B.S.: Resilient Design of Structure

Degree Mentors: 

• Dr. Jorge Almodovar| Associate Professor| UMBC Department of Chemical, Biochemical, & Environmental Engineering
• Stacy Brian| Project Manager, UMBC Facilities Management
• Steven McAlpine| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC INDS
  

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because it gave me the flexibility to be creative within engineering. After transferring, I struggled to find a program that truly aligned with what I wanted to get out of college. I knew I was passionate about design and sustainability, especially in the context of the built environment. Everywhere we look, we’re surrounded by buildings, and I wanted to understand how we can design structures that are not only long-lasting, but also beneficial to both communities and the environment. INDS gave me the opportunity to focus on what I genuinely love, and it shifted my perspective on college from just getting through it to actually building a path that reflects my goals and interests.

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

I been fortunate enough to have a lot of opportunities for post graduation. Either get my masters in Architecture, do an internship, or work full time but after long consideration, I plan on doing an internship in construction management over the summer and then move into a full-time role as a field engineer starting in the fall. Eventually, I want to go back to school and earn my master’s degree, since I’ve always had a goal of continuing my education.

My INDS degree has helped me stand out and played a big role in getting my opportunities. It shows that I took a unique path and am passionate about combining engineering, design, and sustainability. I’m proud to say I created my own major because it reflects who I am, and it’s also been a great conversation starter that’s opened doors for me.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?

• Member| National society of black engineers (NSBE)
• Intern| UMBC Facilities Management Design and Construction

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

• Presdient's Award 
• Deans List 
• UMBC Heritage Award, MD Delegate Schol 10-DQ

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

My time at UMBC, especially in the INDS program, has truly been transformative for me. It may sound like an exaggeration, but INDS changed my entire college experience. As a transfer student and former track and field athlete, I came in still trying to find my direction, but this program helped me fully commit to my career goals.

Some people might see my path as unconventional, but it’s the path that got me to where I am today. The support I’ve received from UMBC and the INDS program has meant everything they’ve helped me through challenges and celebrated my accomplishments along the way. I’m truly grateful!

For More information on Aissatou 's INDS journey please Click Here!

Visit the INDS Website

There will be an event at the CEI Arena Wednesday, May 20th.  Expect heavier than usual traffic around the Arena between 8am and 1:30pm.

Please join the Mechanical Engineering Department in congratulating the following students who have completed their degrees and will be celebrated at Commencement Ceremonies this week!!

Doctoral Degree

• Jhon Portella Delgado; Dissertation title: "Adaptive and Safe Nonlinear Control: Fundamental Theory and Applications"

Master's Degree - Thesis Option

• Aneisa Jangbahadur; "Electrochemical Behavior of PVA-PAA-CMC Electrolyte in Alkaline and Acidic Mediums For Zn-MnO2 Rechargeable Battery"
• Mohammad Mirtaba; "Control Barrier Functions: Theory and Application for Safe Flight Control"
• Michael Mullaney; "Development of a Bidirectional Digital Twin System for Robot Control, Synchronization, and Trajectory Execution"
• Nahidul Shadin; "Reversible Symmetry Breaking of Tunable Directional Thermal Emission in VO2-SRO Gratings"
• Jacob Thomas; "A Viable Alternative to Manual J: Residential Load Calculations for Sizing an HVAC System in Residential Buildings"

Master's Degree - Non-Thesis Option

• Siddhesh Sunil Dumbre
• Isaac Poole

Bachelor's Degree

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I am writing to share additional information on the university’s budget outlook for the coming fiscal year, as well as our long-term work to enhance our budget-planning capabilities. 

As we shared with you last month, the State of Maryland has set an operating budget of $70.8 billion for Fiscal Year 2027. Following significant reductions in the state’s allocation to the University System of Maryland in FY26, the new budget does not contain any direct cuts to our institution and provides a modest increase of $7 million, or 0.3 percent, to the system overall. The state’s allocation to UMBC for FY27 will be approximately $210 million. 

I invite you to learn more about the higher education-related outcomes from this year’s legislative session by reading the USM’s 2026 Legislative Session Report, which provides detailed information on budget and policy actions taken this year. We are grateful for the state’s continued support of higher education, keeping the USM’s operating budget whole even as the state grappled with a $1.5 billion shortfall. 

