I Rise For Those Who Are Silenced In Our Society…

What does this mean? Who is actually silenced? Of course, everyone can speak up... right? Not necessarily. Growing up was interesting for me. I was born in the United States (Arlington, Virginia to be exact)  and I definitely pride myself on my nationality... and yes I will still do an internal eye roll whenever I get the question “So, where are you from?” as if my brown skin was somehow not “American”. But don’t get me wrong, I am just as proud about my “Americaness” as much as I am about my Mestizo Salvadoran heritage.

But the funny thing is that I was only given this opportunity to experience this pridefulness because of the hard work and dedication of my parents taking the risk of crossing the border and trying to create a better life for my sister and me. Can you imagine having one decision like this having such a dramatic effect on everything that defines you as a person? The accessibility to a public education, to feel safe while queer, to be anglophone, to have a more solid roof over your head, to even be able to have a small chance of getting a higher ed degree and to not go hungry.

It’s scary to think that if things went just a tad different, I would be a stranger to myself - which makes me have a “Man in the Mirror” moment.

These were some of the things my parents could only dream about when they were children. They were living in an environment where the social infrature was failing them and they had no opportunity whatsoever to experience any socioeconomic mobility where they were living. My parents didn’t meet until they got to the United States but this just shows the prevalence of these social problems in their country of origin. So my parents “added’’the undocumented immigrant identity to their roster of other identities despite them knowing the challenges they may have encountered once entering the United States.

So why did I just share this vulnerable piece about my family’s identity? Well first off, it is a reminder to myself that I should think constantly of where I come from and to not have shame in it! Society somehow socializes us to not share our vulnerability with one another because you don’t want to be perceived as the perpetual victim or even worse; having others blame you for your misfortunes, as if anyone has any real power over when, where and what family they’re born into. As a social scientist NOTHING is concrete, clear or absolute, we must look into all the details! Second, I think we need to become mindful of when we all say blanket statements about groups of people. I will admit, I am triggered when I hear people speaking badly of immigrants, because that is not only where I come from but because I know the amount of hard work my parents have put in every day of their lives to be able to get naturalized. We were fortunate that my sister and I were brought up comfortably enough that they were never concerned about the same issues their parents thought about when they were children.

Although my parents came to the States during the time of war in El Salvador, the country is still healing from the scars the war left on Salvadoran society. Unfortunately, both young and older generations are paying for it. I also know El Salvador is not the only country experiencing this which is why we have people from all over entering this country. Newer immigrants have continuously come into this country and will continue to do so. It is never really a “choice” for anyone to make the difficult decision to leave family without knowing when you will see them again. So to demonize them is a complete dismissal of their stories.

I acknowledge the privilege my parents “gifted” me upon my birth and whenever possible challenge those who have a negative view of the communities where I come from. So I Rise to get voices similar to my parents heard in a place where it's not too common, particularly in higher ed, where Hispanic immigrants make up a minority on a national level due to the various levels of stratification that affect the community. I would like for others to not only listen to my second-hand account of this story, but to sit down and do the uncomfortable research of hearing what stories other immigrants have to share with us. My hope is that through this, immigrants not only feel heard but validated for making the decision to come to this country.

Get ready for Critical Social Justice: Rise with our What You Need to Know series. Written by Marie Pessagno.

Three years ago, the idea to incorporate a walking tour of Baltimore during Critical Social Justice week came into fruition. Since its implementation, it has been an integral part of CSJ. You may be asking yourself: “Why it is important to include a walking tour of Baltimore? How could walking through Baltimore possibly have anything to do with Critical Social Justice?  These are both great questions to ask, and so to give a thorough answer, I met with Baltimore implant, history enthusiast, and walking tour guide… Dr. Kate Drabinski.

In talking to Dr. Kate, I was made aware of the fact that not all UMBC students are familiar with the city of Baltimore outside of Camden Yards or the Aquarium. Dr. Kate expressed to me that “In order to fully understand and comprehend the complexities that the city of Baltimore represents, it is important to physically experience it.” The walking tour is only one (of many) ways in which we as a community can bring UMBC to Baltimore.

