The Graduate School invites UMBC faculty and staff to apply for the inaugural Janet C. Rutledge Graduate Student Well-Being Award, which supports innovative, research-informed projects that promote sustainable graduate student well-being.

One proposal will be selected annually to receive up to $3,500 for programming costs and/or a stipend. Projects may address one or more areas of graduate student well-being, including sense of purpose, financial security, belonging, faculty mentoring, or student-centered academic structures. Priority will be given to projects with impact beyond the award period.

Deadline to apply: February 20
Award announced: Spring 2026 at the GSA Awards Ceremony

Eligibility, proposal guidelines, and submission details are available through the Graduate School website: https://gradschool.umbc.edu/janet-c-rutledge-graduate-student-well-being-award/.

For questions, contact Dr. Robin Cresiski, rcresisk@umbc.edu. 

A recording of the hybrid session of this event is now available on the NCCoE event page.

Cybersecurity and AI are two of the most important research areas for information systems today. Join the NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) on January 14th, 2026, for a hybrid workshop to discuss the Preliminary Draft of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Artificial Intelligence (Cyber AI Profile). 

Register now by Friday, January 9 to attend in-person (9-5) or virtually (9-12) to help shape the development of the NIST Cyber AI Profile. 

Working with the cybersecurity and AI communities, the NIST NCCoE published a preliminary draft of the Cyber AI Profile to help organizations strategically adopt AI while addressing and prioritizing cybersecurity risks stemming from its advancements. The preliminary draft of the NIST Cyber AI Profile is available for public comment through January 30, 2026.

This workshop will feature in-person and virtual presentations in the morning, followed by in-person only breakout sessions in the afternoon. The breakout sessions will allow in-person attendees to engage directly with the NIST Cyber AI Profile team and for in-depth discussion of the preliminary draft of the Profile. 

This publication is a preliminary draft – and your feedback is crucial in shaping the next and final version of this publication.

MORE INFORMATION

REGISTER HERE

Join Us!

Come celebrate URCAD's 30th anniversary on April 22, 2026! 

The event will be moving to a bigger space in the RAC… how do you see your work being presented there? 

Posters, oral talks, films, exhibits, and performances are welcome. URCAD is open to all majors and group projects are accepted. You can present your capstone, Honors thesis, REU research, or you can be unaffiliated with a scholars program. 

Applications to present mentored research or creative worker open and will be due by February 16th and require a 200-word abstract and mentor approval. See you at the RAC as we showcase UMBC student research and art and throwback to the 90s!

Abstract writing workshop will be held on Jan. 7 (online).

To apply go to:

ur.umbc.edu/urcad

In collaboration with the Division of Institutional Equity and UMBC Campus Police:

Start by Believing: Supporting Disclosures of Sexual Violence

This workshop is designed for faculty and staff who may be the first person a survivor confides in.

Join us to:

• Learn about the Start by Believing campaign

• Build confidence in responding to disclosures of sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence

• Strengthen our survivor-centered, trauma-informed campus community

Date: January 14, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Location: Virtual via Webex

Let's work together to create a culture of support, and safety at UMBC

If you plan to attend, please click on this link.

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.

Name: Umme Kulsum

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Master's Student

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): UP Robotics

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

Title of position: AI & Interactive Learning Intern

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

 During my internship as an AI & Interactive Learning Intern with UP Robotics, I had the opportunity to work on developing innovative, AI-powered educational experiences. My main project for the semester focused on creating an immersive Space Explorer Chatbot, designed to introduce middle- and high-school students to Python, AI concepts, and problem-solving through a fun, space-themed storyline. My day-to-day responsibilities included designing interactive lesson components, writing Python logic for chatbot behaviors, testing user flows, and refining activities to be both educational and engaging. I collaborated regularly with my mentor to review design ideas, improve the learning experience, and ensure the activities aligned with curriculum goals. This experience strengthened my skills in AI-driven design, interactive learning development, and translating technical concepts into accessible, meaningful educational content.

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

I first learned about the internship opportunity through Handshake, where UP Robotics had posted the opening for an AI & Interactive Learning Intern. The position immediately stood out to me because it aligned closely with my interest in the intersection of AI, education, and user-centered design. After submitting my application through Handshake, I was contacted for an interview and later selected for the role. The process was smooth, and I appreciated how clearly the position matched my career goals. This opportunity allowed me to gain hands-on experience in a field I am passionate about and reinforced my desire to continue working on impactful, engaging AI learning experiences.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Handshake

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

What I enjoyed most about my position at UP Robotics was the opportunity to blend creativity with technology. I loved being able to design interactive learning experiences that made AI and programming approachable for younger students. The organization encouraged innovation, collaboration, and experimentation, which made the work environment truly inspiring. I also appreciated the mentorship I received having guidance while still being trusted with meaningful responsibilities made the experience both supportive and empowering.

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

I believe I made an impact by helping students feel excited not intimidated about learning technology. Working on the Space Explorer Chatbot allowed me to take something as complex as AI and transform it into an experience that feels playful, welcoming, and achievable for beginners. It felt meaningful to know that something I built could be a student's first positive interaction with coding or AI. I also contributed new ideas and creative elements that UP Robotics incorporated into their lessons, which helped strengthen their educational programs. Knowing that my work might inspire curiosity or confidence in even one student makes the experience truly rewarding for me.

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

My advice is to apply early, stay open to learning, and don't be afraid to pursue opportunities slightly outside your comfort zone. Look for positions that align with your strengths and the areas you want to grow in. Use resources like Handshake and the UMBC Career Center, attend career fairs, and tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills. Most importantly, be proactive, reach out to mentors, ask questions during interviews, and choose environments that support your learning and creativity.

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

What I liked most was designing AI experiences that truly engage students, and I'm grateful to the Career Center for connecting me with this opportunity.