UMBC has secured $1.5 million in congressional funding to establish the UMBC Center for Precision Aquaculture, an interdisciplinary effort aimed at revolutionizing land-based fish production through real-time monitoring and smart technology.

The new center brings together faculty and students from UMBC’s marine biotechnology, chemistry and biochemistry, and computer science and electrical engineering (CSEE) departments. The interdisciplinary team will strive to make domestic aquaculture more efficient, healthier for fish, and environmentally responsible—while helping reduce America’s massive seafood trade deficit.

“Fish are the last ‘hunt-and-gather’ animal crop,” says Yonathan Zohar, professor and chair of marine biotechnology and the new center’s lead. “To relieve pressure on our oceans, fish—like other animal proteins—must be produced through farming or aquaculture.”

Bringing a “blue revolution”

The U.S. imports over 90 percent of its seafood and nearly all its Atlantic salmon, contributing to American seafood imports exceeding exports by roughly $20 billion, the largest deficit across all agricultural crops. And aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector of global and U.S. agriculture, yet the U.S. ranks only 18th in production. 

To address these challenges, Zohar and his team at the Aquaculture Research Center (ARC) at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor have long pioneered recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)—self-contained, land-based tanks that recycle nearly all their water and discharge nothing into the environment. Compared to the floating, open-ocean pens currently used to farm fish, other perks of land-based operations include preventing commingling of captive fish with wild stocks, limiting disease exposure, the ability to bring fish to market size more quickly and more often throughout the year, and reduced transportation costs and emissions associated with bringing fresh seafood to inland areas. The ARC even converts solid fish waste into biogas that could supply part of the facility’s energy needs. 

The new Center for Precision Aquaculture will add a high-tech layer to this work. Advanced underwater imaging, optical sensors, and artificial intelligence will track fish biomass, behavior, body condition, stress signals, and early disease indicators in real time. Producers can then intervene quickly and optimize tank conditions for better growth, health, and welfare.

Zohar, whose decades of work in sustainable aquaculture recently earned him the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Aquaculture Society, said the project “will contribute to the U.S. and global ‘blue revolution’ by helping develop the next generation of highly efficient and environmentally responsible aquaculture technologies.”

Connecting disciplines, pursuing impact

The center’s strength lies in its cross-department collaboration. Brian Cullum, professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry and co-investigator on the grant, brings long-standing expertise in multispectral imaging (MSI). His group will use MSI to detect subtle color changes in the visible, infrared, and UV light spectra that are invisible to standard cameras and signal early disease or unwanted sexual maturation, both of which can hurt profitability.

“In high-density RAS tanks, disease can spread rapidly, so early detection is critical,” Cullum says. “This project combines multispectral imaging with AI to identify stressed or maturing fish early, allowing growers to remove them from the tank.”

“With global demand for protein rising, improving aquaculture systems means contributing to a more stable and responsible food supply,” says Emmanuella Duruye, a Ph.D. candidate in Cullum’s lab. “I am excited about the multidisciplinary aspect, and being part of a team whose goal is to improve systems that make real-world and long-term impacts.” She is focused on improving non-invasive monitoring of hidden stress signals via multispectral imaging.

Rebecca Williams, assistant professor of CSEE, is a co-investigator on the project, as is Don Engel, associate professor of CSEE. Beamlak Bekele, a master’s student in Williams’s group, is developing computer vision tools tailored to underwater environments. “I am excited about this project because it connects computer science with aquaculture, allowing me to apply computer vision to a real-world problem,” Bekele said. “As the project progresses, it can contribute methods that improve the application of underwater vision data to other scenarios as well.”

Ph.D. students Sean Ravel and Max Prager; postdoctoral fellow Matthew Stromberg, Ph.D. ’26, environmental engineering; and John Stubblefield, ARC laboratory director, are all working with Zohar at IMET. Undergraduates are contributing, too: Krish Bakshi, a junior biochemistry and molecular biology major, and Mason Chialastri, junior biological sciences major, are currently doing research internships with the Zohar lab.

“Early maturation is one of the biggest challenges in salmon aquaculture, and I’m excited to be part of the cutting-edge research to better understand and manage it,” Ravel shares. “We are building tools that let us understand fish in ways that are only possible because we combine biology, engineering, and AI into a single, integrated system.” 

