Start your morning the UMBC commuter way.

Join us for breakfast with fellow commuters and connect with helpful on-campus resources. There's no better way to kick off your day!

Good Morning Commuters (GMC) takes place every Tuesday from 8:30–11:00 AM *except once a month when Good afternoon Commuters (GAC) is held* and is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

Gold Cards are a one-time purchase per academic year and can be bought at any GMC event (cash only):

• $5 for Commuter Students

• $10 for Residential & Graduate Students

We can't wait to see you there!

May is all about finishing strong, staying connected, and making the most of commuter community before the semester wraps up.

Good Morning and Good Afternoon Commuters are here to help you fuel up, take a break, and enjoy some well-deserved community time before finals.

Gold Cards are a one-time purchase per academic year and can be bought at any GMC/GAC event (cash only):

$5 for Commuter Students
$10 for Residential & Graduate Students

Here’s what’s coming up this May:

GMC 5/5: Traditional Breakfast
GAC 5/12: BBQ Edition

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at UMBC invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Applied Mathematics, beginning Fall 2026. We particularly welcome candidates with research interests in Quantum Computing, Optimization, Operations Research, and Numerical Linear Algebra.

This is a one-year appointment beginning in Fall 2026, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, or related field by the start date. The successful candidate will pursue an active research program, collaborate with faculty, and seek external funding. An option for teaching classes in addition to the above responsibilities also exists.

Point of Contact: Dr.  Mohammadhossein Mohammadisiahroudi, UMBC Math/Stats

Additional info & job listing:  https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/28386

Stop by Coffee Mondays to grab a free cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and take a breather between classes.

Whether you're coming to study, chat, or just refuel, this is your weekly reminder to slow down and connect with fellow grad students.

Where? Office of Graduate Student Life (Commons 308)
When? Every Monday | 10am - 2pm

Come as you are — pajamas, laptops, and coffee orders welcome.

Wednesday, May 6th, 12-1 PM Wellness Wednesday, Commons Mainstreet

Join the Physical Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Peer Educators to celebrate National Physical Fitness Month! Stop by to play fact or myth, write a tip for the 'how you stay active' whiteboard and grab a snack before class. 

Wednesday, May 6th, 12-4:30, PM Puppy Love, Commons Terrace 

Stop by the Commons Terrace and destress with puppies! OHP will be joining SGA for their Puppy Love event and sharing resources on stress management as you prepare for finals. 

Wednesday, May 6th, 6-8 PM, Student Mental Health Conversations, Lower Flat Tuesdays

The last session of RIH and OHP's Student-Led Mental Health Conversations. This final session is being facilitated in partnership with NAMI UMBC.  Fellow Retrievers will share their journey with mental health. Join for community, crafting, and pizza!

*All events are 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.

Dear UMBC Community,

I had the pleasure recently of joining thousands of attendees and student presenters at UMBC’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD). What began on the 7th floor of the library with about 50 presenters has grown, now in its 30th year, to more than 450 presenters, including an inaugural group of students from area community colleges, filling the Retriever Activities Center.

It was a powerful reminder of the distinctive role of research and creative work in a UMBC education. So many of our UMBC students, undergraduate and graduate, engage deeply in this work—developing their own questions and ideas while being mentored by world-class scholars and researchers. That experience is both defining and enduring.

As an undergraduate, it was only when I moved beyond the classroom and into the lab that I understood what it meant to be a chemist—and realized that this was work I could pursue with joy for a very long time. That experience shaped my career, and years later, I had the privilege of mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students in my lab. In fact, my first papers included undergraduate researchers.

I am forever grateful to the mentor who showed me the path to research, and I am grateful to all of you who do the same for our UMBC students today, including the many who played a role in this year’s URCAD. Thank you to all of our mentors, and congratulations to our student presenters.

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Applications are due tomorrow for UMBC's Launchpad Accelerator!

The UMBC Launchpad accelerator is a 10-week cohort-based program where ventures prepare to go from pre-launch to launch, or for early-stage companies, create a pathway to accelerate growth.

Founders who are ready to fully commit to launching their venture and validate their idea as an opportunity should apply. Participants are awarded up to $8,000 in non-dilutive funding for seed capital, and mentors will be assigned to each team.

