B.A.: Narrative Design

Degree Mentors: 

• Sharon Tran| Assistant Professor| UMBC English and Affiliate Faculty in the Gender, Women’s, + Sexuality Studies department & Asian Studies
• Andrew Devos| Instructor| UMBC American Studies & Media and Communication Studies
• Steven McAlpine, Individualized Study

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I heard about INDS at orientation. When I heard that there was only a creative writing minor, I wanted to create my own major that could combine both my love of writing, and my love of art/comic books. This is where I settled, and I've enjoyed every minute of it!

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I plan on going into freelance writing-- making and writing storyboards and coming up with ideas for novels and comic books I want to write.

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program?

I really enjoyed my time at UMBC and the INDS program, if you told me I would have the connections I have now with UMBC or INDS, I thought you'd be lying. I've met so many people and friends through this college and program, and have really enjoyed it.

For More information on Dani's INDS journey please Click Here!

Visit the INDS Website

B.A.: Management, Advertising, and Entrepreneurship

Major, Minor, Certificate, and/or Honors: 

• Deans List 

Degree Mentors: 

• Dr. Kristen Anchor| Associate Teaching Professor, UMBC Media & Communication Studies
• Kristen Schuler| Marketing Manager, Harkins, Inc.
• Steven McAlpine| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC INDS

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because it gave me the flexibility to pursue a path that truly aligned with my interests and long-term goals. Instead of trying to fit into a traditional major, INDS allowed me to build something that reflected what I actually wanted to study and eventually do as a career. The program helped me map out each component of my major in an intentional way, and it pushed me to think ahead about how my coursework connects to my future goals.

Another big reason I chose INDS was that it allowed me to stay at UMBC while still creating a customized academic experience. I didn’t have to transfer or compromise—I was able to design a pathway that felt practical for me.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue an MBA with a concentration in Marketing. I see this as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge in a field that I wasn’t able to fully specialize in during my undergraduate experience. My INDS degree has given me a strong interdisciplinary foundation, which I think will be really valuable as I move into a more focused graduate program.

I’m also hoping to gain hands-on experience through an internship in marketing or a related field, while still remaining open to exploring different areas. Long term, I want to continue investing in and supporting small businesses, especially my own family’s business. I see myself using both my INDS background and future MBA to bring strategic thinking, creativity, and practical skills into that work

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?

• Living Water/Campus Ministry| "Gave me a community and allowed me to stay grounded throughout my last semester at UMBC."

• Tri-Alpha Honors Society| Recognizes first-generation college students and provided a supportive network of peers with similar experiences

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC: 

• Digital Tech Credential Certification| Pending 2026 

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:

Take it slow. There were so many moments where I felt pressure to have everything figured out—especially when it came to career decisions—but I didn’t always know what I truly wanted yet. Giving yourself time to explore, reflect, and adjust your path makes a huge difference. Slowing down those big decisions can actually lead to more clarity and confidence in the long run, and it’s something I wish I had embraced earlier.

For More information on Michelle's INDS journey please Click Here!

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B.S.: Resilient Design of Structure

Degree Mentors: 

• Dr. Jorge Almodovar| Associate Professor| UMBC Department of Chemical, Biochemical, & Environmental Engineering
• Stacy Brian| Project Manager, UMBC Facilities Management
• Steven McAlpine| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC INDS
  

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because it gave me the flexibility to be creative within engineering. After transferring, I struggled to find a program that truly aligned with what I wanted to get out of college. I knew I was passionate about design and sustainability, especially in the context of the built environment. Everywhere we look, we’re surrounded by buildings, and I wanted to understand how we can design structures that are not only long-lasting, but also beneficial to both communities and the environment. INDS gave me the opportunity to focus on what I genuinely love, and it shifted my perspective on college from just getting through it to actually building a path that reflects my goals and interests.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I been fortunate enough to have a lot of opportunities for post graduation. Either get my masters in Architecture, do an internship, or work full time but after long consideration, I plan on doing an internship in construction management over the summer and then move into a full-time role as a field engineer starting in the fall. Eventually, I want to go back to school and earn my master’s degree, since I’ve always had a goal of continuing my education.