Meanwhile, we are engaged at UMBC in important work to better understand how resources are allocated and managed across the university and to develop a clear, straightforward, and more sustainable budget-planning model for the years ahead. That work involves thorough analysis of expenditures, operations, staffing, and long-term financial projections across academic and administrative units. 

In light of the state’s allocation and this ongoing long-term work, we will maintain a flat operating budget for FY27. We believe this is the most thoughtful and responsible approach as we gather more complete information, strengthen our financial planning processes, and develop the tools and projections necessary to support future decisions.

The state’s budget provides $35.7 million toward a 1.5 percent cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for state-funded employees across all USM institutions, effective July 1. That allocation will not cover the full cost of the increase for UMBC employees; we will absorb the remaining cost centrally to be able to provide the 1.5 percent COLA to all employees. We recognize that such support for faculty and staff is critical in the current challenging economic environment. 

Indeed, these continue to be challenging times for many individuals, families, and for the sector of higher education. Many colleges and universities, including UMBC, are navigating significant financial pressures, including challenges related to evolving federal priorities and research funding; rising operational costs, including utilities and benefits; enrollment pressures; and broader economic uncertainty.

All of this underscores the need to improve our budget planning and to ensure that our resources align with our strategic priorities. Over the past year, we have taken a number of strategic steps to help manage financial pressures, including carefully evaluating vacant positions and choosing not to refill some positions when doing so would not negatively affect core operations or student support. These decisions, while not always easy, have helped reduce immediate financial strain and position us more thoughtfully for the future.

As you know, we also are making great strides in our strategic planning process. In a time of financial pressure, it is essential that we think carefully and create strategies to remain focused on our highest priorities. Strategic planning helps us clarify our priorities, identify where we can have the greatest impact, and inform where to focus our resources to advance UMBC’s mission and future. Our strategic plan will help guide decision-making about what we sustain and strengthen and provide clarity about what we cannot or should not do. 

I look forward to setting this course with all of you with a new strategic plan in the fall. As we proceed on that path and in our budget-planning work, we will keep you informed. We are committed to collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making as we build a stronger long-term financial model and a bright future for UMBC.

With appreciation,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

We have run out of cords for students who did not RSVP to the BLX Celebration. 

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month

This month, we “Go Gray” to raise awareness, honor those living with brain tumors, remember loved ones lost, and support families, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals working toward better treatment and care.

Brain tumors can affect people in many different ways, including changes in movement, memory, communication, learning, vision, emotions, and daily functioning. Awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages early support, and reminds our community that no one should face these challenges alone.

At UMBC, SDS recognizes the importance of access, understanding, and inclusive support for students navigating health conditions and disabilities. This May, let’s take time to learn, share resources, and stand with those impacted by brain tumors.

May 18th is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the ongoing efforts to develop safe and effective vaccines to prevent HIV, while recognizing the researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and advocates working to end the HIV epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV remains a major public health issue, but continued research, education, and prevention efforts have helped improve outcomes and save lives worldwide.

Observed every year on May 18, this day highlights the importance of scientific research, community participation, and equal access to healthcare resources. It also recognizes the progress made through global partnerships while emphasizing the continued need for prevention, treatment, education, and support services. HIV Vaccine Awareness Day encourages individuals and communities to stay informed and support efforts aimed at creating a future free from HIV.

You can take action by:
• Learning and sharing facts about HIV prevention and vaccine research
• Supporting organizations focused on HIV education and healthcare access
• Encouraging open conversations to reduce stigma surrounding HIV

Key prevention efforts to know include: routine HIV testing, using preventive tools such as PrEP, avoiding stigma and discrimination, and supporting access to healthcare and education for vulnerable communities.

Together, we can continue advancing research, promoting education, and supporting healthier communities for everyone.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This year’s theme from @NAMICommunicate for Mental Health Awareness Month is: "Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community." Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, identity questions, or simply adjusting to college life, your experiences matter, and your strength is real.

