The Dresher Center is pleased to announce our Summer 2018 Faculty Research Fellows

Eric Campbell, Assistant Professor, Philosophy: “Pragmatic Naturalism"

Raphael Falco, Professor, English and Director of the Honors and Medieval and Early Modern Studies: “Bob Dylan and the Sibling Arts”

Jennifer Maher, Associate Professor, English: “Race, Space, and Freedom: The Ongoing Fight for Mobility Rights”

Congratulations to these faculty members!

Dr. Damon Bradley is a NASA Scientist and an international DJ. He is an example of one who can reach the sky and live the dream. Dr. Bradley,  a DJ and creator of TechnoFist, will be the featured artist at the PROMISE Cookout today, 1:00 PM, Centennial Park, Columbia/Ellicott City, Maryland.

Damon Bradley received his PhD from UMBC. The Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (CSEE) department interviewed him several years ago, when he was a student. Here is a quote from 2012.

“Originally from South Philadelphia, Damon got his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Penn State. In 2006, Damon came to UMBC and is now a pursuing his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. When he’s not studying, Damon works as founder and group leader of the Digital Signal Processing Technology Group at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, takes care of his family, and occasionally enjoys electronic dance music at nightclubs in Washington D.C. and New York City.”

Things have literally “taken flight” since then!

SPACE

Damon Bradley is now Damon Bradley, PhD, and he co-leads projects that will put instruments into space. The NASA website quotes Dr. Bradley:

“Basically, what we’re doing is miniaturizing a 100-year-old radio receiver signal-processing technology,” said ECHOES co-Principal Investigator Damon Bradley, who led the development of the digital signal-processing system for the radiometer on NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive, or SMAP mission, which tracks global soil-moisture levels. “ECHOES is essentially a low-frequency radar that uses space-based digital-signal processing, as on SMAP, but for probing the ionosphere as opposed to mapping global soil-moisture levels.”

Goddard’s Shing Fung (left), Mark Adrian (standing), and Damon Bradley (right) are miniaturizing a century-old technology for studying the ionosphere potentially from a constellation of CubeSats. Bradley is holding an electronics board that the team will migrate to the Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory later this year for testing.
Credits: NASA/W. Hrybyk

MUSIC

On the music scene, The Resident Advisor notes that he has been a veteran of the music scene since the 90’s, but that he started DJ’ing years later.

He started DJ’ing around 2007, playing progressive house for a few parties and UMBC’s student radio station while in graduate school. He returned to his techno roots in 2010 and started DJ’ing techno in 2015 in Washington DC.

From the Resident Advisor:

Damon is the creator of TechnoFist and is also one of the co-founders of SEQUENCE in DC. Currently, he’s focused on exposing the boundaries of techno to as many people as possible, and he does this using the TechnoFist group and TechnoFist podcast he created in 2014 and 2015, respectively. He curates both new and classic techno on TechnoFist which now has over 1,200 members, mostly from New York, Washington DC, and various countries in Europe. Damon has played in various places in Washington DC, including Jimmy Valentines, and Dr. Clocks Nowhere Bar for the Degenerate, Void Archive, and Phonic parties. More recently, Damon joined forces with Ron Jackson, Jacob Knibb, Boss Ross, and Juana to form SEQUENCE, an ambitious underground techno event series that aims to push the Washington DC techno scene as far as possible.

You can hear more of TechnoFist on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/technofist

STEM

In addition to being a leader at NASA, and a DJ, Dr. Bradley gives talks around the world. He was a speaker at the recent USA Science and Engineering Festival, where the bio notes that his NASA Digital Signal Processing Technology Group won an award, and that he is an advocate for STEM literacy.

 “The group recently received the NASA Applied Engineering Technology Directorate Win New Work Award for having achieved 10 Internal Research and Development wins over a four-year period while being staffed by only five group members. He has a special passion for inspiring young students in science literacy and STEM. He is also the founder of the National Society of Black Engineers, Greenbelt Space Chapter, which has been running strong since 2004.”

Dr. Damon Bradley. Photo: USA Science and Engineering Festival.

TODAY

DJ Damon Bradley will be the featured artist at the 2018 PROMISE Friends and Family Cookout, today.

• Date: Saturday, May 5, 2018
• Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Centennial Park – Pavilion D, MD
• Address: 10000 MD-108 Ellicott City, MD 21042

The music will go until approximately 2:30 PM, and then graduates will be recognized. (Program pushed up to avoid pending rain.)

Damon Bradley first came to the PROMISE Cookout many years ago, when he was thinking about going to graduate school. He spent time meeting other people, and talking with Dr. Janet Rutledge, who is one of the PROMISE Founders, CSEE faculty, and current Dean of The Graduate School at UMBC. He says that coming back to the PROMISE cookout brings him “full circle.”

DJ Damon Bradley’s participation in the PROMISE Cookout is sponsored by the Graduate Student Development Unit, of The Graduate School at UMBC.