Piloting the future of aquaculture

The new funding will support a pilot RAS system that integrates the new precision technologies. ARC will serve as a demonstration site for industry, hands-on student training, and public outreach. It builds directly on UMBC’s existing strengths, including ongoing USDA- and NOAA-funded salmon research and a popular Sustainable Aquaculture course. The center will also help train the next generation of skilled workers through internships and research opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

By combining UMBC’s deep foundation in RAS technology with state-of-the-art imaging and AI, the Center for Precision Aquaculture positions Maryland as an emerging hub for innovative, sustainable seafood production—reducing reliance on imports, easing pressure on wild fisheries, and delivering healthy food to American tables.

Just tackling the rigors of a college course load on its own can be daunting for any student. But when you add in the additional responsibilities of working and getting involved with co-curriculars, it can become impossible…unless you’re Shawn Bearam, Jr., computer science. Throughout his time at UMBC, he saw how much value this level of involvement and responsibility added to his college career and saw it as his way of giving back.

Q: What drew you to UMBC?

A: I chose UMBC for a few reasons—first because of the scholarships they provided me, and also because of the diversity here. Other schools didn’t have the same diversity UMBC was able to offer. My last reason was the smaller campus. I felt like a smaller campus would allow me the opportunity to connect with professors and I wouldn’t get lost in a large lecture hall. The professors here actually remember me.

Q: Why did you choose your major?

A: I’m a computer science major. I was always considered the tech kid growing up, and in my early college program, one of the pathways was computer science. I discovered that I liked problem solving, seeing what was going wrong, and it became fun for me. 

Q: What inspired you to get so involved in different campus departments?

A: I found communities where it seemed that everyone was having fun together, and I wanted to be a part of that. My first role was working with the events staff in Athletics, then I applied to work with bwtech@UMBC. From there, I applied to work in the Vice President of Student Affairs office as an office assistant and I was promoted to lead office assistant. During my first year I was also hired as a resident assistant, and I was later promoted to lead resident assistant. I also served as a first-year ambassador for SGA.

I started to see that I was able to learn so much here. Overall, I saw people who looked like me in different spaces, and I knew they would be able to understand me, so I wanted to get involved. 

Q: How have your various roles on campus impacted your time at UMBC?

A: My many roles  made me want to stay at UMBC. I had the option to graduate last semester, but I wanted to stay another semester, I didn’t want to leave everyone so soon. I feel safe at UMBC. It also made me want to keep pursuing my education—I knew that being involved in so many different organizations meant I needed to keep my GPA up, so it pushed me to stay focused in my classes so I could keep having fun. 

Q: How did you balance your academic work with your on-campus jobs?

A: It was a struggle at first, but using my Google Calendar helped me manage my time. My employers here also made sure to emphasize the importance of me being a student first.

My community director at Walker Avenue Apartments, LaDonna Wyatt, became a mentor to me while I was searching for internships. I was applying to different places, but it became difficult and I wanted to give up. She pushed me to keep applying and was there for me throughout the process which then led me to getting an internship with the Division of Information Technology for the state. The faculty and staff here really care about the students as a whole. 

Q: What made you decide to join SGA?

A: I was involved in SGA during my early college program at Montgomery College. I felt like I was really making a change while I was there, and I wanted to do the same at UMBC. I started off as a first-year ambassador in SGA here, then I became the director of communications, and I am currently the chief of staff. I knew after my first year that SGA was something I wanted to continue with and I wanted to keep moving up.

Q: Through all of your roles on campus, what is one moment that had the biggest impact on you?

A: Being an office assistant in the VPSA office. Everyday they drive me forward, and encourage me with their motto: Strive to unlock potential and transform lives. It really feels like a family. They’ve been asking me about how I feel as I’m getting ready to graduate and making sure that I have everything together. At first, it was a shock to me, but they really care about me even though I’m about to leave, and they care about what I’m going to be doing even after I leave. That role has had the biggest impact on me because they are so invested in seeing me grow and succeed. 

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I was just offered a role with the State of Maryland with the Division of Information and Technology and I will be starting as a project analyst. 

Q: What advice would you give to new students who are curious about getting involved on campus?

A: You may be scared, but sometimes you have to do things while you’re scared too. It may be scary to go to a big (seb) event because there’s so many people, but that may be the place where you find friends. You can be scared while you do things, but still do it. My personal motto is: The worst thing someone can say is “no.” Take those big steps, join the club, and if the club you’re looking for isn’t there—create it! 