Here at UMBC, Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) offers a range of supportive mental health services to help students care for their emotional and psychological well-being. RIH provides individual and single-session therapy to assist with managing stress, relationships, identity, and academic pressures. Group counseling options help students connect with peers in a safe and supportive environment, while workshops teach practical skills to manage anxiety, improve sleep, boost time management, and recognize signs of crisis. Peer support and skill-building resources are also available to empower students with tools to thrive both personally and academically.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Whether you’re navigating daily stress, big life transitions, or just trying to stay balanced during finals, these six strategies can help support your emotional well-being:

1. Talk to someone you trust: Staying connected is key. Reach out to a friend, professor, or mental health professional. You’re never a burden.
   
   

2. Look after your physical health: Prioritize sleep, movement, hydration, and balanced meals. Small habits can make a big impact.
   
   

3. Do things that bring you joy: Whether it's creating art, playing sports, or spending time with loved ones, engaging in meaningful activities can improve your mood and reduce stress.
   
   

4. Steer away from harmful substances:  Avoid using drugs or alcohol to cope. They often worsen mental health in the long run.
   
   

5. Establish a routine: Structure and consistency can provide stability, especially during uncertain or high-stress times.
   
   

6. Seek professional help:  At UMBC, Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) offers individual therapy, group counseling, workshops, and peer-based skill-building to help students navigate life and mental health challenges.

Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. What matters most is finding what works for you and knowing support is available.

Learn more about mental health services at UMBC: studenthealth.umbc.edu

National mental health resources: nami.org/mham

You don’t have to go through anything alone.

• Visit the Center for Well-Being
• Call 410-455-2542 or schedule online at myRetrieverCare
•  Learn more: health.umbc.edu

Let’s reduce stigma, promote healing, and remind each other:
Every story has power. Every student deserves support. 
🔗 nami.org/mham

INDS B.S. Degree

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

To expand and explore areas of weaknesses.

List any UMBC faculty or staff you would like to highlight that helped or mentored you during your time here. 

• Krista Wallace

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

Pursuing a full time job in Manufacturing, Biotech, Government, and refining my business.

Congrats Michael!

The finish line is in sight! It's the last day of the Grad Finals Reset, and the OGSL Office is still open and ready to be your sanctuary from the exam crunch.

If your brain needs a break from the laptops and textbooks, swing by today. Whether you have 5 minutes to spare or want to stay and hang out longer, we’ve got exactly what you need to recharge:

• 🧩 Teamwork Puzzles: Help us finish up the community puzzles!

• 🖍️ Mindful Coloring: Grab some crayons or colored pencils and just zone out.

• 🛋️ Cozy Chill Space: No deadlines, no pressure—just a quiet, comfortable space to relax and breathe.

Take care of your mental well-being as you wrap up the semester. You’re almost there, grads—come take a well-deserved breather with us before it ends!

NDAG Community Roundup: May 19, 2026

Neurodiversity Dialogues: Removing Barriers to Learning Through Intentional Course Design (AV Links Included)

May 20th, 3:00-4:00 pm - Zoom

registration required: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/JSpSy-HJTYK3FoVkujL1Uw

Brought to you by Neurodiversity@Cornell (this is not a UMBC event)

Join us to hear from Beth Parrott, Director of Student Disability Services and Kim Benowski, Instructional Designer/Developer at the Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI) speak about how, by proactively designing courses with access and inclusion in mind, faculty can create classroom experiences that may reduce the need for some students to seek academic accommodations. Learn about both disability-related and non-disability-related barriers that can affect how students engage with lecture material, and how applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles can support all students in accessing what they need to learn.

More information: https://events.cornell.edu/event/neurodiversity-dialogues-removing-barriers-to-learning-through-intentional-course-design

Two new books added to Women’s, Gender & Equity Center Library:

• ADHD & Me: What I learned from lighting fires at the dinner table by Blake E.S. Taylor

• Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons that Medicine Cannot Teach by Vincent J. Monastra, PhD

Thank you to all who joined us for the BLX Celebration yesterday!

If you RSVP'd but were unable to attend, you can pick up your cord at The Mosaic on Tuesday or Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

If you did not RSVP, you are also welcome to come to The Mosaic to pick up a cord. However, we have a very limited number of cords left for those who didn't RSVP, they will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. We will make an announcement once they have run out.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at themosaic@umbc.edu.

Have a great summer!