Join an active research team. This work focuses on the factors and conditions that create and maximize success for underrepresented groups in engineering and IT majors and fields. Undergraduate Research Assistant positions are for five hours per week for both fall and spring semester. Unpaid, but may earn academic credit. Research assistants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and possess strong writing skills and the ability to work both independently and as a team member. Must be willing to learn EndNote software and be available to meet with the other members of the research team. Some experience with using the UMBC library’s online search procedures and familiarity with APA citation style preferred. Apply through UMBCworks. For more information Dr. Susan Martin, CWIT Associate Director, susan@umbc.edu, phone: (410) 455-3109

Junior or Senior computer science/electrical engineering undergraduates needed to help in developing operant conditioning experimental apparatus for use in biology/psychology experiments with birds. Must have Matlab programming skills and familiarity with basic computer and electronic hardware. Circuit-building skills and previous experience with signal processing a plus. Students will assist in building experimental hardware and in programming Tucker-Davis signal processing modules (http://www.tdt.com/) to interface with experimental hardware. A variety of designs are anticipated, which may lead to several different student projects involving independent study credit (399 or 499). If interested, please contact Dr. Bernie Lohr (blohr “at” umbc.edu).

What should new UMBC students read next year? Nominate the book you think would be best for the New Student Book Experience. Now you can nominate on Facebook. Once you suggest a book, you can choose to post your suggestion on Facebook and ask your friends to also suggest books. New students this year really liked The Translator. Can we find something just as engaging for next year? There is also a non-Facebook online form for nominations.

See the Greek and Roman cities of Miletus, Priene, Pergamum, and Ephesos. Visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi in Istanbul. Take a boat ride on the Bosphorus. All during Spring Break 2011. Students, faculty, and staff members are all welcome. The trip also can be taken as the course ANCS 301 for credit (Culture and Humanities). For more information on itinerary and pricing, email Mary Welsh (mwelsh@umbc.edu).

The Translator by Daoud Hari was the New Student Book Experience (NSBE) book for 2010. Did you like it? Was it a good choice for welcoming new students to intellectual life at UMBC? What book would be just as good or better? Each year the book for NSBE is selected from nominations by students, faculty and staff. Review the goals and selection criteria for NSBE and nominate your favorite book today.

The Math Lab and Writing Center are two of the best UMBC resources for students.Drop in for help with formulas, functions, & beyond.Walk in with your next writing assignment for any class and get advice on how to make it shine. But where are they? Starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14 the Math Lab and the Writing Center can be found on the first floor of the library, just behind the glass quiet area. If you prefer a regular appointment with a tutor to help you understand your class, go to www.umbc.edu/lrc and sign up for a tutor. Tutoring takes place in Academic IV B-wing, room 345. For A students and those who want to be: The Learning Resources Center.

The Math Lab and the Writing Center are two of the best UMBC resources for students.Drop in for help with formulas, functions, & beyond.Walk in with your next writing assignment for any class and get advice on how to make it shine. But where are they? Starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14 the Math Lab and the Writing Center can be found on the first floor of the library, just behind the glass quiet area. If you prefer a regular appointment with a tutor to help you understand your class, go to www.umbc.edu/lrc and sign up for a tutor. Tutoring takes place in Academic IV B-wing, room 345. For A students and those who want to be: The Learning Resources Center.

UMBC undergraduate Franki Trout received funding through an Undergraduate Research Award to study the ideas and principles of the Limón dance technique. Her research project involves mastering the Limón technique and the principles of fall and recovery, breath, suspension, and musicality that are characteristic of it. She is applying these ideas to her own artistic vision and creating a dance performance work that uses the principles of Limón technique in a new and exciting way. Are you a dancer or artist with an idea for an undergraduate research project? Read about how Franki came to apply for this award.