Teaching among trees: Field research project grows UMBC partnership with community colleges
“It’s a great example of the relationships we’re building with the community colleges,” Sarah Jewett says. “What I love about this program is that it utilizes curricular infrastructure that’s in place at the community colleges, and networks and research expertise here at UMBC. We’re really drawing on the assets at both institutions to make this work.” Continue reading Teaching among trees: Field research project grows UMBC partnership with community colleges
Baltimore Field School: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation supports UMBC’s inclusive approach to community-based research
“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’s Jiaqi Gong receives $1M NIH grant for wearable sensor to help breast cancer survivors maintain complex medication schedules
The goal of the project is to design an intelligent, wearable sensor system for breast cancer survivors to help them more closely follow their prescribed medication routine. “We will focus on understanding the links between environmental, personal, and behavioral contexts of medication-taking behavior,” Gong says. Continue reading UMBC’s Jiaqi Gong receives $1M NIH grant for wearable sensor to help breast cancer survivors maintain complex medication schedules
Baltimore Sun names UMBC a top place to work and Pres. Hrabowski #1 in leadership
UMBC is ranked #12 among all large employers in the area, and is the only university and only government institution featured on the list. New this year, the Sun named UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski the top leader among the region’s large employers. He shared, “While we have collective and individual goals, and we are committed to moving toward them, we also understand the fundamental truth that nothing is more important than the people who make up the organization.” Continue reading Baltimore Sun names UMBC a top place to work and Pres. Hrabowski #1 in leadership
UMBC researchers find many countries will not meet ambitious forest restoration goals without support
“There’s a time to build your castles in the air, and now it’s time to put foundations under them. We’re underinvesting in the foundations, and we need to spend more international aid money on helping countries figure out how to meet these commitments,” Matt Fagan says. “I’d like to hope that this article helps generate more support for that kind of work, because I think it is possible to make this kind of change.” Continue reading UMBC researchers find many countries will not meet ambitious forest restoration goals without support
UMBC’s Pelton and Daniel are developing light-driven chips to enable super-fast computing
Physicist Matt Pelton and chemist Marie-Christine Daniel are both engaged in photonics research, which is “the idea of using light—photons—to do information processing instead of using electrons like you do in electronics,” explains Pelton. The work poses challenges, but if Daniel, Pelton, and their students succeed, they’ll be setting the stage for a revolution in computing. Continue reading UMBC’s Pelton and Daniel are developing light-driven chips to enable super-fast computing
UMBC and UMB partner to become Maryland’s first “age-friendly” universities
“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 researchers work to support first responders through NSF-funded stress-response technology
Through a $370,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, UMBC researchers are using a wristband to collect stress level information from first responders during simulations that mimic on-call situations. They are developing a visual display system to aid first responders in understanding and reflecting on how they react to stressful situations. Continue reading UMBC researchers work to support first responders through NSF-funded stress-response technology
UMBC’s Top Highlights of 2019
As UMBC welcomes 2020, we celebrate the student successes, athletic achievements, research breakthroughs, and community news that made 2019 a year to remember. Continue reading UMBC’s Top Highlights of 2019
UMBC places ninth at 2019 Pan-Am Team Chess Championship
The UMBC Chess A team earned victories over the A team from the University of Pennsylvania as well as the B teams from the University of Toronto, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Pennsylvania. UMBC finished the competition ahead of Harvard, Princeton, and MIT. Continue reading UMBC places ninth at 2019 Pan-Am Team Chess Championship
UMBC receives NSF support to enhance data science courses, research, and student experiences
Data science has rapidly grown at UMBC, and faculty are now working to enhance data science courses, research, and student experiences. The goal is to ensure they are inclusive, empowering, and effective in preparing students to tackle the urgent problems our society is working to solve, and can scale up to meet student and workforce demands. Continue reading UMBC receives NSF support to enhance data science courses, research, and student experiences
Preparing for impact: Four new UMBC grads share what drives their research
Cindy Chelius, Miranda Marvel, Naqiya Ghulamali, and Ryan Oliver study very different things, but they are all driven to contribute to positive change through their research. They also hope to carry forward the support they found at UMBC as mentors to a future generation of researchers. Continue reading Preparing for impact: Four new UMBC grads share what drives their research
UMBC graduates create their own paths to excellence, focused on succeeding together
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 Lisa Kelly receives NSF grant to develop a safer, greener chemical production method
“The approach that we propose will induce chemical reactions that would otherwise need a lot of harsh reagents and organic solvents, and just a lot of nasty stuff,” Lisa Kelly says. “This is a greener route.” The technique could support efforts from drug development to synthetic materials production. Continue reading UMBC’s Lisa Kelly receives NSF grant to develop a safer, greener chemical production method
UMBC’s Jason Schiffman and his YouthFIRST lab advance early identification and treatment of psychosis
“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 students confront ethical challenges through new computing curriculum
“We want to capitalize on this curiosity and diversity of perspectives,” says Helena Mentis. “Alongside technical skill development, every week we want to introduce challenges around ethics, equality, human behavior, and societal impact, reiterating that a fundamental component of development is thinking through implications.” Continue reading UMBC students confront ethical challenges through new computing curriculum
Swimmer, engineer, composer: Three Retrievers share their unique paths to graduation day
Ahead of graduation, Hania Moro and fellow Retrievers Randy Deinlein and Collin David have shared their UMBC stories—unique paths and exceptional achievements thanks to a combination of personal grit and supportive community. Continue reading Swimmer, engineer, composer: Three Retrievers share their unique paths to graduation day
“We need people just like you”: Transfer students find, and build, supportive communities at UMBC
Students come to UMBC with a variety of experiences and in different stages of life. The unique perspectives of transfer students enrich the University, particularly as students connect with and support each other. Continue reading “We need people just like you”: Transfer students find, and build, supportive communities at UMBC
UMBC’s Mustafa Al-Adhami wins national Three-Minute Thesis competition
Al-Adhami earned first place in two qualifying rounds of the competition, on his path to claiming the national title. In Nashville, Al-Adhami and nine other finalists presented their three-minute talks in front of a live audience that selected the ultimate winner. Continue reading UMBC’s Mustafa Al-Adhami wins national Three-Minute Thesis competition
UMBC welcomes European Union ambassadors to the U.S.