My whole experience at UMBC has been amazing—I can be myself here, and I’m not going to be judged. Community is truly the word to describe UMBC. 

Story by Allison John ’24, psychology, graduate coordinator for first-year engagement and anchor programs. All photos courtesy of Bearam unless otherwise noted.

Eight UMBC students and alumni have been awarded the prestigious 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP), a highly competitive honor that supports outstanding graduate students in STEM disciplines. This year’s large cohort of Retriever recipients demonstrates the university’s commitment to fostering research excellence and preparing students to become leaders in their fields.

The recipients are already making waves with their work. Caly Ferguson ’26, mechanical engineering, was recently named to the National Society of Black Engineers’ “25 Under 25” list and received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship in 2025. He has been working on developing an affordable and dextrous prosthetic forearm and hand with Ramana Vinjamuri, associate professor of computer science and electrical engineering. 

Lesley Hernandez ’25, biochemistry, will use the GRFP to support her doctoral studies in biomedical science at the University of Michigan. At UMBC, she studied HIV replication with Michael Summers, professor of chemistry and biochemistry. Both Ferguson and Hernandez are Meyerhoff Scholars, and Hernandez also balances her science with a passion for Latin dance. 

Peter Allen Wilschke ’24, economics and political science, is heading to graduate school after completing a two-year research assistant position at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, DC. His research at UMBC on the complex relationships between political factors and fiscal policy garnered national attention.

Sydney Braithwaite, who completed her bachelor’s in forensic chemistry at Towson University, will bring her fellowship to UMBC for graduate study with Lee Blaney, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering. Meredith Morse ’25, chemical engineering; Shefra Shah ’24, biochemistry and molecular biology; and Terra Miley ’25, chemical engineering, are all conducting doctoral work at the University of Delaware; Salman Mirza ’25, mechanical engineering, is pursuing a Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University.

The substantial fellowship provides three years of financial support, including an annual living stipend and funds for tuition and fees, and the recipients can take their fellowship to any institution in the U.S. That flexibility makes it easier for students to pursue exactly the research they are passionate about with faculty who share their enthusiasm, regardless of the level of resources available at the host institution. 

These eight fellowships are a testament to the drive and talent of UMBC’s graduates as they take on new challenges along their research journeys. Each is in a strong position to make their mark on scientific discovery and innovation across the country.

On April 22, more than 450 student presenters and their friends, mentors, and supporters will fill the Retriever Activities Center (RAC) for the 30th anniversary of the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day.

It’s the first year the annual event, more commonly known as URCAD, will take place in the RAC, where it has moved because of its record-breaking size. The event will feature poetry readings, live music performances, video game demonstrations, scientific research presentations, artistic exhibits, films, and more. The new space provides room for more live performances and exhibits. This year’s URCAD will feature music by the Dana Idnay band, members of the UMBC Jazz Ensemble, the drum circle, the Down and Dirty Dawg Band, and Fever Dream, a band made up of UMBC undergraduate and graduate students and led by biology professors Jeffrey Lieps and Stephen Caruso.

It’s a tradition of the event to invite an outstanding alum as the keynote speaker. This year, Karena Ingram ‘16, music composition, will speak about her work as a composer and arts advocate who brings issues ranging from domestic violence to video gaming into her projects. As a student, she presented her own research at URCAD on the Baltimore-based composer CK Barlow and her influence in the field of electronic music. 

Student participants hail from all corners of campus and will showcase their diverse research and creative projects, including investigations into supermassive black holes, patterns of Antarctic tourism, the effects of 9/11 on U.S. immigration, and much more. 

“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary, we recognize that URCAD is one of the oldest and largest events of this kind in the state, and that UMBC has one of the highest rates for undergraduates who do mentored research in the country,” says April Householder ’95, director of undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships. “To commemorate, we are throwing back to the 1990s—stop by the photo booth and graffiti wall and make some memories!”

Students pose for a photo and mingle at a poster session during URCAD in 2024. (Marlayna Demond ’11/UMBC)

A lively festival of the mind

The original URCAD was held in 1997 on the 7th floor of the AOK Library, with about 50 scheduled student presenters. Former Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Diane Lee, who had the idea for the event, says she was afraid there wouldn’t be enough attendees. 

“We decided to have a midday program and invite [President Emeritus] Dr. Hrabowski to speak. His presence and wonderful snacks including chocolate covered strawberries ensured a good crowd,” she recalls. 

