The RAG Central & Departmental Collaboration Group presents:

UMBC's Research Admins Shadowing Day, taking place across campus on

Wednesday, October 27, 2026.

This is an in-person event to meet your research admin colleagues, share best practices, and learn from each other.

See the attached flyer for details and click HERE to register as a Host to welcome other Research Admins into your space to show what you do and have meaningful conversations to share ideas and connect.

We are looking for Hosts across campus that are involved in research administration. This can also include procurement, payroll preparers for research departments, research development, compliance, etc. There are three time slots, which will give everyone a chance to Host as well as be a Guest to visit other offices.

Host sign-up is due Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Once Hosts are signed-up and in place, we will then post a Guest sign-up. The more Hosts that participate, the more Guests that we can accommodate.

Why not speak with your supervisor this week to discuss the benefits of hosting?

If you have questions, please reach out to Amy Steinly-Marks (asmarks@umbc.edu) and/or Emma Wheatley (emma9@umbc.edu), co-Leaders of the RAG Central & Departmental Collaboration Group.

Help to spread the word!

Jobs

Director of Worship & Music: Grace Episcopal Church

Grace Episcopal Church, located in Elkridge, MD is seeking a visionary leader to direct its existing music ministry on a part-time basis, about 10 hours a week. The church sings traditional and contemporary songs in a relaxed setting and needs a leader/director who demonstrates a passion for Christian music and worship. Occasional services on principal holidays are held in the historic church that has an organ. The ideal candidate will have strong keyboard skills and singing abilities. In addition, the candidate will be responsible for selecting music (along with the rector) that will enhance the experience of the congregants in the worship service while leading the adult choir, and actively seek ways to expand the current ministry, including ways to incorporate children in the music ministry.  

Qualifications:  

The candidate must possess:  

• Passion for and knowledge of contemporary & traditional Christian music  
• Preferred proficiency on electronic piano and organ, familiarity with other instruments such as guitars and chimes  
• Talent for developing and projecting a vision for the ministry of music  
• Demonstrated musical leadership ability
• Spiritual leadership
• Good organizational skills  

Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary Music Leader for the Sunday, 10am service which may occasionally be held at 9am
• Develop, communicate, lead and maintain a vision for the music ministry at Grace Church
• Select music, in conjunction with the rector, for weekly Sunday services and occasional holy days
• Lead weekly choir practice
• Work with children to incorporate them in the Sunday worship music and help lead music during Vacation Bible School (1 week, usually the end of July)
• Required Holy Day Services: Palm Sunday, Easter, Pentecost, Christ the King (Last Sunday of Nov) and Christmas Eve (included in your weekly rate as most are Sundays)
• Extra Holy Day Services: Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Easter Vigil
• Meet with Rector monthly to review music and the vision of music ministry
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Oversee all technical aspects/support pertinent to the music ministry to include equipment & music
• Prepare annual music budget to submit to the Vestry for annual approval
• Set up and take down the electronic piano for Sunday services 

Pay/Benefits:

• Range for annual pay $20,000-$23,000 depending on experience
• 4 weeks' vacation including 4 Sundays

Please submit your resume to music@graceelkridge.org by 08/27/2026.

Established in 1980, the Maryland General Assembly's Legislative Intern Program provides college and university students internship opportunities with legislative offices during session. Upon acceptance into the program, these students begin their prestigious internship within the halls of the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the nation. During the 90-day session, interns not only gain exposure to the daily operations of a legislative office, but witness history in the making as they develop a deeper understanding of Maryland's democratic process through a variety of impactful work and experiences.

Legislative Interns begin the program in mid-January, and students must be able to participate in person throughout the semester. The internship qualifies as a PBHL 470 internship. Students should note Professor Birger as their faculty mentor on their application.

The application deadline is October 15. There is a stipend available.

We're setting up a photo station to capture your first‑day glow, your fresh fits, and your iconic energy. Come click, pose, laugh, and make your first day unforgettable. Bring your friends, bring your smiles, and we’ll frame the moment — YOU make it iconic.

Returning students, join the comeback crew! Show us your previous First Day of Class photo with us and let’s capture the comeback.

(All polaroid pictures are valid while supplies last.) 

Meet us at the Commons Commuter Lounge from 10:00am to 3:00 p.m. 

We'll be ready to meet new faces and our returning UMBC comeback crew!

This event is 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.

Izabella Maria Marzano, a senior biological sciences major who transferred to UMBC from Anne Arundel Community College, was one of more than 120 undergraduate and high school student presenters who packed the University Center Ballroom on August 5 for UMBC’s 29th annual Summer Undergraduate Research Fest (SURF). Marzano was presenting work she completed with Diana Elizondo, assistant professor of biological sciences, on certain enzymes involved in metabolic dysfunction resulting from a poor diet. The experience had been transformative.

“In the short time I’ve been here, Dr. Elizondo has shown more faith in what I can achieve and given me more confidence than anyone else ever has, and I’m incredibly grateful,” Marzano says. She was one of four undergraduates from Elizondo’s research group who presented their summer work at SURF, which included two poster sessions and six short oral presentations.

