“Researching” to “researcher”: UMBC students share why mentoring is the key
Mechanical engineering major Karla Negrete was drawn to Deepa Madan’s lab after she took a course about the chemical and physical aspects of materials. “Dr. Madan has been a mentor to me in many ways,” Negrete reflects, “but the most important has been her ability to believe in me and stand behind me.” Continue reading “Researching” to “researcher”: UMBC students share why mentoring is the key
UMBC labs share four essentials for undergraduate research success
#1: Developing scientist identity. For example, in Ruben Delgado’s lab, “Every undergraduate has a project that they can define when they first start and then fine tune it as they move along,” says Meredith Sperling ’19. “Graduate students and Ruben are great at providing guidance, pointing out possible pitfalls, etc., but at the end of the day it’s really our research and where we want to take it.” Continue reading UMBC labs share four essentials for undergraduate research success
UMBC celebrates 2019 Presidential Faculty and Staff Award winners
The UMBC community gathered to recognize the contributions of dedicated faculty and staff. “It’s your collective contributions that are the UMBC experience and story,” said President Hrabowski. Continue reading UMBC celebrates 2019 Presidential Faculty and Staff Award winners
Retriever Courage partners take stock of community work to prevent and respond to sexual assault
Six months into the Retriever Courage initiative, this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming at UMBC is especially meaningful for the University community. “Our efforts to support survivors and cultivate a survivor-responsive campus need to be a 365-days-a-year undertaking,” says Jess Myers, director of UMBC’s Women’s Center. “We all are responsible for this work.” Continue reading Retriever Courage partners take stock of community work to prevent and respond to sexual assault
UMBC’s David Di Maria briefs Congressional staff on opportunities to support international students
Di Maria recommended that the U.S. implement a national-level international education strategy, improve support for students, and adopt immigration policies that allow the U.S. to retain top graduates in our workforce. Continue reading UMBC’s David Di Maria briefs Congressional staff on opportunities to support international students
Evan Avila is named a Truman Scholar, the fourth in UMBC history
“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 researchers invent creative approach to remove dangerous pollutant from waterways
“When we started working and talking together, we realized, ‘I can solve your problem and you can solve my problem,’” Upal Ghosh says of his interdisciplinary partnership with Kevin Sowers. Continue reading UMBC researchers invent creative approach to remove dangerous pollutant from waterways
UMBC’s Meyerhoff Scholars model heads to UC Berkeley and UCSD through a $6.9M investment from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
“It is truly thrilling to think about the national and global impact the Meyerhoff Scholars Program will have through partnerships like this,” says UMBC’s Michael Summers. “By working together we can help shape the future of our national Ph.D. pipeline, with inclusive excellence as a core shared value of our work.” Continue reading UMBC’s Meyerhoff Scholars model heads to UC Berkeley and UCSD through a $6.9M investment from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Biology graduate students from UMBC earn national honors for unique aquatic research
Whether wading in a cold stream or in the lab, mentors who foster independent thinking balanced with guidance—for research and for life—make the difference for UMBC graduate students on the national and international stage. A close-knit graduate student community adds a level of support that helps students succeed. Continue reading Biology graduate students from UMBC earn national honors for unique aquatic research
UMBC Mock Trial takes 8th place at AMTA National Championship
“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
UMBC welcomes Donna Ruginski as executive director for cybersecurity initiatives
Ruginski will work with campus leaders and industry partners to enhance UMBC’s portfolio of cybersecurity initiatives and research partnerships with public and private organizations. Continue reading UMBC welcomes Donna Ruginski as executive director for cybersecurity initiatives
UMBC ranks #3 among U.S. universities in global social and economic impact
“The new Times Higher Education impact rankings are distinct from other university rankings in that they are a measure of the difference UMBC is making in the world,” says UMBC’s Katharine H. Cole. “It is not surprising that UMBC is ranked so highly as it is this type of societal and economic impact that is at the very core of UMBC’s mission and values.” Continue reading UMBC ranks #3 among U.S. universities in global social and economic impact
UMBC’s Bradley Arnold develops laser-based technology to safely and quickly detect IEDs and other hazards in combat zones
