Researcher of the Week: Michael Lopresti Undergraduate researchers explore their interests!
Meet Michael...
He is a Biochemistry major and an URA Scholar. He is currently in the process of applying to MD/PhD programs. He feels it is a important role that helps transition ideas generated by research into medically relevant applications.

How did you find your mentor for your research?
I had Dr. Mendelson for Biology 142, and she discussed her research briefly during class. I was interested, so I went up after class and asked her more about it and whether she had any room in her lab for an undergraduate.

Is this your first independent research?
I had a research project in high school that examined the bioaccumulation of a pesticide through an aquatic food chain. However, it didn’t go very well because at the time I didn’t realize how much effort you had to put into research to make sure it went properly. Since then, I have had other research experiences where I learned how to really do research.

How much time do you put into it?
I usually aim for 8-10 hours each week during the school year, but it depends on what else I have going on. This summer I’m doing research for roughly 30 hours each week, it’s nice to not have much else to distract me. I can devote a larger portion of my time to it, and make much more progress.

How did you hear about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program?
Dr. Mendelson suggested that I apply, but I had known students who received a URA before.

What academic background did you have before you applied for the URA?
When I applied for my URA I was halfway through my Junior year. I had taken all of the introductory science courses and was starting to move into more major specific courses, like comprehensive biochemistry.

Was the application difficult to do?
The application was not difficult, but it’s definitely not something you should attempt to do at the last minute. I spent a lot of time making sure that my abstract and other application materials accurately described my project and what Dr. Mendelson and I planned to do.

What has been the hardest part about your research?
My research involves using computer programs, like BEAST (Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis by Sampling Trees), to compare sequences of DNA and determine evolutionary relationships. I’ve never used a program like BEAST, so it took me a while to figure out what the program was doing, and how to optimize the settings.

What else are you involved in on campus?
In addition to research, I also tutor in the Chemistry Tutorial Center, and TA for Cell Biology. Outside of science, I’m a Senator in the Student Government Association, and I work with the Admissions Office as part of the A-Team. I enjoy being in SGA because it gives me a break from science, and I get to work with other students who I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Just do it. Make sure you know what you’re getting into, ask the PI if you can work in their lab for a bit, just to get a sense of the kind of work you’d be doing. Most importantly, be ready for some experiments to fail. It happens to everyone, don’t get discouraged.

What are your career goals?
I’m currently in the process of applying to MD/PhD programs. Ideally, I will eventually be a physician-scientist, treating patients and doing research together. It is a important role that helps transition ideas generated by research into medically relevant applications.

Read his abstract here...
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The Washington Center offers the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative (formerly known as the Competitive Government Program) to help students from a wide variety of backgrounds access opportunities with selected government agencies. Positions are located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as well as in other regions across the United States. 

 

Review this resource to determine if the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative is the best way for you to participate in The Washington Center.

 

Goals of the Initiative

This initiative is designed to assist the federal government with hiring and training the next generation of leaders. It is focused on supporting federal agencies so that they can meet the priorities of:

 

The Federal Diversity Internship Initiative is open to all qualified candidates without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law.

 

Program Components

Benefits of Participation

Contact Info

Federal Agencies

Please contact Nick Catanzaro at Nick.Catanzaro@twc.edu or 202-238-7995 for more information.

Prospective Students

Please contact Lyndsy Horn at Lyndsy.Horn@twc.edu or 202-238-7917 for more information.

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Channel your ideas, passions, and interests into creating a research project!

You'll develop professional skills, relationships with peers and faculty, and a better resume'. You might even get an opportunity to travel and/or present your work!

Check out some of the things other students in your field have done and get involved today!

Also, there is a How To Get Started in Research Workshop  THIS FRIDAY, November 7, 2014 at 12 pm in SONDHEIM 103. Come out and learn more about becoming a student researcher!!!

 

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Sign up now to attend Friday, 11/7 from 12-12:50 pm in Sondheim 103. 

my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch/events/27559

All majors welcome!  Learn about summer research, the Undergraduate Research Award (URA), publication in the UMBC Review, travel funding, and more! ]]> Find out how to get started in research, creative work, or scholarship as an undergraduation. Sign up now to attend Friday, 11/7 from 12-12:50 pm in Sondheim 103. ... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/workshops.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47760/guest@my.umbc.edu/0f960cb3f16d943b655043c3332fa202/api/pixel oue research Undergraduate Research https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/760/662eb8b388ad18497f87eef6ca8204fc/xxlarge.jpg?1414783205 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/760/662eb8b388ad18497f87eef6ca8204fc/xlarge.jpg?1414783205 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/760/662eb8b388ad18497f87eef6ca8204fc/large.jpg?1414783205 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/760/662eb8b388ad18497f87eef6ca8204fc/medium.jpg?1414783205 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/760/662eb8b388ad18497f87eef6ca8204fc/small.jpg?1414783205 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/760/662eb8b388ad18497f87eef6ca8204fc/xsmall.jpg?1414783205 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/760/662eb8b388ad18497f87eef6ca8204fc/xxsmall.jpg?1414783205 18 1 true Fri, 31 Oct 2014 15:24:29 -0400 Fri, 31 Oct 2014 15:34:16 -0400 Sign up now for Grad School 101 Nov 5, 4 to 8 pm food, prizes, and great information
Grad School 101 Conference:  
Navigating the Application Process 

