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GWST 378: Women, Gender, and Sceince

This course explores how the sciences have conceptualized and explained various forms of difference - what scientific knowledge says about sex, gender, race, sexuality, and other identity categories - as well as whether gender and race shape the “doing” of science-(how) does identity matter in scientific practice?  Through a series of writing and research projects, the course asks students to untangle the complex relationship between scientific knowledge and social inequality, and to consider role of scientific practice in social change.

Thursdays 4:30-7pm in person

Instructor Liz Barr

GEP: WI, SS

On a recent Friday, representatives of UMBC, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gathered in UMBC’s Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery and pledged to work together to diversify and advance environmental science.

CBEE faculty, Dr. Claire Welty, Professor of  Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering and Director of Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education, Drs. Lee Blaney, Upal Ghosh, Chris Hennigan, Brian Reed, Claire Welty, are also affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Applied Research in the Environment (ICARE) are beneficiaries of successful collaborations between the three organizations. 

Read more via from UMBC NEWS "Working to diversify and advance environmental science, UMBC, USGS and EPA sign new agreement" Catherine Meyers, Published: May 5, 2023.

We hope that things are wrapping up nicely for you this semester. We are happy to announce that we are having our final GBM (Engineers Without Burnouts) from 2-3PM on Thursday (5/11). Come join us and unwind before finals begin. We hope to see you there. 

-EWB E-Board

The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 2nd Annual Hudson-Delaware & Chesapeake-Potomac Regional Chapter Joint Spring Meeting was held in Easton, Maryland from April 17 - 28, 2023. 

Authors: Marriah Ellington, Ke He, Margaret Siao, Jiabao Liang, Lee Blaney

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise more than 10,000 compounds with variable physicochemical properties. Targeted analytical approaches require standards that are limited, expensive, or unavailable. The total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay represents one option to address the complexity associated with unknown PFAS precursors. In particular, the TOP assay transforms precursors into perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) endpoints via hydroxyl and sulfate radical-driven reactions. Solid samples, such as soil, sediment, and biosolids, contain high concentrations of reactive species scavengers that inhibit precursor oxidation; furthermore, PFAS extraction from solids involves solvent addition, which increases the potential for reactive species scavenging and necessitates further processing steps. The objective of this work was to improve the transformation efficiency, recovery efficiency, and throughput of the TOP assay for soil samples. Recovery efficiency was tracked via mass-labeled PFAA surrogates, which were not oxidized in TOP. Transformation efficiency was evaluated by introducing the M8-PFOSA surrogate standard into the original sample before extraction. PFAS, precursors, and mass-labeled surrogates were extracted with methanol, and the extracts were diluted with deionized water to 20% methanol. To improve transformation efficiency, solid-phase extraction with weak-anion exchange cartridges was used to remove background organic matter. Precursors were eluted with acetonitrile, evaporated, and reconstituted with TOP reagents. After 24 h at 85 °C, the PFAA end-products were present in saline water, affecting analytical compatibility and complicating enrichment. A QuEChERS extraction was employed by adding acetonitrile, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride. The acetonitrile-based extract was evaporated, reconstituted with internal standards, and analyzed for targeted PFAS. Recovery efficiency was dependent on chain length and ranged from 64 to 115%. The M8-PFOSA transformation efficiency was greater than 75% for over 20 soil samples from a PFAS-impacted site. Results showed ng g^-1 quantitation of over 30 PFAS, highlighting the strong performance of this modified TOP assay for real solid samples.

Established for the purpose of raising awareness and promoting good security practices in all aspects of computing, UMBC's Cyber Defense Team (aka CyberDawgs) is the university's renowned collegiate cyber defense team. The CyberDawgs participate in numerous annual cyber defense competitions where they have achieved national recognition, including DOE CyberForce in Illinois, ISTS in New York, and MACCDC hosted at home in Maryland. In addition to team competitions, members also participate in various individual and collaborative Capture the Flag (CTF) events, and host their own DawgCTF and Cyber Defense Exercise (CDE) each Spring/Fall semester, respectively.  In this hour-long presentation, the team's captain will provide an overview of the CyberDawgs, their competitive journey, and the unique opportunities available to students interested in cybersecurity at UMBC. The captain will address some Frequently Asked Questions, covering topics such as selection criteria, team commitment, balancing extracurricular activities, and preparation for tryouts. Attendees will also learn about the social aspects of being part of the CyberDawgs, including participation in local hacker trivia nights, student conference tickets, dinners, hiking trips, and social gatherings.  The team strives to create a well-rounded experience that goes beyond the realm of competitions, fostering camaraderie and lifelong friendships.

Kei-Won-Tia von Wrex (keiwontia@umbc.edu) is the captain and an honorary board member of UMBC's Cyber Defense Team (aka the CyberDawgs). Under the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, Kei-Won-Tia is seeking dual undergraduate degrees in computer science and psychology, with a social welfare minor and a focus on cybersecurity. In addition, she is a Returning Women Scholar and CWIT Associate Scholar, with honored membership in WiCyS, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Omicron Delta Kappa. Kei-Won-Tia is also a researching member of the Cyber Defense Lab. She expects to graduate magna cum laude in December, 2023.

Host: Alan T. Sherman, sherman@umbc.edu, Support for this event was provided in part by the National Science Foundation under SFS grant DGE-1753681.  The UMBC Cyber Defense Lab meets biweekly Fridays 12-1pm. All meetings are open to the public.  Biweekly CDL meetings will resume in fall 2023.

from UMBC NEWS by Sarah Hansen, M.S. '15, Published: May 1, 2023