What an incredible semester it has been for our graduate community! This spring, we brought together brilliant minds from across the university to share groundbreaking ideas, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the immense impact of graduate research.

From fast-paced stage presentations to vibrant poster sessions and insightful career discussions, our community truly shined. Here is a look back at the landmark event that defined our semester:

The Research Symposium: Innovation on Display

Our annual Research Symposium transformed the UC Ballroom into a bustling hub of academic discovery. Graduate and undergraduate students from diverse disciplines presented their work, sparking brilliant cross-departmental conversations with peers, faculty, and distinguished guests. With over 60+ research posters on display and more than 150+ attendees, the energy in the room was a testament to our university's thriving research culture.

• Congratulations to our Poster Winners:

  • BEST of COEIT - Dharani Nadendla
    Program - M.S.; Major - Data Science

  • Best of CNMS - Kushani Mendis
    Program - Ph.D.; Major - Chemistry

  • Best of CAHSS - Kaitlin Worzalla
    Program - Undergraduate; Major - Geography and Environmental Systems

  • People's Choice Award - Francheska Burrola
    Program - Undergraduate; Major - Biological Sciences
  • Provost's Choice Award - Aeon Kaplowitz
    Program - Undergraduate; Major - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition: Research in a Flash

Distilling years of dense, complex doctoral or master's research into a single, three-minute presentation using only one slide is no small feat—but our 3MT competitors made it look effortless! Our finalists took the stage to pitch their research to a panel of judges and a live audience, showcasing incredible communication skills, clarity, and passion.

• Congratulations to our 3MT Champions:

  • First Place: Reece Robertson
    Program - Ph.D.; Major - Computer Science

  • Second Place: Hedyeh Zamani
    Program - Ph.D.; Major - Biological Sciences

  • Third Place (Tie!): [1] Tamil Selvan Gurunathan 
    Program - Ph.D.; Major - Information Systems
    
    [2] Maria del Mar Aranda Gomez Guillamon
    Program - M.S. Major - Intercultural Communication

Bridging the Gap: Panel Discussion

In addition to research showcases, we hosted a panel discussion "Thriving in Graduate Education: Empowerment, Equity, and Influence at UMBC". We were joined by university leaders who shared invaluable, candid advice on Equity & Access in Graduate Education, Impostor Syndrome, and Student Influence on Policy and Change. The vibrant Q&A session that followed left attendees feeling inspired and equipped for their next professional chapters.

A huge thank you to our incredible panelists: 

• Dr. Renique Kersh, Vice President for Student Affairs

• Dr. Christa Porter, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

• Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer

A Sincere Note of Gratitude

These massive events would not have been possible without an immense village of support. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• Graduate School and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) for their support.

• Our faculty and guest judges who volunteered their valuable time and resources to support student growth.

• The GEARS Committee for working behind the scenes to handle the chaotic logistics, catering, and planning that made everything run seamlessly.

Most importantly, thank you to our graduate students for your courage, curiosity, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Want to relive the highlights? Check out our official event photo gallery here: Link to Photos