References: 

NASA (2017), NASA Team Miniaturizes Century-Old Technology for Use on CubeSats, https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/nasa-team-miniaturizes-century-old-technology-for-use-on-cubesatsnasa-team-miniaturizes

Resident Advisor Ltd (2018).  Damon Bradley, (DJ Biography),   https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/damonbradley/biography

UMBC (2012)  Damon C. Bradley, Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering: Inspiring Innovation, https://www.csee.umbc.edu/2012/10/damon-c-bradley/

USA Science and Engineering Festival (2018). Damon Bradley, Research Engineer, NASA, Speaker. https://usasciencefestival.org/people/dr-damon-bradley/

To honor Dr. Cedric Herring’s life and work, the following memorials are being held this month:

Texas Memorial Service and Burial     May 5th

Dr. Cedric Herring will be memorialized at a service on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the El Campo Heritage Center, 803 Fahrenthold Street, El Campo, Texas 77437.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Dr. Cedric Herring may be made to the UMBC Foundation, and designated to the Language, Literacy & Culture Program. 

Any flowers should be sent so that they can be delivered to the El Campo Heritage Center between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Saturday.

UMBC On-Campus Memorial        May 21st

The Language, Literacy, and Culture Doctoral Program with the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the President’s and Provost’s Offices invite you to join them at a Memorial on May 21, 2018 from 3 to 5 pm on the Kuhn Library’s 7^th Floor.

Sympathy Cards for his family

The LLC Program (Sherman Hall, Room 421) and the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Health Administration and Policy (Public Policy Building, Room 252) are collecting cards and notes for Dr. Herring’s family.

Please share your photos of Dr. Herring with Liz Steenrod at esteenrod@umbc.edu, or call her with any questions at (410) 455-2376.

PROMISE is proud of Dr. Nandadevi “Nanda” Cortes Rodriguez (UMBC, Biology), former graduate student GA and postdoc for the PROMISE AGEP.  Below, readers will find a copy of the original article featuring Dr. Cortes by Meaghan McElroy, Opinion Editor, published in The Ithacan on September 6, 2017: https://theithacan.org/opinion/qa-ornithologist-works-to-increase-diversity/. Dr. Cortes has since returned to the PROMISE SSI as a “Mentor-in-Residence.” Since this article, and as of April 2018, Dr. Cortes has accepted an Assistant Professor position at Ithaca College. Dr. Cortes is an ornithologist, she studies birds. PROMISE salutes Dr. Cortes!

”

Q&A: Ornithologist works to increase diversity

Nandadevi Cortes Rodriguez, postdoctoral teaching fellow in the Department of Biology, is working to increase diversity in ornithology. (Photo by CONNOR LANGE/THE ITHACAN).

Opinion Editor Meaghan McElroy spoke with Cortes about the symposium, diversity within ornithology and the need for more outreach.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Meaghan McElroy: You presented on the need for diversity in ornithology. What were some ways you brainstormed to increase diversity in your field?

Nandadevi Cortes Rodriguez: This whole committee started last year. We are trying to bring people not only from different career choices to the bird world, but also more diverse in ethnicities and other countries. We’re trying to increase that. Ornithology has been known to be the typical white male field, so if you ever go to a meeting, it’s mostly white men and a few white women, but very few people of color. So … we’re trying to make it more welcoming. … We started with this panel. This particular meeting took place in Michigan. We invited people from different associations, from different ethnicities that are working with birds and working with minorities to see what they’re doing to get increased participation in these meetings.

MM: How are people trying to approach that problem?

NC: First we sent a survey. … We asked people, “Do you feel welcome? Do you feel any discrimination against [you]? What are your suggestions? Do you think we should be doing this?” We got a lot of really good feedback. … One thing they suggested in the survey was that we should target elementary schools and middle schools, and just do more outreach. We’re bringing the birds to people, basically.

MM: How did you personally get into ornithology?

NC: When I was doing my undergrad, I was in Mexico. … You had to do four semesters of research in someone’s lab. I spoke with one of my professors and they were studying population genetics in birds, and I thought, “Oh, that sounds interesting, I like genetics. I don’t really care about birds but that sounds fun.” I started studying birds because of my professor. I guess I liked them, because I stayed there for four semesters. And now I’m here doing bird research.

MM: How might the general study of birds benefit if diversity was increased?

NC: There are people studying birds around the globe, so I think it’s important to have them talk to each other. You don’t know if a particular group in Canada or the United States are working with the same thing in Asia. Because of lack of communication, they can all do their study, but if they are aware, they can make a better study. I think that increasing diversity in ornithology will allow for better interaction between scientists.

MM: What would the ideal future of ornithology look like?

NC: I think it will be a very inclusive society. We will have people from different backgrounds, different careers, working together. Especially with different careers, there are a lot of bird watchers. A lot of people love counting birds, watching birds. They want to go to these conferences, but they’re very science-y, they feel intimidated by that. But, they would like to know how a particular population of birds is doing because they like those birds or something. We’re trying to bring people who are interested in birds. … The more people know nature, the more aware they are, and they’re more willing to try and save it. … I hope the future of ornithology will look more inclusive. We’re trying to hit these high schools and middle schools and tell them it’s fun to study birds, it’s fun to interact with people that study birds. … We have to get out of our comfort zone. … We should go out and teach people — children in particular — that it’s fun. At least give them a pair of binoculars and see what they can find, or put a bird feeder up in your backyard. That will help.

