Sarah Jewett. It’s a mentoring process that reveals what is possible at UMBC and beyond. Continue reading UMBC-Montgomery College collaboration expands with digital storytelling humanities internship for transfer students
UMBC researchers work to advance neurotechnology through emerging consortium
To tackle questions about how the brain signals body movements, Ramana Vinjamuri, CSEE, is gathering a team of UMBC researchers and corporate and government partners. He received an Industry University Cooperative Research Center planning grant from NSF in 2020, and he sees UMBC as perfectly situated to move this kind of high-impact research collaboration forward. Continue reading UMBC researchers work to advance neurotechnology through emerging consortium
UMBC’s Anthony Johnson honored for decades of research, mentorship, service
Anthony Johnson has received the Stephen D. Fantone Distinguished Service Award from the Optical Society. His long-term commitment to optics includes major research achievements, dedicated mentoring to students from all backgrounds, and leadership roles in several professional organizations. Continue reading UMBC’s Anthony Johnson honored for decades of research, mentorship, service
UMBC offers new Research Experiences for Undergraduates in smart computing, big data
The Research Experience for Undergraduates in Smart Computing and Communications will bring together a cohort of 10 undergraduate students to participate in a paid 10-week, full-time research experience from June 7 to August 13. While the summer 2021 program will be remote, each student will work closely with a research group and mentor. Continue reading UMBC offers new Research Experiences for Undergraduates in smart computing, big data
UMBC’s James Foulds receives NSF CAREER Award to improve the fairness, robustness of AI
Implementing an AI algorithm is often presented as a trade-off, Foulds explains. Do you want the program to be as productive as possible or as fair as possible? Foulds sees this as a false and harmful dichotomy. His research shows that developing an AI algorithm that prioritizes fairness can in fact yield more robust results. Continue reading UMBC’s James Foulds receives NSF CAREER Award to improve the fairness, robustness of AI