Interested in getting a graduate degree at UMBC? Learn about the UMBC Master's Degree in Public Policy (MPP) at an information session on Monday, March 10 at 7:00 pm in Room 438 of the Public Policy Building. Enjoy a light dinner and talk with faculty and current students about the field of public policy, career opportunities, and how to apply to our MPP and combined BA/MPP program. Those interested in the PhD degree are also welcome to attend.

This event is open to prospective students on and off campus. To register, e-mail your name, year and major to Sally Helms (helms@umbc.edu).

Most scientist accept the RNA world hypothesis, which states that RNA was the first biological molecule due to its ability to copy itself and pass along genetic traits. However, Nicholas Hud, a chemist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, wasn’t convinced.

A recent article in WIRED, courtesy of Quanta Magazine, discusses Hud’s experiment with the building blocks of RNA. The experiment made a breakthrough with the discovery of a chemical recipe that points to the existence of a molecule that might pre-date RNA.

Quanta interviewed Stephen Freeland, director of UMBC’s interdiscipinary studies program, for the article. “In my opinion, nothing like this has been seen before,” Dr. Freeland said, before going on to say that the experiment leads to conceptual progress, even if it did not use the exact components of the unknown molecule.

Education Professor of Practice Joan Shin has received the 2013 Ben Warren International House Trust Prize for her book Teaching Young Learners English (National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning, 2013). Shin coauthored the book with JoAnn Crandall, Professor Emerita and former Director of the Language, Literacy and Culture Ph.D. program.

The prestigious award is given annually to the author or authors of the most outstanding work in the field of language teacher education. The Ben Warren International House Trust was created as a memorial to the work and life of Ben Warren, who was a leader in developing the world’s leading language teaching organization.

Shin’s book was published last year. It teaches English as a foreign language to young children and presents practical suggestions and best practices for teachers to engage young learners.

The award was announced in Barcelona, Spain on Saturday, February 8. You can read more about the announcement here. You can also find more information on Shin’s book series with National Geographic Learning here.

Students will use various resources in a Promethean-equipped classroom to explore environmental issues relevant to the lives of Maryland students, then incorporate arts-based strategies into multimedia public service announcements (PSAs). Participants will find links between these activities and Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Maryland’s Environmental Education Standards.  Cameras will be provided, or you may use your own smart phone to create a digital documentation of your PSA.