Over the years, the event grew ever larger, but it stayed true to its purpose of showcasing the quality of UMBC students and the depth of the questions they investigate. It also serves as a unifying event, where students from diverse disciplines can learn about each other’s work. 

Householder says that because of the size of this year’s event, she briefly considered splitting URCAD across two days—one for STEM and one for artists. But she quickly discarded that idea. “What is special about URCAD is that everyone is together in one space,” she says. “A scientist presenting a biochemistry poster can hear music, a poet who is an English major can see an airplane prototype, and an engineer can check out costumes made for the theatre. UMBC is a place where we don’t exist in boxes.”

Through a rigorous academic curriculum, service as a tutor, internships, tennis pick-up games, close friendships, and more, Manav Narendra ’26, mathematics and computer science, has made the most of his time at UMBC and built a strong foundation for future success in applied math and related fields. A leukemia survivor, Narendra has adopted a posture of gratitude and resilience, crediting in part his mother’s unwavering support and UMBC’s close-knit community for helping him thrive academically and personally. Here, Narendra reflects on his path to date, the people who shaped it, and the lessons he’s carrying forward.

Q: Why did you choose UMBC and your two degrees?

A: As a QuestBridge Scholar in high school, I was able to apply to select colleges with no application fee and the potential for a full-ride scholarship. In the end, UMBC just felt right—it was the closest to home, and I appreciated the smaller, more intimate community feel. I felt like at a bigger school I could’ve gotten lost in the crowd, but here I could actually stand out. Plus, UMBC gave me a merit scholarship, which mattered a lot coming from a single-parent household.

I’ve always loved math—calculus was my favorite class in high school. I originally planned to double major in math and physics, because I wanted to go into astronomy or astrophysics. But the job outlook seemed stronger for computer science, and I’d enjoyed coding since middle school, so I switched to that. Now I’m leaning toward applied math fields like actuarial science, because I enjoy stochastic (chaotic) process modeling and probability analysis more than pure software development.

Q: How did your internships enhance your education and influence your career trajectory?

A: I did the same business operations internship at the investor services division of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, where I supported third-party mutual fund administration, twice—after my sophomore and junior years. I’m convinced that talking to company reps in person at the UMBC Career Fair really helped me get the offer. I spent a ton of time in Excel and learned Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), writing programs to automate procedures for other teams at the company. The internship taught me what a corporate environment feels like—being accountable, professional, and how one mistake could have a real effect on production.

The experience was incredibly valuable, even though I don’t think it’s the exact kind of work I want to do long term. I had zero Excel or VBA experience before, and those skills are huge in actuarial work. So even though I realized I want something more independent and creative, the internships gave me practical skills I can take straight into data analysis or actuarial roles. The internships also showed me it’s okay to explore—every experience teaches you something you can carry forward.

Q: What’s next for you after graduation?

A: The job market is tough right now, so I’m keeping my options open. I’m considering actuarial positions, data science and analysis, underwriting, even some IT and software roles. I’m open to moving anywhere—I’ve moved a lot in my life, and after five years in Maryland I’m actually getting a little restless!

Certification exams are really important in the fields I want to go into, and I took my first actuarial exam in January. Right now I’m in the Financial Math for Actuaries class at UMBC, which lines up perfectly with the next exam in June. I just want to get my foot in the door somewhere and keep learning.

Q: How have you gotten involved on campus, and how have those experiences supported your well-being and growth?

A: The smaller class sizes at UMBC—especially the 20- to 30-person ones—made everything feel more personal. That’s where I made most of my friends, through connections sparked by real discussion. I also tutored math and Japanese at the Academic Success Center for three years. That was rewarding and kept me grounded.

I’m in the Honors College and the national mathematics honor society, Pi Mu Epsilon, and I just applied to Mu Sigma Rho, the honor society for statistics. My friend is an officer of the Bonsai Club, and I’ve gone to some of their origami and painting events. And I play a lot of pickup tennis—UMBC’s courts are great, and that’s been huge for my physical and mental health and making friends. All of it kept me balanced, especially with a heavy course load to complete both of my degrees in four years. 

Q: Who has supported you in your academic and life journey, and what difference has that made?