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.
Team led by UMBC’s Mehdi Benna is the first to map a planet’s global wind patterns, and they weren’t Earth’s
The research was made possible by “a clever reengineering in flight of how to operate the spacecraft and the instrument,” Mehdi Benna says. “And by doing both—the spacecraft doing something it was not designed to do, and the instrument doing something it was not designed to do—we made the wind measurements possible.” Continue reading Team led by UMBC’s Mehdi Benna is the first to map a planet’s global wind patterns, and they weren’t Earth’s
UMBC welcomes Brian Barrio as director of athletics
UMBC has named Brian Barrio the director of athletics, physical education, and recreation, effective January 2020. He will direct UMBC’s 17-sport NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program, all campus recreational programs (including intramurals, club sports, and recreational activities), and the physical education program. Continue reading UMBC welcomes Brian Barrio as director of athletics
UMBC’s Evan Avila, advocate for equal access to financial services, is a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship
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
Times Higher Education names UMBC a leader in life sciences, physical sciences, psychology
The London-based Times Higher Education (THE) has released subject-area listings for its World University Rankings 2020, recognizing UMBC as among the best in the life sciences, physical sciences, and psychology. Continue reading Times Higher Education names UMBC a leader in life sciences, physical sciences, psychology
In 2019 Idea Competition, UMBC students focus on inclusion
Leading up to UMBC’s Idea Competition, participants spend hours refining their presentations and receiving feedback from their mentors, as well as faculty, staff, family, and friends. Their goal: to gain the funding and professional advice needed to make their ideas a reality. Continue reading In 2019 Idea Competition, UMBC students focus on inclusion
UMBC broadens international learning opportunities: Stories from five continents
“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 Cyber Dawgs are named CyberForce national champions
UMBC’s Cyber Defense Team, known as the Cyber Dawgs, has emerged the national champion team in the U.S. Department of Energy’s fifth annual CyberForce Competition. The Cyber Dawgs earned first place overall out of more than 100 teams from universities across the country. Continue reading UMBC Cyber Dawgs are named CyberForce national champions
UMBC celebrates opening of student venture OCA Mocha, “where coffee meets community”
Two years ago, local business and community groups asked a UMBC entrepreneurship class for ideas on how to better connect the University and its surrounding communities. The idea for OCA Mocha was born. After more than two years of planning, construction, relationship-building, and first-hand experience with the ups and downs of starting a business from scratch, the coffee shop and community gathering space in downtown Arbutus has officially opened its doors. Continue reading UMBC celebrates opening of student venture OCA Mocha, “where coffee meets community”
UMBC’s Aaron Smith examines molecular role of iron in human health with $1.5M in new grants
“Metals open up the toolbox for the protein to be able to accomplish so much more,” Aaron Smith says. His new NSF and NIH funding will allow Smith’s lab to increase understanding of how one metal, iron, is involved in adding molecules to proteins after they are made. This process can significantly change a protein’s function and play a role in disease. By focusing at the molecular level, “We think that we fit in very nicely in this research space,” Smith says. “We’re filling a niche that remains really uncovered at this point.” Continue reading UMBC’s Aaron Smith examines molecular role of iron in human health with $1.5M in new grants
The Future of W.E. B. Du Bois: Nimi Wariboko presents UMBC’s 41st annual W.E.B. Du Bois lecture
“W.E.B. Du Bois’s foundational work on black consciousness, citizenship, and racial inequality is as relevant today as it was in 1903,” shares Maleda Belilgne, assistant professor of Africana studies and English. Continue reading The Future of W.E. B. Du Bois: Nimi Wariboko presents UMBC’s 41st annual W.E.B. Du Bois lecture
We have liftoff! UMBC-developed mini satellite launched into space to study climate, air quality
“As an engineer, I’m looking to develop technology that can make the science happen,” says Dominik Cieslak. That’s exactly what Cieslak and the rest of the team have accomplished with their cubesat, HARP. When it is released from the International Space Station in about a month, it will collect new kinds of information about clouds and tiny particles in the atmosphere to increase our understanding of climate and air quality. Continue reading We have liftoff! UMBC-developed mini satellite launched into space to study climate, air quality
UMBC expands offerings at The Universities at Shady Grove to grow Maryland’s STEM workforce