Wednesday, November 5, 2014
4pm Check-In, buffet & meet representatives from UMBC Graduate & Professional School Programs
5-8pm Conference
University Center Ballroom

Free Food and Great Prizes!

If you are thinking about pursuing graduate education or professional school, now it is time to start narrowing down the possibilities.  Grad School 101: Navigating the Application Process is a FREE conference for UMBC students that will guide you through the challenges and put a plan in motion.

http://careers.umbc.edu/news_events/gradschool101.php
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The last two book sales of the semester have been scheduled!  Come join us on:

  • Wednesday Nov. 12th, 11AM - 5PM
  • Tuesday Dec. 9th, 11AM - 5PM

Library book sales are located in the back of the Reference room. For more information contact Lidia or Kathy at 410 455-2341 or illcm@umbc.edu

]]> The last two book sales of the semester have been scheduled!  Come join us on: Wednesday Nov. 12th, 11AM - 5PM Tuesday Dec. 9th, 11AM - 5PM Library book sales are located in the back of the... http://www.umbc.edu/aok/main/index.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47716/guest@my.umbc.edu/9be63b0d2d9d1268a3d3a383d82701e2/api/pixel book-sale Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/library https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/original.png?1279120404 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/large.png?1279120404 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/medium.png?1279120404 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/small.png?1279120404 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxsmall.png?1279120404 Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery 7 0 true Thu, 30 Oct 2014 13:38:23 -0400 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:08:56 -0500 Sociology or Anthropology major? Your search stops HERE... If you're looking to enhance your UMBC experience, that is.

Undergraduate Research at UMBC is one of the best ways to get involved and increase the quality of your academic career!

Follow the link to check out some of the research opportunities available to you and see what other students in your field have done.

Take the first step today!

]]> Undergraduate Research at UMBC is one of the best ways to get involved and increase the quality of your academic career! Follow the link to check out some of the research opportunities available... http://umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URCAD/SociologyResearchOUE.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47711/guest@my.umbc.edu/ae9a07859fe4f01e240c1fd887e8b2c2/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/711/75a35e010f6f01b5c765d6fa9a6d231e/xxlarge.jpg?1414685967 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/711/75a35e010f6f01b5c765d6fa9a6d231e/xlarge.jpg?1414685967 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/711/75a35e010f6f01b5c765d6fa9a6d231e/large.jpg?1414685967 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/711/75a35e010f6f01b5c765d6fa9a6d231e/medium.jpg?1414685967 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/711/75a35e010f6f01b5c765d6fa9a6d231e/small.jpg?1414685967 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/711/75a35e010f6f01b5c765d6fa9a6d231e/xsmall.jpg?1414685967 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/711/75a35e010f6f01b5c765d6fa9a6d231e/xxsmall.jpg?1414685967 13 0 true Thu, 30 Oct 2014 12:19:57 -0400 UMBC Horror Story: the Online Window A spooky tale about Placement Testing "It was a crisp fall night, and all was quiet at UMBC. The sun had traveled the full span of the sky, and the far off stars twinkled dimly in the jet black sky. Johnny, a restless UMBC junior was sitting in his darkened dorm room, transfixed by the pale glow of his laptop screen. It was a Saturday night, his dorm mates had all left for the weekend, and yet, he couldn't relax. He had completed his all of his homework for the week, prepped for his upcoming Orgo exam, and even started his paper for HIST 387. But something didn't feel quite right...despite how ahead Johnny was for the current semester, he couldn't shake this gnawing feeling. He decided to go for a walk. The campus was silent as he crossed Erickson field, but the peace didn't help. He began to grow more nervous as he walked past the Commons. As he rounded the corner of the Commons garage, it hit him! Something lurched out at him with a great intensity! It was a revelation much larger, more ground shaking than when he found out the Yum Shoppe doesn't accept Flex! At that moment, Johnny realized...he never took his Math Placement Test!!!"

Ooooh! Scary right?! Thankfully, this doesn't have to be you! The Learning Resources Center is offering an online Placement Testing window next week, just in time for Fall Registration! If you need to take a Math or English course next semester, and a Placement Test is required, now's the time to strike! 

The online window will run from Tuesday, November 4th through Tuesday, November 11th. If you need to sign up, email placement@umbc.edu. Include your name, campus ID, and "I want to sign up for the online window" in the body of the email.