Teams will perform deep customer discovery, develop a business model canvas, and then progress to a full commercialization plan and pitch deck. The goals of the Launchpad are to validate product-market fit and to hopefully formalize the venture and launch.

Elgibility

Current undergraduate and graduate students, including Spring 2026 graduates, are eligible to apply.

TIMELINE
Applications are due Tuesday, May 5th
Accepted teams will be notified by May 15th
Program runs from May 28th-July 30th
Demo day will be hosted in September

To learn more about Launchpad, click here! 

Don't miss the Application Deadline!

• To apply, complete the application here!

Name: Adam Bayoumi

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Public Health

Current Class Level: Senior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):  The Maryland General Assembly

Location of the Organization (City, State): Annapolis, Maryland 

Title of position: Health Policy Intern & Researcher

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

As a health policy intern working in state government during a period of rapid change in federal and state health policy, my day-to-day varies quite a bit. The Maryland General Assembly is part-time legislature, meeting for 90 calendar days between January and April to review over 3,000 pieces of filed legislation. I intern for Delegate Pam Guzzone, who as Chair of the Health Facilities Subcommittee introduces and reviews bills seeking to address health disparities in our State. In other words - it can be intensive, but incredibly rewarding. On a typical day, I review proposed pieces of legislation and interpret them as policy briefs for the Delegate and her staff. To provide data-driven insights on legislation, I conduct legislative research, interpret public data, and meet with advocacy groups who voice their support or opposition. Other common daily tasks for me include assisting with the delegation of Women's Caucus meetings, drafting research-based testimony in support of Delegate Guzzone's bills, and meeting with engaged community members of our district: District 13. 

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I first heard about the position from the program director of my major (public health) here at UMBC, Professor Katie Birger. The application process was not too difficult, and consisted of supplemental questions, a survey to capture my interests within policy, and then either a virtual or in-person meeting. When I first applied for the 2025 session, I received a few invitation requests from Delegates across different committees. Ultimately, I ended up picking Delegate Pam Guzzone of the Health Committee, who works with legislation most closely aligned with my interests. After I completed my internship in spring of 2025, I was asked if I could return this year to take on more challenging responsibilities within the office. Clearly, I did say yes, and I am extremely grateful that I did.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Faculty Connections, LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

For me, the most enjoyable part of my internship has been meeting with advocacy groups and our inspiringly passionate constituents, because they are who have collectively taught me the most during my time here. Each person comes in sharing a diverse perspective with us, highlighting different struggles they face day-to-day. I can confidently say that I've picked up some new talking points just from spending a brief moment immersed in their passions, and I love bringing that back to the office.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

There is nothing more fulfilling to me than interacting face-to-face with the people directly impacted by different health disparities to hear their stories. I do my best to make sure they are heard and reflected during the legislative process, whether that be through advocating for their needs, or sharing their lived experiences with decision-makers. I also work my hardest to assist my Delegate pass her critical health-related bills that directly help the lives of Marylanders across the State.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Start talking directly to the people you want to learn from! Leaving an impression and "networking" can be as simple as just introducing yourself, and it can open remarkably unexpected doors. I'm a bit of an introverted person, and this scared me a bit at first, but it transformed into something exciting after I took those first initial leaps out of my comfort zone. 

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

I love dedicating my time toward promoting the public health of my fellow Marylanders, and I have seen the positive effects of our team's combined efforts the past couple of legislative sessions. Each day brings a new lesson, and there is nothing more valuable than the constant growth that has supplied me. I owe plenty of thanks to the Career Center for providing invaluable resources and guidance supporting my continued development.

B.S.: Healthcare Provider Wellness

Major, Minor, Certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation record: 

• Minor: Biological Sciences
• Honors: Summa Cum Laude
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Phi Kappa Phi

Degree Mentors:

• Kyle Bates| Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Paramedic Program| UMBC Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
• Blake Francis, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy
• Eric Brown| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC Individualized Study Program

Why did you choose to major in INDS? 

While a strong scientific foundation is important for medicine, I believe that being an effective physician requires a deeper understanding of the human experience, including the psychosocial and philosophical factors that shape well-being.