The new Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility at The Universities at Shady Grove is a big piece of the expansion. “This building symbolizes an opportunity to bring the disciplines together to address societal problems,” Annica Wayman says, “and to discover how they can work together to address the biggest challenges.” With state-of-the-art scientific equipment and ample opportunity for interaction among students, faculty, and biotech professionals, the facility will enhance programming at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Continue reading UMBC expands offerings at The Universities at Shady Grove to grow Maryland’s STEM workforce
2020 U.S. News global ranking names UMBC a top university, a leader in geosciences and space science
U.S. News & World Report has again named UMBC one of the best universities worldwide, with UMBC appearing as one of the top 150 U.S. institutions on the 2020 global list. The ranking highlights UMBC’s international leadership in geosciences and space science. Continue reading 2020 U.S. News global ranking names UMBC a top university, a leader in geosciences and space science
“The Empowered University” brings UMBC’s story to readers nationwide
A new read on UMBC’s story is now hitting bookstores across the country. The Empowered University details how the UMBC community has come together to tackle some of higher education’s most intractable challenges, and has become a national model for inclusive excellence along the way. It’s a story of how leaders across administration, faculty, staff, and students have worked to get a full, honest view of UMBC’s strengths and weaknesses, and move the university forward. Continue reading “The Empowered University” brings UMBC’s story to readers nationwide
UMBC’s newest Postdoctoral Fellows for Faculty Diversity explore who has a voice in literature, policy, and social movements
“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
UMBC shines at Brilliant Baltimore with artwork, talks, performances, a reception, and more
From November 1 through 10, UMBC will again join in two of Baltimore’s signature events — Light City and the Baltimore Book Festival — which will be held together in 2019 under the theme of Brilliant Baltimore. UMBC’s contributions include a talk by President Freeman Hrabowski, a UMBC-Light Ekphrastic panel discussion, a panel discussion on Baltimore Revisited, and the SPARK gallery. Continue reading UMBC shines at Brilliant Baltimore with artwork, talks, performances, a reception, and more
UMBC’s Livewire new music festival celebrates its 10th anniversary
On October 24 – 27, UMBC’s department of music celebrates the tenth anniversary of its fall Livewire festival, an annual event that explores the classical music of our time through concerts, lecture-recitals, paper presentations, multi-media installations, and conversation. Continue reading UMBC’s Livewire new music festival celebrates its 10th anniversary
In Baltimore Revisited, UMBC and community authors reflect on the city’s history of inequality and resistance
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 supports emerging higher ed leaders through ACE Fellows program
The newest ACE Fellow to arrive on campus is a two-time UMBC alumna who is shadowing UMBC leaders for the year. Kate Tracy M.A. ‘01, Ph.D. ‘03, psychology, was one of 39 people from across the country to be named ACE Fellows for the 2019-2020 academic year. Tracy is a professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Continue reading UMBC supports emerging higher ed leaders through ACE Fellows program
UMBC spotlights the power of collaboration and community in opening of new science building, GRIT-X talks
“Already there are research teams working in this building on such complex issues as age-related disease, environmental degradation, and health disparities,” says Dean Bill LaCourse. Solutions to our most complex challenges “are found through a convergence of talent and effort,” bringing together the perspectives of people from different fields and backgrounds. This is what the new building is designed to achieve. Continue reading UMBC spotlights the power of collaboration and community in opening of new science building, GRIT-X talks
MHEC selects UMBC’s Jordan Troutman, who bridges technology and policy, as student commissioner
Jordan Troutman has been selected to be the student commissioner for the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). He’s a computer science and mathematics major passionate about applying his work at the intersection of technology and policy to improve society. Continue reading MHEC selects UMBC’s Jordan Troutman, who bridges technology and policy, as student commissioner
UMBC’s Ann Sofie Clemmensen explores The Kennedy Center’s REACH through choreography
On October 18 and 19, choreography by Ann Sofie Clemmensen, assistant professor of dance, will be presented at the new REACH expansion of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Featuring 20 dancers, including UMBC students, Clemmensen’s three-part experience — In To and Out Of — transports audiences through different spaces of the REACH using the unique characteristics of each location to explore concepts in pattern and timing, light and dark, and limitation and transformation. Continue reading UMBC’s Ann Sofie Clemmensen explores The Kennedy Center’s REACH through choreography