My INDS degree has helped me stand out and played a big role in getting my opportunities. It shows that I took a unique path and am passionate about combining engineering, design, and sustainability. I’m proud to say I created my own major because it reflects who I am, and it’s also been a great conversation starter that’s opened doors for me.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?

• Member| National society of black engineers (NSBE)
• Intern| UMBC Facilities Management Design and Construction

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC: 

• Presdient's Award 
• Deans List 
• UMBC Heritage Award, MD Delegate Schol 10-DQ

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:

My time at UMBC, especially in the INDS program, has truly been transformative for me. It may sound like an exaggeration, but INDS changed my entire college experience. As a transfer student and former track and field athlete, I came in still trying to find my direction, but this program helped me fully commit to my career goals.

Some people might see my path as unconventional, but it’s the path that got me to where I am today. The support I’ve received from UMBC and the INDS program has meant everything they’ve helped me through challenges and celebrated my accomplishments along the way. I’m truly grateful!

For More information on Aissatou 's INDS journey please Click Here!

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B.S.: Biopsychosocial Approaches to Health and Disease

Minors/ Certiicates on Graduation Record:

• Semester Academic Honors| Spring 2025
• President's List | Fall 2025
• Cum Laude 

Degree Mentors: 

• Dr. Mettassebia B Kanno, MD| Health Provider, Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente 
• Dr. Tonya Webb | Professor of Microbiology and Immunology |UMSOM Assistant Dean
• Dr. James DeVita | Assistant Vice President for Academic Partnerships & High Impact Experiences
• Steven McAlpine| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I realized that many courses in the Biology major didn’t directly align with my interest in human health and disease, often focusing more on plant and animal systems or lacking a broader policy perspective. I saw this as an opportunity to integrate multiple disciplines, such as psychology, public health, epidemiology, and the biological sciences, to create a more well-rounded academic path that better reflects my interests.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I plan to attend a postbaccalaureate program and apply to graduate school to earn my doctorate degree.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?

• Tau Sigma Honor Society| Public Relations Coordinator 
• Researcher| Undergraduate Reasearch Achievement Day URCAD with research from my experiences at UMBC and the Medical University of South Carolina
• Researcher| Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the Medical University of South Carolina- 2024
  • Studied CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers like B cell lymphoma in the O’Neil Lab. My work contributed to developing a novel drug-inducible gene “safety switch” in human T cells to improve the safety of engineered therapies. 
  • In 2025, I worked at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, focusing on strategies to enhance CAR-T cell effectiveness. I investigated how modifying signaling pathways influences T cell function and their ability to sustain cancer cell elimination.

For More information on Nicole's INDS journey please click here!

B.S.: Healthcare Provider Wellness

Major, Minor, Certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation record: 

• Minor: Biological Sciences
• Honors: Summa Cum Laude
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Phi Kappa Phi

Degree Mentors:

• Kyle Bates| Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Paramedic Program| UMBC Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
• Blake Francis, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy
• Eric Brown| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC Individualized Study Program

Why did you choose to major in INDS? 

While a strong scientific foundation is important for medicine, I believe that being an effective physician requires a deeper understanding of the human experience, including the psychosocial and philosophical factors that shape well-being.

I was introduced to the INDS program during my freshman year through a presentation by Dr. Freeland in my BIOL 142 course. I was initially drawn to the program because of its reputation for helping students stand out in graduate school applications, including medical school. However, I quickly realized that what truly made INDS valuable was the freedom and support it provided to explore my interests in a meaningful and intentional way.

The program's flexibility has allowed me to engage with disciplines I might not have otherwise considered, such as philosophy, which became one of the most impactful areas of my education. INDS encouraged me to step outside a rigid academic path and to build coursework that reflected my intellectual curiosity and aligned with my long-term goals. During this process, I discovered new interests while also expanding my understanding of existing ones.

Thanks to this creative and interdisciplinary approach, I was able to design a degree in “Healthcare Provider Wellness”, an area that is personally meaningful and highly relevant to the growing issue of physician burnout in the United States. I have long been interested in the relationship between physical and mental health, particularly how lifestyle habits influence well-being, performance, and resilience. INDS gave me the opportunity to transform that interest into a structured academic focus that bridges multiple disciplines with the lived experiences of healthcare professionals.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduating from UMBC, I plan to take two gap years before beginning medical school. I will use this time to gain clinical experience as an EMT with the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department. In addition, I have accepted a full-time position with MissionFit, a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization where I have volunteered for the past year. MissionFit’s mission is to empower Baltimore’s youth through health, wellness, and community building, while developing the skills they will need for a successful transition into the workforce. I am excited to step into this role, as it closely aligns with my passions and values. My experience at MissionFit has reinforced the importance of preventative health, community support, and sustainable wellness practices, principles that I hope to carry into my future career in medicine. Outside of my professional pursuits, I plan to prepare for my first bodybuilding competition following graduation, as well as my first Muay Thai fight shortly thereafter, both of which reflect my commitment to physical activity and long-term health.

My INDS degree is directly connected to these goals, as it has allowed me to explore the psychological, social, and philosophical dimensions of healthcare, as well as the scientific. In particular, my focus on “Healthcare Provider Wellness” has shaped my understanding of physician burnout as a systemic issue that impacts providers and patients. Through my gap year experiences and future medical training, I hope to apply this perspective by prioritizing sustainable practices, advocating for healthier work environments, and contributing to a model of medicine that supports patient outcomes and physician well-being.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

During my time at UMBC, I have been deeply involved in both academic and community-based initiatives. 

• Neuroscience Researcher (3years)|  Vonhoff Lab- contributing to multiple projects and presenting my work at three conferences, including URCAD and a national conference, with manuscripts currently in progress.

• URCAD Researcher (2026)| 
  • Physician Burnout Through the Emotional State Theory of Happiness
  • USP8 Manipulations Lead to Synaptic Morphology Alterations and Sensory Behavior Disruptions in Drosophila LarvaeURCAD Researcher (2026)

• Vice President| UMBC Weightlifting Club- fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for members

• Organic Chemistry Tutor- Two Years
• Teaching Assistant| UMBC Classes- BIOL 302, INDS 335, and CHEM 102L
• UMBC Phage Hunters- 2025/2026

Beyond the classroom, I continue to serve as: 

• Volunteer EMT| Arbutus Fire Department 
• Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, 
• Tutor| P2P program- where I work with formerly incarcerated students pursuing higher education.
• Youth Health and Wellness Coach| MissionFit

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC: 

• John W. Jeffries Dean's List Award
• President's List (4.0 GPA, every semester)
• George, Lela, and Bruce Warr Scholarship
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Phi Kappa Phi
• Commended INDS Degree Plan

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the INDS faculty and staff for their unwavering support throughout my academic journey. The mentorship I received in this program has been invaluable. At every stage, the INDS team has gone above and beyond to guide, challenge, and support me, opening doors to opportunities I could not have imagined at the start of my college career.

I highly recommend the INDS program, particularly for pre-med students seeking a meaningful way to differentiate themselves while pursuing their passions. In addition to allowing me to tailor my education to my goals and interests, INDS has also helped me grow into a more thoughtful and reflective future professional.

For More information on Shreya's INDS journey please click here!

Amanda Nergrete| INDS Student Worker  

Title: Mouse House: First Person Exploration Survival Game

Mentor: Eric Jordan

Location and Time: RAC Arena- All Day

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Live Drum Circle

INDS Professors: Jose Arenas Gomez & Steven McAlpine 

Location and Time: RAC Stage & 11am-11:15am

Debbie- B.A. INDS