Baltimore is a city that has been recently been the object of many news stories because of the politicized and highly publicized experiences of violence and police brutality.  This has most recently been seen during the unrest that occurred after the death of Freddie Gray.  There is an upcoming HBO special set to air November 20 that is centered on the years of economic disenfranchisement as seen through the eyes of activists, journalists, and community residents to better tell their stories in hopes to be understood.  

The systematic racism and segregationist efforts in Baltimore began in the early 1900’s and continue to occur today.  The walking tour helps to “enable students to broaden their view” of Baltimore outside of the classroom and to give a first-hand account of where and how history shaped the city.

Following the walking tour, Charm City Connection is hosting an event to link UMBC students to organizations that do work in the Baltimore community. Check out the flyer here! This is a great way to extend your knowledge of the city and the many opportunities and resources that are available to help serve our local community and to help better the city.

Channel is a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major with minors in Mathematics and Sociology (class of 2018).

During my paid summer internship at the Institute for Regenerative Engineering in Farmington, Connecticut, I was at the University of Connecticut Health Center, School of Medicine in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. I was a participant in the Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) Program, under the instruction of Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, a recent award recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the Nation's highest Honor for Technological Achievement.  My project focused on the Development and Characterization of Human Recombinant Lactoferrin Nanofibers as Scaffolds for Regenerative Engineering. I studied the regeneration of bone, skin and cartilage growth in-vitro and in-vivo, with electrospun nanofibers, coated in various proteins that are found in both blood, like Albumin and in bone, like Lactoferrin. I used various solvents and concentrations to create a stable nanofiber, that would induce increased Bone Cell viability and proliferation, while also activation biodegradation upon cell regeneration. For tests with cartilage and bone, I used hydro gels that were surgically implanted in mice and rats. I was able to gain a confident skill set in Cell Culturing, Cell Suspension, Immunostaining, ALZ Staining, Live/Dead staining, and with using the Scanning Electron Microscope for various imaging. I have also gained skill in using Image J analysis, FTIR analysis, Electros pinning, Titer Blue Assay, and Cross-linking. I was trained to used the Confocal Microscope, with the Velocity Imaging Program, Lab Safety, Animal Safety,  and Rat Implantation and Surgical Stitch Patterns.

How did you find the research opportunity?
I realized that I wanted to have a career in Medicinal Research and noticed that I had an interest in the Musculoskeletal System. I researched African American Cutting Edge Researchers and Dr. Laurencin popped up. I was so intrigued with his accomplishments and research projects. I just knew I needed to work under him and with him. A friend of mine pepped talked me into emailing him that night, (it was 2:00am!), because she knew I'd chicken out when the excitement ended. So, I emailed him and asked him to be m mentor. I also mentioned that I wanted to do research with him during the summer and quite honestly, to my amazement, Dr. Laurencin emailed me back in the next hour and set up a teleconference from there. The rest is history!

How did you learn what you needed to know to be successful in this project? This project has definitely taught me so much about myself and about the world of Science. My Graduate Assistant, Eric James, a recent PhD recipient, was amazing! He quickly realized that this was all new to me, but did not lighten up on his expectations. He made to teach me the reasoning and purpose behind certain research methods and topics, but also introduced me to the Medical Library, PubMed, and other various sources for additional help. Eric also cared about my critical understanding for Medical Research and understanding Medical Research Papers. During that time, there was a Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering Journal Club. Eric made sure that we attended meetings weekly and I even got a chance to present a review of a research paper. I Participated in this  journal club, that was designed to understand molecular aspects of cell biology and tissue engineering scientific literature. Presentations include “Language of Science” and “How to read and understand a science article”.

What was the hardest part about your research?The hardest part about my research would have been the numerous trials with error and repeat. Initially, it was hard dealing with that many negative results. It was quite discouraging, but Eric continued to reassure me in qualitative critic and support. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything.It was then where I truly learned PERSERVERANCE!