You’re a U.S. soldier, motoring across the desert at 60 miles an hour in an Army truck. Suddenly, a red light flashes on your dashboard—an instrument has detected traces of explosive material on the road surface ahead. You divert around the hazard and continue safely toward your destination. “There is currently nothing available to do this at this speed,” says Bradley Arnold. But that could soon change. Continue reading UMBC’s Bradley Arnold develops laser-based technology to safely and quickly detect IEDs and other hazards in combat zones
UMBC’s Tyson King-Meadows becomes an ACE Fellow, as an emerging national higher ed leader
“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
New GEARS symposium offers professional development opportunities to grad students across disciplines
“We want to provide an avenue for people to learn skills that they’re not going to get in the classroom or the lab,” says Alex Rittle, Ph.D. student in geography and environmental systems and chair of the GEARS planning committee. Continue reading New GEARS symposium offers professional development opportunities to grad students across disciplines
UMBC recognizes Renetta Tull for transformative leadership advancing diversity in STEM
Renetta Tull has worked with students, faculty, and staff across UMBC and the University System of Maryland to increase diversity in STEM disciplines for over a decade. At the end of March, Tull will begin a new role as vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion at UC Davis. Continue reading UMBC recognizes Renetta Tull for transformative leadership advancing diversity in STEM
UMBC’s Maheen Haq receives 2019 Newman Civic Fellowship, affirming the importance of supporting local and global communities facing discrimination
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
“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
“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 men’s basketball advances to the America East final after a gripping semifinal victory
After battling through two rounds of fatiguing overtime, UMBC men’s basketball bested Hartford 90-85 to advance to the America East championship game and defend their title. Continue reading UMBC men’s basketball advances to the America East final after a gripping semifinal victory
U.S. News recognizes UMBC graduate programs as among nation’s best in new 2020 rankings
UMBC has again been recognized by U.S. News for exceptional graduate programs in the newly released rankings for 2020. Continue reading U.S. News recognizes UMBC graduate programs as among nation’s best in new 2020 rankings
UMBC’s Joe Sherburne is named Academic All-American of the Year
UMBC men’s basketball team captain Joe Sherburne ‘18, financial economics, has nabbed top national honors as the 2018-19 Google Cloud Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year for Division I men’s basketball. “With the passion he brings on the court and the dedication he brings to the classroom, Joe truly serves as a role model for our university,” says President Freeman Hrabowski. “We’re so proud of how he represents UMBC and the leadership he’s brought to the team.” Continue reading UMBC’s Joe Sherburne is named Academic All-American of the Year
Class project to clinical trials: UMBC’s affordable infant incubator wins Global Health Research Award
Govind Rao and his students have developed a cardboard incubator to support premature babies in communities with limited resources, and in remote areas that do not have access to medical facilities. The inexpensive, easily constructed devices are poised to make a major impact. Continue reading Class project to clinical trials: UMBC’s affordable infant incubator wins Global Health Research Award
UMBC’s Jonathan Singer supports South Korean science teachers through Howard County partnership
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’s Susan McDonough receives NEH fellowship for more inclusive research on medieval women
“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
UMBC students Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Olusayo Adeleye co-create 1st U.S. conference for Black women economists
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
Retriever basketball heads to America East playoffs
The month of March is a favorite for Retriever Nation, with America East playoffs on the horizon and memories of UMBC’s 2018 March Madness victory on everyone’s mind. This year, both UMBC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete in America East postseason play. The women will take on Hartford on March 6 and the men will host UAlbany at the UMBC Event Center on March 9. Continue reading Retriever basketball heads to America East playoffs
UMBC mentors support a record number of Fulbright student award semifinalists
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’s Chris Swan contributes to landmark global stream ecology study
The experimental design at each site was simple, “but to manage and deploy it across the globe to all seven continents was a Herculean task that could only be done with a network of colleagues,” says Swan. “The key here is true partnerships and global coverage.” Continue reading UMBC’s Chris Swan contributes to landmark global stream ecology study