A: My mom has been everything. She’s my biggest supporter and my lifelong inspiration, both personally and academically. She stopped working for years to take care of me when I had cancer, getting me to every appointment and advocating for my treatment. I tell people it was much harder for her than for me—I just had to deal with the physical pain, but she handled so much, mentally, emotionally…I wasn’t the brave one during treatment; she was. She’s overcome so much adversity to get me to where I am today, and for that I’m eternally humbled and grateful. Also, at a time in India when women were discouraged from pursuing their dreams and there were large gender disparities in higher education, she embraced her passion for public health and became the first person from her village to earn a doctorate. She later completed a postdoc at Duke—that’s why we first came to the U.S. Her story inspires me every single day to chase after my dreams and always stay true to myself. 

At UMBC, Dr. Simon Stacey andDr. Julie Oakes in the Honors College; Dr. Hye-Won Kang and Dr. Kal Nanes in the math department; and pretty much every professor I’ve had have been incredible. They’ve advised me on careers, written recommendation letters, and helped me explore actuarial science. That support made me feel seen and capable.

Q: How did having cancer affect your outlook?

A: When I was 13, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) while we were living in India. The first year of intense chemo was brutal—my brain has blocked out memory of the worst of the agonies. In my debilitated state, I was forced to miss the bulk of 8th grade. Later on, I had GI complications that left me bedridden and using a nasal feeding tube for months, but one silver lining of that time overlapping with the pandemic was that I could join online school right from my bed. Thankfully, I’ve been off treatment since summer 2020, and I’m doing well now. I still have some minor residual issues from treatment—but I’m here!

Cancer gave me resilience. It’s my second chance at life. Challenges that used to feel huge just don’t faze me the same way anymore. That experience put everything in perspective: If I could get through that, I can get through anything. I try to live life to the fullest because of it.

Q: What advice do you have for incoming UMBC students?

A: Keep going. Even when things get hard—personal stuff, academics, whatever—just keep moving forward. Break everything into small steps. I’m a serial procrastinator, but I still get everything done by staying consistent with a simple to-do list. Whatever your goal is—an internship, a recital, a competition—just take one small step at a time. Nothing is impossible.

And above all, try to be a good person. I love this Einstein quote: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. He is considered successful in our day who gets more out of life than he puts in. But a man of value will give more than he receives.” Be kind. Be empathetic. That matters more than straight As. And UMBC’s community will meet you where you are, and then help you grow, as long as you show up.

Four UMBC students have been named Barry Goldwater Scholars this year. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation supports talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become leading researchers in science, engineering, and mathematics in the U.S. The award is one of the most prestigious for undergraduates in STEM. 

UMBC juniors Deeya Mistry, biological sciences, Jessica Slaughter, computer engineering, Phoenix Bryant, biological sciences, and sophomore Amir Walton-Irvin, computer engineering, are among the 454 scholars selected nationwide in 2026. They competed with nearly 1,500 students majoring in science, engineering, and mathematics who were nominated by their academic institutions for the award. 

This is the third time that a record four UMBC students have received Goldwater Scholarships in the same year.

“I’m always so impressed by the caliber of students at UMBC,” says April Householder ’95, director of undergraduate research and prestigious scholarships, who works with students each year to prepare their Goldwater application materials. “And I’m excited to see what they do next, because this is also a springboard to even bigger and better opportunities.”

Personal stories propel curiosity 

The road to a successful scientific career can be arduous, and each of this year’s UMBC Goldwater Scholars have tapped deep curiosity, a drive to make a difference, as well as nurturing family and school support, to take them to this prestigious milestone on their journeys.

“I grew up in a household with my mom and my grandmother, who were both mathematics teachers,” Walton-Irvin says. “They both helped nurture my interest in STEM from an early age. My grandmother taught me how to solve math problems, code, and take things apart and put them back together, while my mom encouraged that curiosity by exposing me to engineering camps and science museums.”

Later, when his grandmother started showing signs of dementia, Walton-Irvin found himself facing a host of hard-to-answer questions. “She went from someone who had an answer to every question to not knowing who I was anymore. It was heartbreaking, but it also made me start asking bigger questions: Why did this happen to her, like it has to so many others before her? How does disease change brain function?” He plans to pursue a career at the intersection of machine learning and neuroscience, developing novel neuroimaging analysis methods to investigate neurological disease and health disparities. 

Bryant experienced a similar personal connection to unanswered scientific questions when her dad was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. “I remember asking my mom: ‘Why is he like this?’ And sometimes she’d say: ‘We don’t know that yet.’ And I really wanted to know the answer,” Bryant says. She plans to enter an M.D.-Ph.D. program, and would like to study how environmental factors influence how genes are expressed and may contribute to the development of psychiatric diseases. 

