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
UMBC Mock Trial heads to national semifinal as undefeated regional champions
“This year’s team, they’re not afraid of anyone,” says UMBC Mock Trial head coach Ben Garmoe ‘13. “They will go into every round knowing they have a shot.” Garmoe’s confidence in the team is rooted in their strong performance this season, capping years of steady growth into a national powerhouse. Continue reading UMBC Mock Trial heads to national semifinal as undefeated regional champions
UMBC rapidly expands live online peer tutoring to include computing fields
When Amanda Knapp heard last fall from Anupam Joshi, professor and chair of computer science and electrical engineering, that his department wanted to offer online tutoring to students in their courses, she was ready to help make it happen. COVID or no COVID, she says, “It just made sense.” Just a few months after the partnership began, it expanded to include courses in information systems, and it continued to grow. Continue reading UMBC rapidly expands live online peer tutoring to include computing fields
New UMBC-UMB collaborations include research to reduce stress among long-term care workers
The Accelerated Translational Incubator Pilot (ATIP) Program has selected four new interdisciplinary projects by UMBC and UMB researcher partners, each a fresh take on a complex challenge. One will examine how to predict and manage stress in healthcare workers who work in long-term care facilities. Continue reading New UMBC-UMB collaborations include research to reduce stress among long-term care workers
UMBC student research offers hope for critically endangered Bahama Oriole
On a low-lying island in the Caribbean, the future of the critically endangered Bahama Oriole just got a shade brighter. A new study co-led by Michael Rowley estimates that there are at least 10 times as many Bahama Orioles as scientists previously thought. Rowley’s results are the latest in a string of important discoveries led by undergraduates mentored by Kevin Omland. Continue reading UMBC student research offers hope for critically endangered Bahama Oriole
UMBC men’s basketball heads to America East championship semifinals as No. 1 seed
Uncertainty—that was the word going through the minds of every player, coach, and fan as the 2020-2021 UMBC men’s basketball season tipped off in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team and coaching staff were cautiously optimistic as they … Continue reading UMBC men’s basketball heads to America East championship semifinals as No. 1 seed
UMBC launches Biotech Boot Camp to train workers displaced by COVID-19 for in-demand jobs
While some industries have lost jobs during the pandemic, the biotech industry has seen explosive growth. This new program seeks to address a mismatch between available workers and available jobs. Setting people up to succeed in well-paying new jobs and simultaneously filling the gap in the biotech workforce “is a win-win that we’re really excited to be a part of,” Annica Wayman says. Continue reading UMBC launches Biotech Boot Camp to train workers displaced by COVID-19 for in-demand jobs
Low-cost infant incubator developed at UMBC completes successful clinical trial in India
A standard incubator found in a newborn ICU costs between $1,500 and $35,000—beyond the means of many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. This new UMBC-designed incubator costs only $200 and has performed on par with a standard incubator in its first clinical trial. Continue reading Low-cost infant incubator developed at UMBC completes successful clinical trial in India
UMBC international students build community online during COVID-19
“The mission of the Ambassador Program is to ensure you feel connected with your peers as soon as you become a part of the UMBC community,” says Natalie Lobb. “It’s important to know that you are never alone, that you always have someone you can lean on.” Continue reading UMBC international students build community online during COVID-19
UMBC receives $870K NIH grant to launch ESTEEMED Scholars program that brings engineering into biomedicine
From summer bridge programming to conference travel, The ESTEEMED Scholars program will support first- and second-year students, with the goal of preparing them to apply for advanced honors programs. Continue reading UMBC receives $870K NIH grant to launch ESTEEMED Scholars program that brings engineering into biomedicine
UMBC faculty, alumni entrepreneurs receive record number of MIPS awards for tech collaborations
Six UMBC faculty members have just received grants from the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program to develop new technologies with potential to grow the state’s economy. This is UMBC’s largest number of winning proposals within a single proposal round since MIPS began. Continue reading UMBC faculty, alumni entrepreneurs receive record number of MIPS awards for tech collaborations
UMBC receives 2020 Engaged Campus Award
“UMBC’s community-engaged activity and the people who make this activity possible give me great hope,” shares Michele Wolff, director of the Shriver Center. “Now more than ever, our community and civic engagement can help change the current narrative and move us towards a more inclusive, equitable, and just society.” Continue reading UMBC receives 2020 Engaged Campus Award
Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education honors UMBC’s innovative leadership in the field of aging
“Dr. Hrabowski has been at the forefront of creating and promoting a vision of how we think and talk about aging and longevity,” shares Dana Bradley, dean of UMBC’s Erickson School of Aging Studies. And the inclusive, forward-looking vision that he and the Erickson School emphasize has had notable impacts, including on the student experience. Continue reading Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education honors UMBC’s innovative leadership in the field of aging
NIA grants UMBC’s Laura Girling $750K for research on living with dementia, including the impacts of COVID-19
“Persons with dementia are often portrayed as bedridden,” shares Laura Girling, director of UMBC’s Center for Aging Studies. “When I show clips of people living with dementia leading active lives, there is a realization that people with dementia can do many of the same activities others can.” Continue reading NIA grants UMBC’s Laura Girling $750K for research on living with dementia, including the impacts of COVID-19
UMBC researchers use AI to help businesses understand complex legal docs, like the Code of Federal Regulations
Businesses that work with the federal government must comply with the Code of Federal Regulations, a binding legal document. Its length and complexity cause challenges for many, so this automation process provides a way to improve understanding and accessibility, explains UMBC’s Karuna Joshi. Continue reading UMBC researchers use AI to help businesses understand complex legal docs, like the Code of Federal Regulations
U.S. News names UMBC’s online master’s in information systems one of the nation’s best
“We put our students first,” says Anita Komlodi, graduate program director. “We designed our program both for working IT professionals and career changers wishing to transition into IT careers.” Continue reading U.S. News names UMBC’s online master’s in information systems one of the nation’s best
Quantum computing, but even faster? UMBC researchers explore the possibilities with new NSF grant
Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize communications, cybersecurity, and more. But as Sebastian Deffner notes, “Even quantum computing has shortcomings.” Deffner and Nathan Myers will explore ways to work around some of quantum computing’s limits with a new NSF grant. And in the process, they just might redefine the fundamental laws of physics. Continue reading Quantum computing, but even faster? UMBC researchers explore the possibilities with new NSF grant
UMBC’s Danyelle Ireland is named a national Rising Star as champion for transfer students
This award honors Ireland’s years mentoring and advocating for UMBC transfer students in information technology and engineering fields. It also brings greater visibility to UMBC’s transfer student population and to how the university can most effectively support their success. Continue reading UMBC’s Danyelle Ireland is named a national Rising Star as champion for transfer students
UMBC students help create richer online courses for peers in engineering and computing fields
As UMBC faculty prepare for spring, they are reflecting on lessons learned from a primarily online fall 2020 semester. In UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT), this means honoring teaching fellows and teaching assistants for their role in making sure courses met student needs. Continue reading UMBC students help create richer online courses for peers in engineering and computing fields
UMBC leaders and community support congressional resolution for national racial healing work
“Having university leadership sign on in support of this resolution is a big step,” says Eric Ford, director of The Choice Program at UMBC. “By taking this step, UMBC is sending a message to the campus community that inclusive excellence is not just a slogan but a virtue we live by.” Continue reading UMBC leaders and community support congressional resolution for national racial healing work
UMBC supports its neighbors as lead contributor to Maryland Charity Campaign
UMBC’s faculty and staff contributed nearly $250,000 overall for the 2020 campaign, the highest among all state agencies and in the University System of Maryland. Continue reading UMBC supports its neighbors as lead contributor to Maryland Charity Campaign
UMBC researchers speed up analysis of Arctic ice and snow data through AI
Large swaths of data collected through radar in the Arctic and Antarctic are often a challenge to process and understand. A new technique enables researchers to notice data trends more quickly, improving their ability to make predictions about melting and climate. Continue reading UMBC researchers speed up analysis of Arctic ice and snow data through AI
Twenty UMBC Memories from 2020
As we prepare to close the book on 2020, we want to take a look back at some of UMBC’s most important chapters from this past year. Here are our top 20 top memories from 2020. Continue reading Twenty UMBC Memories from 2020