URCAD is returning to campus! 

URCAD is Wednesday, April 12, 2023. 10 – 4 p.m. 

Congratulations to Jahir Antonio Batista Andrade, Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Engineering, on his first publication related to his Ph.D. research. Batista Andrade, under the supervision of Dr. Lee Blaney, worked with a team of researchers including undergraduate (Erick Diaz, ‘21 Chemical Engineering & Diego Iglesias Vega, ‘23 Chemical Engineering) and graduate students (Ethan Hain, Ph.D. ‘22 Chemical and Biochemical Engineering) as well as postdoctoral researchers (Michael Rose) from Blaney Lab on the research published in the Water Research journal.

The journal article is titled: “Spatiotemporal analysis of fluorescent dissolved organic matter to identify the impacts of failing sewer infrastructure in urban streams”. The findings of this study describe the use of fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) to track hotspots of raw wastewater in urban streams. The study analyzed 296 surface water samples from 27 sites in two watersheds over a one-year period and found that the area-normalized ratio of soluble microbial product-like to humic acid-like fluorescence (R4/R5 ≥ 0.85) and the ratio of EEM-PARAFAC components with tryptophan-like and fulvic acid-like fluorescence (C4/C3 ≥ 1.45) could be used to distinguish when and where untreated wastewater is introduced to these streams.

The researchers validated the proposed ratios by detecting contaminants such as sucralose, antibiotics, and UV filters in the samples. They identified three sites impacted by septic systems and ten sites affected by sanitary sewer overflows and/or sewer exfiltration. These hotspots occurred almost every month, with the majority being identified in the spring and early summer.

The study's findings suggest that EEM-PARAFAC-based wastewater indicators could be a quick, easy, cost-effective, and scalable technique for identifying failing sewer infrastructure in low-order streams. This is important as failing infrastructure can introduce raw wastewater into these streams, potentially causing environmental and public health issues.

Dr. Rao, Dr. Frey and graduate students from the Chemical Biochemical & Environmental Engineering Department (CBEE) at UMBC as well as collaborators, released a transcript in bioRxiv, titled: “An approach to rapid distributed manufacturing of broad spectrum anti-viral griffithsin using cell-free systems to mitigate pandemics”.

The study details a way for swiftly and effectively synthesizing a protein with broad-spectrum activity. The protein, known as griffithsin, can now be made using either a plant-based or microbial cell-free technology in less than 24 hours and is effective against viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 in vitro. 

The production process is effective and scalable, and its quality and purity have been confirmed using accepted regulatory metrics. Being able to quickly deploy it anywhere in the world to aid in containing viral outbreaks at their source makes it a crucial tool for pandemic mitigation. The development of viral variants has resulted in frequent updates to current vaccines and decreased efficacy of some monoclonal antibody treatments, making proteins like griffithsin a potential asset to the suite of antiviral therapies.

GOT WINTER BREAK PLANS? Participate in an employer site visit through EACE’s 2023 Virtual Road Trips to the Real World!

Participate in EACE’s 2023 Virtual Road Trips to the Real World! Road Trips offers college students the opportunity to attend one-day employer virtual site visits between January 4 - 20, 2023. Host companies will talk about their organization, industry, internships, and job opportunities. This is your chance to get the inside scoop and virtually get your foot in the door at 18+ participating employers.

The registration deadline is the morning of the virtual visit date or one week before an in-person session. Register at eace.org/roadtrips

During each virtual site visit, you will get an in-depth look at how the company operates and see firsthand the potential internships and jobs that are available. You will also network with employers and get a head start on your career planning. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss!

WHO:     Students who are interested in exploring career opportunities. Open to any current undergraduate or graduate student attending a college or university that is a member of the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE).

WHAT:   An opportunity for students to learn first-hand about a career field, network with employers, and explore internship and job opportunities at 18 companies.

WHERE: Virtually: Connect from anywhere you have online access!

WHEN:   Registration is open from November 1 until the morning of a virtual visit date or one week before an in-person session. Site visits take place on one day between January 4 - 20, 2023. View the schedule and register at eace.org/roadtrips.

WHY:     It will help you to think about life after college and the career paths that are available. After all, it is never too early to start thinking about your career!

THIS YEAR'S SITES INCLUDE:

In-person:

Subaru of America, Inc., Camden, NJ

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ

Staples, Inc. (EACE Sponsor), Framingham, MA

Virtual:

·       USLI

·       Vanguard

·       Warner Brothers Discovery

·       The GIANT Company

·       JCDecaux North America

·       Protiviti

·       Amazon Web Services (AWS)

·       Fastenal

·       Green Chimney Children’s Services

·       BDO USA LLP

·       Ability Beyond (EACE Sponsor)

·       Alpha Omega Integration

·       Southcoast Health

City Year

The Road Trips virtual site visits cost $5.00 (plus EventBrite processing fee) per site and are non-refundable.