I was introduced to the INDS program during my freshman year through a presentation by Dr. Freeland in my BIOL 142 course. I was initially drawn to the program because of its reputation for helping students stand out in graduate school applications, including medical school. However, I quickly realized that what truly made INDS valuable was the freedom and support it provided to explore my interests in a meaningful and intentional way.

The program's flexibility has allowed me to engage with disciplines I might not have otherwise considered, such as philosophy, which became one of the most impactful areas of my education. INDS encouraged me to step outside a rigid academic path and to build coursework that reflected my intellectual curiosity and aligned with my long-term goals. During this process, I discovered new interests while also expanding my understanding of existing ones.

Thanks to this creative and interdisciplinary approach, I was able to design a degree in “Healthcare Provider Wellness”, an area that is personally meaningful and highly relevant to the growing issue of physician burnout in the United States. I have long been interested in the relationship between physical and mental health, particularly how lifestyle habits influence well-being, performance, and resilience. INDS gave me the opportunity to transform that interest into a structured academic focus that bridges multiple disciplines with the lived experiences of healthcare professionals.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduating from UMBC, I plan to take two gap years before beginning medical school. I will use this time to gain clinical experience as an EMT with the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department. In addition, I have accepted a full-time position with MissionFit, a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization where I have volunteered for the past year. MissionFit’s mission is to empower Baltimore’s youth through health, wellness, and community building, while developing the skills they will need for a successful transition into the workforce. I am excited to step into this role, as it closely aligns with my passions and values. My experience at MissionFit has reinforced the importance of preventative health, community support, and sustainable wellness practices, principles that I hope to carry into my future career in medicine. Outside of my professional pursuits, I plan to prepare for my first bodybuilding competition following graduation, as well as my first Muay Thai fight shortly thereafter, both of which reflect my commitment to physical activity and long-term health.

My INDS degree is directly connected to these goals, as it has allowed me to explore the psychological, social, and philosophical dimensions of healthcare, as well as the scientific. In particular, my focus on “Healthcare Provider Wellness” has shaped my understanding of physician burnout as a systemic issue that impacts providers and patients. Through my gap year experiences and future medical training, I hope to apply this perspective by prioritizing sustainable practices, advocating for healthier work environments, and contributing to a model of medicine that supports patient outcomes and physician well-being.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

During my time at UMBC, I have been deeply involved in both academic and community-based initiatives. 

• Neuroscience Researcher (3years)|  Vonhoff Lab- contributing to multiple projects and presenting my work at three conferences, including URCAD and a national conference, with manuscripts currently in progress.

• URCAD Researcher (2026)| 
  • Physician Burnout Through the Emotional State Theory of Happiness
  • USP8 Manipulations Lead to Synaptic Morphology Alterations and Sensory Behavior Disruptions in Drosophila LarvaeURCAD Researcher (2026)

• Vice President| UMBC Weightlifting Club- fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for members

• Organic Chemistry Tutor- Two Years
• Teaching Assistant| UMBC Classes- BIOL 302, INDS 335, and CHEM 102L
• UMBC Phage Hunters- 2025/2026

Beyond the classroom, I continue to serve as: 

• Volunteer EMT| Arbutus Fire Department 
• Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, 
• Tutor| P2P program- where I work with formerly incarcerated students pursuing higher education.
• Youth Health and Wellness Coach| MissionFit

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC: 

• John W. Jeffries Dean's List Award
• President's List (4.0 GPA, every semester)
• George, Lela, and Bruce Warr Scholarship
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Phi Kappa Phi
• Commended INDS Degree Plan

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the INDS faculty and staff for their unwavering support throughout my academic journey. The mentorship I received in this program has been invaluable. At every stage, the INDS team has gone above and beyond to guide, challenge, and support me, opening doors to opportunities I could not have imagined at the start of my college career.

I highly recommend the INDS program, particularly for pre-med students seeking a meaningful way to differentiate themselves while pursuing their passions. In addition to allowing me to tailor my education to my goals and interests, INDS has also helped me grow into a more thoughtful and reflective future professional.

For More information on Shreya's INDS journey please click here!

Good morning! 

DAWA will have IACUC office hours in the ILSB today (Monday 5/4) and next Monday 5/11. DAWA will resume normal office hours the following Wednesday (5/20). As a reminder our office hours are from 8:30 - 11:30am.