Mistry found herself drawn to science since grade school, working to get ever closer to that scientific frontier where new knowledge is created. “Since not everything is known yet, there’s the possibility to uncover more,” she says. “Doing scientific research is an amazing way to pursue my curiosity.” She plans to pursue an M.D.-Ph.D. with a clinical focus in emergency medicine and a Ph.D. studying the molecular makeup of individualized stroke recovery. 

“While my clinical and research focuses are different from one another, I was really inspired to study this when I shadowed in the Emergency Department in downtown Baltimore,” she says. “Stroke patients usually come to the Emergency Department first, and everyone’s experience truly is different, because timing is crucial for strokes.”

Slaughter says the possibility of combining new knowledge with helping people drew her to the field of engineering, where she hopes to make a difference by improving global health, especially in disadvantaged areas where resources are limited. 

Coming from a family of immigrants, Slaughter watched her grandmother travel over 5,000 miles to the U.S. for surgery, even as her health made the journey difficult. “That experience gave me a window into global healthcare disparities, especially in access to diagnostics and effective treatment, and showed me how engineering can be part of the solution,” she says. It is what drives her to develop low-cost, accessible medical devices and incorporate machine learning.

A supportive family—at home and at school

All the new scholars emphasize how much mentorship, connections, and support have helped them as they worked toward their dreams.

“One of the reasons winning this scholarship is so meaningful to me is because it was only two generations ago when women in my family did not get past a high school education,” says Mistry. She credits her parents with instilling in her a strong work ethic and the confidence to overcome challenges. “My dreams were built on the sacrifice and hard work of my parents and grandparents,” she says.

She also credits the many mentors she met at UMBC. Mistry, Slaughter, Bryant and Walton-Irvin are all part of the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, which aims to increase diversity among future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and related fields.

“The Meyerhoff program and the COEIT community, particularly Dr. LaBerge and Dr. Marten, have been instrumental to my career,” Slaughter says. 

“The advisors in the Meyerhoff program really helped me, and they’re always so supportive,” Bryant echoed. 

On left, Deeya Mistry (right) with Mitsue Wiggs, associate director of the Meyerhoff program. (Photo courtesy of Deeya Mistry). On right, Jessica Slaughter (with braids) celebrates winning the limbo contest at the annual Meyerhoff Family Retreat at Centennial Park. “The Meyerhoff program isn’t just a scholarship, but also a family that celebrates every win, big or small,” she says. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Slaughter)

The students also credit their mentors in the labs where they do research on campus. Mistry is investigating the molecular mechanisms that underlie the sex differences in chronic stress susceptibility to understand why females have a higher susceptibility to chronic stress-induced psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety in the lab of Tara LeGates. Bryant is studying the biomechanical properties of a protein involved in chromatin regulation in the lab of Erin Green. Slaughter is applying statistical principles to develop bioinformatics applications to facilitate the analysis of dynamic, system-scale “-omics” data in the lab of Mark Marten. And Walton-Irvin is applying machine learning and signal processing methods to investigate functional brain connectivity and health disparities in the lab of Tülay Adali.

On the right path

For the four UMBC students, winning a Goldwater Scholarship is both a validation of the work they have put in so far, and a stepping stone to their next achievement.

“When I saw the email letting me know I’d been selected, I literally screamed, I was so excited,” Slaughter says. “I FaceTimed my family. I FaceTimed all my friends who helped me through this journey. I immediately sent thank you emails to all my mentors.”

Mistry messaged LeGates, her research advisor, and sprinted to her office to celebrate. 

Walton-Irvin’s first response was to call his mom, as the news felt both emotional and affirming. “It meant a lot to know that the path I’m trying to build, one rooted in both personal experience and a desire to empower others, was being recognized,” he says. “Awards like this are meaningful, but I see them as part of a much larger journey of doing impactful work.”

Come meet all four Goldwater Scholars at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day on April 22 in the RAC, where they will be presenting their research alongside more than 400 other student presenters:

Deeya Mistry: “Investigation of the Circadian Rhythm on Blood Brain Barrier Permeability,” RAC 050, 9:20 – 9:35 a.m.

Phoenix Bryant: “Investigating the Function of the PHD Finger in Chromatin Regulator Set4,” RAC Arena, 10 – 11 a.m., Poster #20

Amir Walton-Irvin: “Analysis of FMRI Data to Characterize Brain Connectivity Across Socioeconomic and Racial Backgrounds,” RAC 230, 11:20 – 11:35 a.m.