What was the most unexpected thing? I did not know how much of a family a research (SQUAD) could really be. Honestly, I thought research was suppose to be sleep, lab, work, and repeat, but it wasn't, at all! This lab was amazing! My cohort and I went out to eat, to the movies, the mall and even had dinner at my house. Dr. Laurencin even invited us over his house and allowed us to get to know his family and him, in a more personal level. How cool was that?!

How does this research experience relate to your work in other classes? My research correlates to so many classes that I am taking now, for instance, toxicology, with Dr. Fishbein. We talk a lot about the toxins that can affect blood and during my experience with REM, we spoke a lot about the importance of Blood, not just in circulation, but especially for your bone health. I can also relate this course to a previous course, Organic Chemistry II, which depicts mechanisms and various conformational changes due to their affects. This was definitely practiced in lab, as I had to continue testing various solvents, at various concentrations with Albumin and Lactoferrin.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? GET. IN. VOLVED. I can not express how much research really helped anchor me, as a student at UMBC. It's easy to get caught up in classes and GPA, but when you actually practice what you have always wanted to do, there is a rush that happens within you. There's a focus that comes to you. All of a sudden, things make sense. It's no longer school, because my parents say so, its school because I want to be my MENTOR!

What are your career goals? I am planning on going into the Medical Field, also studying Regenerative Engineering with Stem Cell Treatment to Bio-printed Organs and Tissues.

What else are you involved in? I am the President of United Christian Council, a member of the Retriever Leadership Institute, a Mathematics Grader/Tutor, STEM Education Advocate for students in Baltimore City, a Mentor and friend!

Have mentor-led research and want to be featured as UMBC's next Researcher of the Week? email aprilh@umbc.edu

The Art of Powering Implantable Electronics

UMBC professor Gymama Slaughter give a short talk at the Grit-X event on her recent research on powering implantable devices for medical applications.

The number of smart implantable devices is on the rise, especially as we approach the ramping up of the “internet of things.” A key challenge for implantable electronic devices has been keeping these devices properly and conveniently powered. Current battery technologies are sealed within these devices, thereby forcing the surgical replacement of the device once the battery is depleted. We need an inconspicuous means of powering implantable electronics with imperceptible methods that moves us toward new innovative solutions to the power challenge in implantable devices. A lightweight bio-solution that leverages the biochemical energy from human biological fluids is a step forward for powering these smart implantable technologies.

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Open House: UMBC Graduate Professional Programs

The Fall Open House for UMBC Professional Programs, including the graduate programs on Cybersecurity and Data Science, takes place this coming Wednesday evening, 25 October 2017, at BWTECH South (map) from 6:00-7:30pm.

Students interested in pursuing such programs (MPS degrees and/or certificates) or just to learn more about the field are encouraged to register and attend. Current students interested in pursuing a BS/MPS option for selected programs (such as Cybersecurity or Data Science) are especially welcome.

Attendees who apply to start in Spring 18 will have their UMBC application fee waived.

The programs represented include:

• Cybersecurity
• Data Science
• Engineering Management
• Systems Engineering
• Health Information Technology
• Instructional Systems Development

Program directors for these programs will present in individual breakout sessions and relevant support staff from DPS, the UMBC Graduate School, Veterans Affairs, etc. will be on-hand to provide administrative overviews, answer questions, and mingle. Refreshments will be provided.

for more information, directions and to register, see here.

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Prof. Marie desJardins receives UC Berkeley Distinguished Alumni Award in Computer Science

CSEE professor Marie desJardins has been selected for the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award in Computer Science by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. Professor desJardins received a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from UC Berkeley in 1992.

Each year since 1991, the award has recognizes two distinguished alumni of Berkeley who have made valuable contributions to the field of computer science. Past recipients can be seen here The award will be presented during the Berkeley EECS Annual Research Symposium (BEARS ) on in February 2018.

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