Marzano joined the lab after taking Elizondo’s cell biology course, drawn to the group by the far-reaching impact of diabetes research, Elizondo’s approachability, and her desire to gain research experience to support her goal of becoming an orthodontist. In addition to Elizondo, Marzano says graduate students Marveline Akinola and Benjamin Cole have supported her growth.

Supported independence

Across the room, junior biochemistry and molecular biology major Zaira Ahmed, who began at UMBC this spring after transferring from Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), presented findings on how diet-induced obesity alters the composition of fat tissue’s extracellular matrix—a complex network of proteins, sugars, and other molecules surrounding cells. Ahmed first conducted research at PGCC, and she sought out Elizondo’s lab after taking the same cell biology course as Marzano, motivated in part by family members living with diabetes. 

“Dr. Elizondo has been an amazing mentor. She explains everything so clearly and has been hands-on in teaching me different laboratory techniques,” Ahmed says. “But then once she sees I’ve got it, she lets me move forward independently.”

Irene Teye, a junior biological sciences major who started in Elizondo’s lab in January 2025, focused on the three-dimensional structural changes that obesity drives in the extracellular matrix. She worked with Tagide deCarvalho, manager of the Keith R. Porter Imaging Facility at UMBC, to generate and digitally analyze microscopy images of the matrix. 

“It took three weeks to analyze the microscopy data to get just two images for my research poster, but it felt like such an accomplishment when I finished,” Teye says. She’s found a home in the Elizondo group, sharing that given how close the members are, “You’d think we’re all related.” 

Dzifa Ameko, a junior biological sciences major, began with Elizondo in March 2025 after another faculty member recommended the lab based on Ameko’s interests. Long intrigued by endocrinology and gynecology, she investigated the role of neuropeptide Y, a small signaling molecule released by neurons, in an understudied hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects up to 170 million women worldwide. 

“Dr. Elizondo’s door is always open,” Ameko said. “I can also always send her a Slack message and she is so responsive, whether it’s about research or a personal challenge.”

Students at the heart of research

Elizondo, who joined the UMBC faculty in January 2025, sees supporting student researchers as the heart of her work. “One of the most rewarding parts of starting my lab has been watching these students grow in confidence and independence,” she said. “Many of them joined with little or no prior research experience, and it has been incredibly exciting to see them develop into scientists who can think critically, troubleshoot experiments, and communicate their work so effectively. I strongly believe that the best way to learn science is by doing science. My goal is to create an environment where students are genuine contributors to the research, not just assistants.”

SURF gave those contributions a public stage. Outgoing dean of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, William R. LaCourse, welcomed participants to the event, highlighting the mix of student researchers from UMBC, regional community colleges, and other institutions. “SURF is one of the highlights of summer each year, because it celebrates the curiosity, perseverance, and excellence of our students and the faculty who guide them,” he said. 

For transfer students like Marzano and Ahmed, and for first-time researchers across the university, the combination of hands-on projects, responsive mentoring, and a forum like SURF turns their motivation and potential into tangible results. 

“You are ending this summer more knowledgeable, more experienced, more skilled, and a better scientist. Remember that the full benefits of your research may never be known to you. Science is not for those who seek glory—it’s not for me today, it’s for others tomorrow,” LaCourse reflected in his opening remarks. “Your spirit is an inspiration to us all. We hope that UMBC will always be a part of you.” 

Do you feel unsure about how to get started with a research or writing assignment? Would you like some tips on preparing an annotated bibliography?

This workshop features interactive activities to help you choose research topics that you care about, read academic articles more effectively, and prepare bibliographies that showcase your research skills. Meet Library and Writing Center staff who will share how you can get research and writing help. Come and practice strategies for acing your college writing assignments! 

Note: This workshop is designed especially for first-year and transfer students. To accommodate a variety of schedules, this workshop is being offered three times in different formats (in person, hyflex, online). You only need to attend once! Feel free to attend the format that works best for you. 

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 12-1pm in Library 259 

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 4-5pm Hyflex in Library 259 and online via WebEx

Monday, October 26, 2026 from 6-7pm online via WebEx

*Light refreshments will be provided in Library 259 for the 10/7 and 10/20 sessions

Move-in is almost here! Beginning Thursday, August 20, we’ll welcome nearly 4,000 residential students and their families to campus. It’s an exciting start to the academic year and a busy one, so faculty and staff traveling to campus on August 20 or 21 are encouraged to plan ahead for increased traffic and temporary parking changes.

What to Know Before Coming to Campus

The heaviest traffic is expected between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21. Traffic patterns, parking availability, and access to some areas of campus will be affected.

You can also use the campus map to locate the parking areas referenced below. Please plan to:

• Use the outer loop to navigate campus. The inner loop will be dedicated to residential student move-in.

• Allow additional time for your commute and travel around campus. Traffic may be heavier than usual.

• Expect temporary parking and traffic changes, particularly in parking areas along Park Road and Poplar Avenue.