Jessica Slaughter: “Open-Source Software Suite of Bioinformatic Tools for Dynamic Omics Data,” RAC Arena, 2 – 3 p.m., Poster #65

Anupam Joshi, vice provost and chief AI officer for UMBC, has been named a 2025 Fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and the publisher of the Science family of journals. 

Joshi is among nearly 500 scientists, engineers, and innovators who have been elected 2025 fellows for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers. 

Joshi is a pioneer in data management and security for mobile and ad-hoc networks using AI approaches. His research interests are at the intersection of AI and systems. Over the last decade, Joshi has explored this intersection to improve cybersecurity—using distributed AI approaches for attack detection and resilience in CPS/IoT systems that undergird critical infrastructure and policy-driven approaches to security and privacy.

In addition to serving as vice provost and chief AI officer, Joshi is the Oros Family Professor and director of the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute. A prolific scholar, Joshi obtained a B.Tech degree from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in 1989, and a master’s and Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1991 and 1993. 

A tradition dating back to 1874, election as a AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor, and all fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. Joshi is the ninth fellow to be elected from UMBC throughout its history. Phyllis Robinson was the most recent UMBC fellow elected in 2024. 

“This year’s AAAS Fellows have demonstrated research excellence, made notable contributions to advance science, and delivered important services to their communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “These fellows and their accomplishments validate the importance of investing in science and technology for the benefit of all.”

Mechanical engineering senior Caly Ferguson will be honored with a “25 Under 25” award at the upcoming meeting of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), held March 18 – 22 in Baltimore. The award recognizes exceptional students and young professionals under the age of 25 who are making a measurable impact in science and technology fields through leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community advancement. 

Ferguson is a Meyerhoff Scholar and current president of the UMBC chapter of NSBE. Last year he was one of three UMBC students recognized with the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, established to promote a strong STEM workforce in the U.S.

Since his first year at UMBC, Ferguson has worked in the lab of Ramana Vinjamuri, an associate professor of computer science and electrical engineering, on a project to develop a prosthetic forearm and hand. The device employs machine learning to interpret electrical signals from the nerves in the arm and translate them into desired movements of the prosthetic hand. Ferguson is interested in a career developing biomedical devices—in particular making them more affordable so that more people can benefit from them. 

“I am truly blessed to be considered as one of the awardees for this esteemed honor,” Ferguson says. “I feel as though God, my family, my friends, and all of my mentors and colleagues have played such integral roles in my successes over the past years.”

Ferguson says being a part of the NSBE community has positively shaped his career trajectory and he plans to stay involved with the society after graduation. He is running for a regional executive board position with the organization at this year’s annual meeting.

“One of the things I am most proud of is seeing the consistent growth of the organization on campus throughout my undergraduate career,” he says. “I know that this student org will continue to rise and achieve amazing feats after I graduate from UMBC.”

Two student-led UMBC start-ups have been selected to receive 2026 Pava LePere Innovation Awards, granting them $50,000 each from the state of Maryland to support their business, as well as access to mentorship, training, and strategic support from the Maryland Student Venture Core Advisory Board and representatives from a network of entrepreneur support organizations across the local tech ecosystem.

The first start-up, called iBraid, was founded by Velma Funebe, a junior studying public health. She is building an augmented reality braiding app to help users part faster, see more clearly, and confidently braid their own hair.

The second start-up, called Strike Sense, is led by Charles Nerad, a sophomore studying media and communications and financial economics, and Aidan Fleischer,and Abhinav Patel, both sophomores studying mechanical engineering. The team is developing cost-effective attachments to transform any existing martial arts chest protector into an electronic, gamified system with sound effects and a “health bar.”

The teams were recognized at the Maryland Student Venture Showcase, held February 18 in Baltimore. 

Aspiring entrepreneurs can tap a wealth of resources at UMBC. The Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, led by director Kevin Fulmer, supports the entrepreneurial mindset with courses, speaker series featuring business leaders, start-up accelerator programs, and assistance with business ideas and networking with experts.

Last spring, Strike Sense competed and won second place in the technology and innovation track at the Cangialosi Business Innovation Competition, established by Greg Cangialosi ’96, English, an entrepreneurial leader in Baltimore. The competition provides UMBC student entrepreneurs with real-world experience, pairing them with mentors and connecting them to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Winners receive valuable support, including free legal and accounting services, a six-month affiliate membership at the bwtech@UMBC incubator, and guidance for fundraising and pitch development.