Letitia Dzirasa to serve as Baltimore City health commissioner
“As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve begun to understand just how blessed I was to be afforded the opportunity to attend college and pursue my dreams,” Letitia Dzirasa ’03 says. “As I was fortunate, it is my responsibility to reach back and help others, especially those most under-resourced.” Continue reading Letitia Dzirasa to serve as Baltimore City health commissioner
Looking ahead to UMBC Giving Day—shining a spotlight on ways to make a difference
At midnight on Thursday, February 28, UMBC Giving Day will officially begin, kicking off the university’s second annual 24-hour marathon of giving. The goal: for as many UMBC alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students as possible to make a gift, supporting UMBC students and projects. UMBC is relying on Retriever Nation to make the 1,000 donor goal a reality. Continue reading Looking ahead to UMBC Giving Day—shining a spotlight on ways to make a difference
UMBC men’s and women’s swimming and diving shatter records, capture America East titles
After a record-setting championship tournament, UMBC Swimming & Diving Coach Chad Cradock reflects, “From the minute the events started, we all rallied around each other to compete at our best.” Continue reading UMBC men’s and women’s swimming and diving shatter records, capture America East titles
UMBC connects insightful students with growing companies through the Maryland Technology Internship Program
MTIP launched in fall 2018 to increase the number of paid technical internships in the state by providing financial assistance to businesses, as well as state and local agencies, to hire more interns. Continue reading UMBC connects insightful students with growing companies through the Maryland Technology Internship Program
President Hrabowski shares an inclusive approach to difficult conversations in Bipartisan Policy Center interview
In a recent interview at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Bob and Elizabeth Dole Series on Leadership, UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski shared his perspective on leading diverse and inclusive communities in today’s political environment.
Continue reading President Hrabowski shares an inclusive approach to difficult conversations in Bipartisan Policy Center interview
UMBC Mock Trial takes top prize at Georgetown’s Hilltop Invitational as competition season kicks into high gear
“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
UMBC chosen to host AAAS science and faith dialogue project
“UMBC is blessed with such diversity in every imaginable dimension that it is an exciting place to experience a scholarly exploration of the interface between science and faith,” says event co-organizer Steve Freeland. Continue reading UMBC chosen to host AAAS science and faith dialogue project
UMBC scientists tackle persistent hurdles in the aquaculture industry with new NOAA grant
The grant will support efforts to optimize an innovative procedure for growing fish that can’t reproduce. “Everybody has been looking for another way to develop reproductively sterile fish,” Yonathan Zohar says. Sterile fish produce higher-quality meat and can’t breed with local populations if they escape from net pens. Continue reading UMBC scientists tackle persistent hurdles in the aquaculture industry with new NOAA grant
Dean Scott Casper continues UMBC’s strong partnership with Maryland Humanities and the Greater Baltimore Alliance as a new board member
“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
UMBC’s Ivan Erill finds resistance to modern drug in ancient bacteria
“The drug you design ten years from now may already be obsolete,” Ivan Erill says. In a new study in Frontiers in Microbiology, Erill and colleagues describe how bacteria that existed hundreds of millions of years ago were already resistant to an antibacterial drug not invented until the 1930s. Continue reading UMBC’s Ivan Erill finds resistance to modern drug in ancient bacteria
UMBC biologist Phyllis Robinson recognized for research, advocacy, and mentorship
At UMBC, “I’ve been able to do my science and also put energy into the social justice aspects of the world that are important to me,” Phyllis Robinson says. “One doesn’t exclude the other.” Continue reading UMBC biologist Phyllis Robinson recognized for research, advocacy, and mentorship
UMBC’s Aaron Smith works toward developing new antibiotic targets with NIH grant
“We have to think about more strategic and clever ways of attacking bugs,” says Aaron Smith. His work studies nutrient uptake mechanisms, specifically how bacteria acquire iron, as potential targets for new antibiotics. Continue reading UMBC’s Aaron Smith works toward developing new antibiotic targets with NIH grant
UMBC’s Amy Lien helps NASA unravel the mystery of an unusual blast from across the universe
“We’ve never seen anything exactly like the Cow,” Amy Lien says, “which is very exciting.” Her team at NASA’s Swift Observatory hypothesizes that a black hole tearing apart a white dwarf star caused the blast. Continue reading UMBC’s Amy Lien helps NASA unravel the mystery of an unusual blast from across the universe