• Use Commons Drive Garage, Levels 2 – 4, as an alternative parking option. Faculty and staff with “D” permits who typically park in Lot 1, along Park Road, or in Lot 24 may park in Commons Drive Garage on August 20 and 21.

• Lot 2 will remain open, although congestion and temporary access delays are possible. If you have difficulty accessing Lot 2, you may also park in Commons Drive Garage, Levels 2 – 4.

• Normal parking operations along Park Road will resume on Monday, August 24.

Move-in also marks the beginning of Welcome, Retrievers. Faculty and staff who would like to take part in welcoming students back to campus can view the full schedule of events and activities online.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we welcome our Retrievers home. Whether you’re helping with move-in or simply offering directions and a friendly hello, you can help make the start of the year a positive one for students and their families.

Warm regards,

New Student Experience Engagement Subcommittee

Are you a student or recent graduate with a disability interested in internships or full-time careers with the Federal Government? WRP can help connect you with opportunities nationwide!

👉 Create your USAJOBS account and start preparing your WRP application today!

Through WRP, you can:
✨ Be included in a talent database used by federal recruiters and hiring managers
💼 Be considered for internships and permanent positions
📄 Strengthen your resume and application
🏛️ Learn more about federal employment and Schedule A hiring
🤝 Potentially be contacted directly by federal employers looking for your skills

Who can apply?
Current undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities, as well as recent graduates who earned a degree on or after April 1, 2024, may be eligible. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible for Schedule A hiring authority.

📅 Registration is NOW OPEN through October 4, 2026!

Don’t wait until graduation to start exploring federal career opportunities—or assume you’re too far removed from campus to participate. WRP is designed for both current students and eligible recent graduates. Applicants are encouraged to review Preparing Your WRP Application Document attached to this post. 

UMBC CSEE Professor Tim Oates was awarded the Wilson H. Elkins Academic Transformation Professorship for fiscal year 2027. The professorship, which includes a $10,000 award, was granted by the University of System of Maryland to support his project, “Persistent Cognitive Support for Student Success: A Generative AI Approach to Academic Transformation.” It will apply generative AI to provide students with customized tools to assist in completing academic tasks—such as breaking down assignments into manageable steps, organizing and managing time, and monitoring progress. Read more here.

Hello Retrievers!

I am Dr. Jake Diaz, UMBC’s new Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students. My family and I moved to Baltimore in June, and I could not be more excited to welcome you to campus for the start of the academic year!

My team and I are here to ensure you feel supported, included, and empowered throughout your journey at UMBC. We operate on the foundational belief that every student belongs here, and we aim to provide a community filled with opportunities and resources to help you thrive.

Here are a few key ways to jump right into campus life and find your support system this semester:

Get Connected and Get Involved

• Welcome, Retrievers! I’m thrilled to experience my very first Welcome, Retrievers, Please stop by and say hello to me and our team at upcoming events!

• Involvement Fest: With over 250 graduate and undergraduate student organizations at UMBC, this is the best spot to meet student leaders, find your crew, and grab some free goodies.

• Events Calendar: Keep an eye on the calendar to stay in the loop on activities happening all year long.

Set Yourself Up for Academic Success

Navigating university-level coursework is a team effort. Take advantage of campus learning resources early in the semester:

• Academic Success Center: The central hub for peer tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and academic coaching to help undergraduates build strong study skills.

• Academic Advising Center: Helps undergraduates stay on track with degree requirements, course selection, and academic planning.

• PROMISE: Helps graduate students build academic skills, social supports, and career networks. 

• The Writing Center: Offers all students one-on-one assistance with writing assignments at any stage of the drafting process.

• Graduate Student Association Writing Advisor: Assists graduate students with any writing project/assignment across all curricula. 

• Faculty office hours: Make it a goal to connect with your professors! Using office hours early and often is one of the best ways to get the most out of your classes.

Resources devoted to your success and wellbeing

Navigating college life isn't always easy, and we encourage you to ask for help when you need it. Please connect with your faculty and with us as staff. Our campus network is here to support you:

• Retriever CARE: Offers personalized care coordination, support for students in distress, resource referrals, and ongoing advocacy.

• Essential Needs & Connections/Retriever Essentials: Helps students access basic necessities like housing and food security, including the free store in The Commons.

• Student Conduct & Community Standards: Promotes a safe, fair, and respectful environment where everyone can learn. We help uphold our shared values of integrity, accountability, and mutual respect.

• Veteran & Military-Affiliated Services: Provides tailored guidance, support, and engagement for military-connected students.

Where to find us

If you ever need support and aren't sure where to turn, visit us in The Center for Well-Being (Room 102) or email deanofstudents@umbc.edu.

Fun challenge: If you’ve read down to this sentence, drop me a quick email at the address above and I will host you for a cup of coffee or tea at Starbucks or Dunkin. I’d love to know what you’re most looking forward to this semester.

I am incredibly proud to be a Retriever, and I wish you all the best as we kick off this academic year together.

Go Retrievers!

Dr. Jake Diaz
Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students