This year marks the second in a row that UMBC teams have won Pava LePere Innovation Awards, following the success of Elastic Energy, co-founded by mechanical engineering junior Samuel Bendek, at the inaugural awards in 2025.

“We are excited about the continued exposure and opportunities our student ventures are receiving in the broader Baltimore entrepreneurship community. It is validation that the programs we’ve put in place over the past few years are starting to pay dividends,” says Fulmer. “The ideas students are coming up with continue to be very impactful in creating economic and social impact in addition to being a great learning experience.”

This past weekend, the Retrievers cracked open the record books to ink two more milestones in the history of UMBC Athletics. For the first time in university history, the women’s track and field team captured the America East Indoor Championship title. In addition, the men’s swimming and diving team reclaimed their America East title for the first time since 2023. This marks their 15th win in 20 seasons. 

First of many

Despite the looming chilly weather, the women’s track and field team proved to be on a heater at Boston University on Saturday, February 21. With 163 total points, the Retrievers overtook defending champion UAlbany (143 points) and Bryant (116.83 points). 

There was no shortage of team and individual honors for the newly-crowned champs. UMBC was named America East Coaching Staff of the Year, led by David Bobb. 

With a time of 3:44.12, a 4×400 relay team of current student-athletes Lily Bandy, Dalyce Schmidt, political science; Leanne McDonald, psychology; and Anna Creel, computer science, nabbed not only a gold medal, but also set a new meet record time, beating their own record set in 2022. 

Sophomore Katie Schwaner, history, earned both Outstanding Track Performer of the Meet and the America East Coaches Award. First-year student Enazajah Young, political science, continued to add to her remarkable first season, receiving Most Outstanding Rookie and setting a new school record in the 60-meter hurdles to bring home a gold. 

Return to glory

Despite a remarkable legacy of excellence, the America East title has eluded UMBC men’s swimming and diving for the past two years, the longest break in their winning streak since joining the America East Conference in 2004. This year, the Retrievers broke the spell and came out on top to defeat two-time defending champion Binghamton. 

With a final total of 805.5 points, the Retrievers finished 50+ points ahead of Binghamton in second (748 points) and Bryant in third with 572.5 points. Despite the two-year hiatus, the Retrievers proved to still be a force to be reckoned with, racking up individual and team accolades. 

Led by Matt Donovan, UMBC again received Most Outstanding Coaching Staff honors. 

“This was an entire team win in every aspect for our third men’s team championship in five years,” said Donovan. “From the athletes in the water, to all of our supporters back at UMBC, and of course to our women’s team and what they bring to our program every day.” 

Senior Sean Neils, financial economics, earned athletic and academic honors, collecting individual medals and earning the America East Elite 18 Award for being the student-athlete with the highest GPA—a 4.0 in his case. 

First-year student Braden Weise set a meet record time of 43.58 in the 100 free, earning a gold, and was named Most Outstanding Rookie. The rest of his teammates followed suit with Neils grabbing silver, junior Matthew So, computer science, taking home bronze, and sophomore Axel Mori, economics, finishing in fourth, sweeping the 100 free and solidifying the title win for the Retrievers. 

Although women’s swimming and diving fell short of team title, junior Ashley Gutshall, history, set a record across UMBC and the America East with a time of 22.25 in the 50 meter. Gutshall took home a gold and qualified in the event for the NCAA Championship on March 20 in Atlanta. 

“Shortly after the meet was completed, I was asked on deck what my thoughts were and what I said then still rings true now—UMBC is a very special place and we are so proud to represent Retriever Nation,” said Donovan.

Courting a win

While the Retrievers secured their spots in the pool and on the track, UMBC men’s basketball is still in the throes of chasing another America East title. After a hard-fought win against UAlbany (66-62) this past Saturday, the Retrievers clinched a top four seed in America East Conference Tournament play. This was the sixth straight win for UMBC and it cemented hosting rights for a quarterfinal game on March 7. 

The Retrievers are 11-2 in conference play this season and 18-8 overall. They currently sit in first place in the conference. The last game of the regular season is this Thursday, February 26, at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena at 6 p.m. against Bryant. All faculty, staff, and their families are eligible for free tickets to cheer on UMBC.