Oh, and if you want more information about the Math Placement Test, you can find that information on our website.

Happy Testing, everyone!


 
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That's right. English majors have such a dynamic pathway to undergraduate research because there are a million concrete and abstract concepts to explore!!

From classroom techniques, to grammar/writing style, and even movie implications such as "Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events", the ball is really in your court!

Check out some cool research opportunities in this field and read up on what other students have done!

Become a student researcher today; nothing to lose, and so much to gain ($$$, internships, travel experiences, etc.)

 

]]> That's right. English majors have such a dynamic pathway to undergraduate research because there are a million concrete and abstract concepts to explore!! From classroom techniques, to... http://umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/URCAD/EnglishResearchOUE.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47663/guest@my.umbc.edu/50cc963a3c6e9651d68e3370cc44f146/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/663/2ecc3c69933220aa124fb2fc9bd4794b/xxlarge.jpg?1414597610 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/663/2ecc3c69933220aa124fb2fc9bd4794b/xlarge.jpg?1414597610 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/663/2ecc3c69933220aa124fb2fc9bd4794b/large.jpg?1414597610 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/663/2ecc3c69933220aa124fb2fc9bd4794b/medium.jpg?1414597610 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/663/2ecc3c69933220aa124fb2fc9bd4794b/small.jpg?1414597610 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/663/2ecc3c69933220aa124fb2fc9bd4794b/xsmall.jpg?1414597610 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/047/663/2ecc3c69933220aa124fb2fc9bd4794b/xxsmall.jpg?1414597610 5 0 true Wed, 29 Oct 2014 11:55:34 -0400 Researcher of the Week: Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Makinde Undergraduate researchers explore their interests!
Meet Funmi...
She is a Health Administration and Policy Program major and a McNair Scholar. Her future plans is to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. degree in Public Health Management and then work with non-profit public health organizations all over the world.

When did you join the McNair program?
I joined the McNair Program January 2014.

How did you find out about McNair?
I saw a post about it on myUMBC featuring a current scholar and then advertising for applications. I clicked on the link provided to read more about the program.

What have you gained from being a McNair scholar?
As a McNair scholar, I have gained a vast amount of research knowledge and skills, as well as support in my plans for post-undergraduate endeavors. I have made friends, gained mentors, and have had access to many lifetime resources.

What is your current independent research project?
Right now, I am researching poorly understood psychosocial factors that contribute to HIV prevention and treatment in African American women. I am focusing on the women of color in the Baltimore area, but I hope to expand this soon.

How did you find your mentor for this project?
Dr. Andrea Kalfoglou of the HAPP department has been a professor of mine for consecutive semesters. After talking with her multiple times and realizing that she had similar interests and passions, I asked her to be my mentor and she agreed.

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
I watched a documentary in one of Dr. Kalfoglou’s classes called AIDS in Black America. This compelling documentary ignited a huge desire to learn more about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how it is disproportionately affecting African Americans today. I knew then that I would be doing a project related to HIV prevention.

How much time do you put into it?
I work on my project at least 10-15 hours a week. 

What academic background did you have before you started?
I had been a HAPP major for about a year and a half before becoming a McNair scholar and starting my research. I have taken many English/Writing Intensive classes and other helpful classes in the Math department and under the HAPP curriculum.

How much did your mentor help you with your research?
My mentor has been extremely wonderful. She is very dedicated, passionate, and helpful. She actively contributes to the work I do, offering expertise and suggestions along the way. She is always making sure that I have covered all bases and looking for resources to ensure the efficacy of my project. We spend a lot of time discussing the project and establishing connections that are vital to the success of the research I am doing.

What has been the hardest part about your research?
The hardest part about my research has definitely been data analysis. Because I am doing qualitative work, I have to go over my data files again and again to make sure I have everything recorded correctly and then I have to go over all of the data as a whole to draw major conclusions and findings. It is pretty time consuming.

What was the most unexpected thing?
The most unexpected thing was how invested I found myself and how excited I got when I actually started doing field work. The background reading and writing were nothing compared to the rush I got actually working with individuals.

How does your research relate to your work in other classes?
My research relates to the academic content in other classes such as Global Health because I learn more about how prevalent diseases are, how they spread, and the social reasons that contribute to such phenomena. I am also able to refer to research techniques I learned in my Research Methods in Health class while doing my research.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
I would say don’t be intimidated or brush it off without consideration. I never thought I would ever do research. Whenever I heard “research,” I would automatically think of being in some sort of lab dealing with complex and boring concepts. However, I have found that research is what you make it. You can research whatever you want. Everybody has questions, and it’s nice to get a chance to investigate them and possibly create positive change in that area. It is very rewarding.

What are your career goals?
I would eventually like to get my M.S./Ph.D. in Public Health Management and then work with non-profit public health organizations all over the world.

Read her abstract here...
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