Post-doctoral Research Associate (Mathematical Biology)

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research position in Applied Mathematics or Computational Biology (see department info at https://newcollege.asu.edu/mns).  Given the multidisciplinary nature of the research, a highly self-directed, creative and self-motivated individual is sought.  The position is a one-year full-time fiscal-year appointment with an anticipated start date of 7/1/18.  Salary range is dependent on experience, with associated University benefits.

Essential Functions

Investigate retinal degeneration via mathematical and computational approaches.  This involves creating systems of equations that model aspects of the retina in normal vision and/or degeneration, analyzing such a system analytically and computationally, and interpreting the results in terms of the application.  Expertise in MATLAB, Python, or other similar software package is essential to conduct the computational aspect of the research.  Additional expertise should either be in physiology with an emphasis on the retina or in mathematical biology with an emphasis on population models and multi-scale methods to analyze such systems. Wetlab experiments will not be conducted but collaboration with wetlab experimentalists will be done. Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of this position involve research in applied math or computational biology, and writing grants. Specifically, this individual will:

• Conduct research as required to meet the goals of projects
• Contribute and analyze data for research publications, grants, and grant reports
• Draft manuscripts for publication reporting results of original research
• Draft grant applications for external funding to advance and augment existing projects
• Work as part of research team with graduate students and faculty.
• Supervise research personnel, including undergraduate researchers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a field appropriate to the area of assignment by the time of appointment.
• Appropriate computational skills to undertake this research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of multiscale approaches in applied mathematics.
• Knowledge of Python and MATLAB.
• An established track record of research in applied mathematics, computational mathematics/ biology, or statistics and an ability and willingness to learn from and collaborate with researchers in the other two areas
• Experience working with datasets or data analytics.
• Evidence/experience pursing grant funded research.

Instructions to Apply

Email application to mns.dept@asu.edu. Application deadline is May 3, 2018; if not filled, every week thereafter until the search is closed.  Complete applications must include a cover letter that briefly explains the candidate’s interest and fit with the position, unofficial transcripts, CV/resume, personal statement addressing the candidate’s research, statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and at least three letters of recommendation, one of which should address teaching qualifications. Requested material should be in one document. Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.  Please reference Job #12380 when applying.

ASU does not pay candidates for travel expenses associated with interviewing, unless otherwise indicated by the department at the time of call for interview.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full non-discrimination statement (ACD 401) and Title IX policy are located at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.

Post-doctoral Research Associate (Mathematical Biology)

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research position in Applied Mathematics or Computational Biology (see department info at https://newcollege.asu.edu/mns).  Given the multidisciplinary nature of the research, a highly self-directed, creative and self-motivated individual is sought.  The position is a one-year full-time fiscal-year appointment with an anticipated start date of 7/1/18.  Salary range is dependent on experience, with associated University benefits.

Essential Functions

Investigate retinal degeneration via mathematical and computational approaches.  This involves creating systems of equations that model aspects of the retina in normal vision and/or degeneration, analyzing such a system analytically and computationally, and interpreting the results in terms of the application.  Expertise in MATLAB, Python, or other similar software package is essential to conduct the computational aspect of the research.  Additional expertise should either be in physiology with an emphasis on the retina or in mathematical biology with an emphasis on population models and multi-scale methods to analyze such systems. Wetlab experiments will not be conducted but collaboration with wetlab experimentalists will be done. Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of this position involve research in applied math or computational biology, and writing grants. Specifically, this individual will:

• Conduct research as required to meet the goals of projects
• Contribute and analyze data for research publications, grants, and grant reports
• Draft manuscripts for publication reporting results of original research
• Draft grant applications for external funding to advance and augment existing projects
• Work as part of research team with graduate students and faculty.
• Supervise research personnel, including undergraduate researchers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a field appropriate to the area of assignment by the time of appointment.
• Appropriate computational skills to undertake this research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of multiscale approaches in applied mathematics.
• Knowledge of Python and MATLAB.
• An established track record of research in applied mathematics, computational mathematics/ biology, or statistics and an ability and willingness to learn from and collaborate with researchers in the other two areas
• Experience working with datasets or data analytics.
• Evidence/experience pursing grant funded research.

Instructions to Apply

Email application to mns.dept@asu.edu. Application deadline is May 3, 2018; if not filled, every week thereafter until the search is closed.  Complete applications must include a cover letter that briefly explains the candidate’s interest and fit with the position, unofficial transcripts, CV/resume, personal statement addressing the candidate’s research, statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and at least three letters of recommendation, one of which should address teaching qualifications. Requested material should be in one document. Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.  Please reference Job #12380 when applying.

ASU does not pay candidates for travel expenses associated with interviewing, unless otherwise indicated by the department at the time of call for interview.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full non-discrimination statement (ACD 401) and Title IX policy are located at https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX.