Visualizing Natural Disaster Inequality in America

Presenter: Taylor Watson

Mentor: Dena Aufseeser, Geography and Environmental Systems

Location: URCAD Film Festival: 9:45-10:00am, RAC 130- Fitness Studio B

*Popcorn will be served during the film festival.

In America, weather-related disasters have increased in frequency in the last decade, with forty seven percent of billion-dollar disasters (since 1980) taking place from 2015- 2025 (NCEI.NAAO.GOV). The frequency of disasters has led to a sense of inevitability and indifference, placing certain vulnerable communities at even more risk. In an effort to challenge indifference, this presentation visualizes the social inequalities of disaster. Utilizing animation, this project highlights the disastrous nature of weather phenomena on vulnerable populations, expressing the instances of increased poverty, displacement, and the uprooting of entire communities. This project’s research highlights disaster inequality in America, while simultaneously bringing awareness to the subject. Using the individual experiences of vulnerable adults who’ve experienced these inequalities, this project connects true stories, numerical data, and artistic expression to evaluate the concepts of vulnerability, equity, and how they relate to the current social outlook on “natural” disasters.

This work was funded, in part, through an Undergraduate Research Assistantship Support (URAS) Award from the UMBC Office of the Vice President for Research.

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC:

URCAD.umbc.edu

Graduate Student Appreciation Week is coming to a close, and this is your moment to take it all in. The late nights, the stress, the wins, the growth — it all led here.

Get a ticket to Grad Prom & Awards and come celebrate yourself and the people who made this journey what it was. Whether that’s your friends, classmates, or the ones who kept you going behind the scenes — this night is for all of you. 🎓

No pressure, no expectations — just good music, good food, and a space to actually enjoy the moment together.

🗓️ Friday, April 10
⏰ 5–8 PM
📍 UC Ballroom

You made it this far. Take the night to celebrate that

Career Paths for Graduate Students is happening TODAY on the 3rd floor of The Commons.

Even participating in one mock interview or one conversation can help you feel more prepared for what’s next.

Make sure you bring two copies of your resume to hand out to employers. Don’t have a printer? No worries! We will have printing on-site tonight. 

Whether you join us when doors open at 5 PM or after your evening class, we hope you will make it.

Employers attending include:

• Boeing Intelligence & Analytics
• Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
• Maryland Department of Health
• Social Security Administration 
• In-Depth Engineering Corporation

See you there!

Join Retriever Essentials on Wednesday, April 15th, from 12:00pm-1:00pm in The Commons, 318, and learn how to best utilize campus resources!

When your budget feels stretched too thin, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. 

This session will guide you through how to effectively utilize campus and community resources to help meet your basic needs and ease financial stress, while addressing the realities of why managing money can feel especially challenging.

Learn practical strategies to navigate available support systems and make informed decisions that strengthen your financial well-being, while working to reduce the stigma and shame often associated with financial struggles. 

Use this link to register online or in-person.

Registration is required for in-person attendees(22 seats available in-person, unlimited seats available online).

Historical and Anatomical Analysis of Bitmap Fonts on the Compact Disc Package

Presenter: Perry Gotis
Mentor: Katherine Heater, Visual Arts

RAC 230 | Noon – 12:15 p.m.

Bitmap fonts were digitally developed from 1984 for the Macintosh, to brand design for music artists in the 1990’s to 2000’s following afterwards. How have bitmap fonts applied to album packaging design, and what can the typographic anatomy of bitmap fonts prepare for font creation? The creative project incorporates research from Typography III that repurposes Mariposa Display, a customized font made in FontStruct that was workshopped and designed after the markings of a monarch butterfly. This project assembles a compact disc jewel case album mockup that dissect the anatomy of Zuzana Licko’s bitmap fonts (Totally Gothic, Lo-Res, Modula Sans and Modula Serif), applied to four different album covers as main and secondary formats, as well as adapts their anatomical font features to Mariposa Display’s typeface anatomy. The narrative analyzes the transition of bitmap fonts from computer to album design, and explores the importance of accessibility and visual structure within bitmap fonts as main and secondary typography. Additionally, the compact disc packaging’s brand guidelines explain the creative process with typeface approaches, color swatches, and visual identity within the packaging layout. The illustrations and typography are constructed using Mariposa Display with Licko’s fonts, which highlight the font’s visual flexibility for referential purposes.

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC:

URCAD.umbc.edu

The Pride Center and WGEC are hosting a book club on Monday, April 27th from 1-2:30pm in the Women's, Gender, & Equity Center (Commons 004) to discuss Mean by Myriam Gurba. Through gritty, confident humor, this true crime style, coming of age memoir explores Myriam's experiences of sexual violence in a small town as a queer, mixed-race Chicana. Hard copies are available in the WGEC and Pride Centers, and an e-version is available through the AOK Library. Come by the WGEC to discuss the book and grab a treat while you're here. RSVP required for book loan.

The WGEC is open to all individuals regardless of their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
 
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site or any of our events or discussions, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and/or remedy any accessibility challenges. For questions or for accessibility requests, contact us at womenscenter@umbc.edu.

It’s not too late to join the party! 🌍✨

Cultural Day is in full swing at the UC Ballroom, and the vibes are unmatched. We’re having a blast just hanging out, chilling, and celebrating the diverse cultures that make our UMBC community so incredible.

Whether you’re just finishing up class or need a mid-day break, swing by to recharge and connect!

What's Waiting For You

• Free Goodies: We have free treats and swag up for grabs while supplies last! 🎁

• Chill Atmosphere: Everyone is having a great time hanging out, playing games, and listening to music.

• Grad Prom Tickets: Don't forget to grab your tickets for our final GSAW celebration—Grad Prom & Awards! It’s happening tomorrow, Friday, April 10, from 5–8 p.m. 🎟️✨

Repost from the Center for Social Justice Dialogue 

Position Overview:

Position Type: Internship, Stipend, Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student

Handshake ID: Job #10935546

Hiring Manager: Wendy Low

Term: Academic Year 2026-2027 

Year Stipend: $1500 ($750/semester) 

Estimated Start Date: August 2026 

Application Deadline: For priority, apply by April 26. Applications welcome until position filled. 

Internship Description:

Do you always find yourself talking about social justice? Are you the friend in your group who's always adding “nuance” to the conversation? Then we’re looking for you! Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows work for the Center for Social Justice Dialogue and are supervised by professional staff within the Center. 

The main role of this internship is to support the work of the Center for Social Justice Dialogue (CSJD) in cultivating a campus community where everyone feels empowered and equipped to engage in difficult dialogue across differences of identity, background, and lived experience. Built on a foundation of Intergroup Theory and other social justice education frameworks, interns will co-create and deliver workshops on topics of identity, social justice, and dialogue to student populations. Further, students will support projects including MediaBytes, Your Story Belongs Here, InterACT, FYS: Race, Social Justice, and Dialogue, and other departmental programs. They may also support collaborative dialogue programs in partnership with other departments on campus (e.g. The Women’s Center, Center for Democracy and Civic Life, Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging, etc). Facilitators are expected to work a maximum of ten hours a week which includes weekly staff meetings to engage in deep learning, prepare for workshops, and continue developing student-focused programming. Interns engage in ongoing training, reviewing key activities, facilitation skills, and foundational introductions to various social justice concepts. Interns must be available for these training sessions as well as program retreats.

Upon the completion of more advanced training (including Restorative Practices) and a full year of participation, students will have the opportunity to apply to a “senior internship” position to facilitate higher stakes dialogues.

General Responsibilities:

• Develop, facilitate, and promote peer-led workshops on topics related to identity, social justice, and dialogue to student populations 

• Engage in ongoing learning and development connected to dialogue and facilitation

• Co-create the continued foundation for IDEAL and InterACT programs, as well as contribute ideas and content for workshop curriculum 

• Support CSJD programming through attendance, marketing/promotion, co-facilitating activities within larger dialogues and workshops, etc.

• Meet with the primary supervisor and attend regular student staff meetings (dependent on student availability)

• Serve as departmental “student liaison,” gathering information about current student “hot topics” and  needs and wants connected to dialogue 

• Serve as an ambassador for IDEAL and InterACT programs, as well as CSJD more broadly 

• Follow all area regulations within the Code of Conduct (this is provided during the staff onboarding process)

• Fulfill all other duties and responsibilities as appropriate and assigned (including, but not limited to occasional  oral / written reflections, time tracking, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a full-time, matriculating undergraduate or graduate student at UMBC;

• Must have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (semesterly checks will be conducted);

• Must be able to commit to a minimum of Spring Semester for at least 10 hours per week; oppurtunity to renew

  • Interns are strongly encouraged to enroll and fulfill all the requirements PRAC098 offered through the Career Center each semester, but especially for their first full semester of the internship program. Learn more about PRAC here.

• Must be committed to being a positive role model and demonstrate leadership skills;

• Must demonstrate ability to interact and communicate mindfully in person and online with diverse students, staff, faculty, and other campus community members;

• Must be flexible with schedules depending on relevant programs, events and/or student professional development opportunities; 

• Must have flexibility to work evening and weekend hours on occasion;  

• Must attend all training sessions

• • Please hold the following dates for upcoming programs:
    • Training is likely to occur for 2-3 days August 10-14, 2026. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with designing/implementing and facilitating programs

• Demonstrated experience with myUMBC, Gmail, Google Drive, Canva, Instagram, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator 

• Demonstrated basic knowledge in any of the following areas: the relationship between identity, power, privilege and oppression, intersectionality, social justice-related theories, intergroup dialogue (e.g. Critical Race Theory, Feminist/Womanist Theory, Queer Theory, Social Identity Theory)

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience through student organization leadership, civic engagement and/or activism

• Have summer and winter availability; and

• Have verbal, spoken, and/or written multilingual skills

This internship is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

To apply, find the position on Handshake with the ID: 10935546

The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center will be closed tomorrow, Friday, 4/10, and next Friday, 4/17. 

Staff will be available virtually throughout this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please email womenscenter@umbc.edu.

The WGEC is open to all individuals regardless of their sex, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
 
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site or any of our events or discussions, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and/or remedy any accessibility challenges. For questions or for accessibility requests, contact us at womenscenter@umbc.edu.

Hi Everyone!

Our Free Farmers Market for today and next week will be held in the Center for Wellbeing. We hope to see you there!