UMBC CSEE Associate Professor Naghmeh Karimi received the 2026 College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT)  Mid-Career Faculty Excellence Award for overall excellence and promise in scholarship, teaching, service, and leadership. Her research areas include hardware security and design for trust, reliability, and testability, hardware design and synthesis, VLSI design, computer architecture, and EDA tools. She directs the SECure, REliable, and Trusted Systems (SECRETS) Laboratory.

Happy end of the semester, and congratulations to all those who are graduating!!

The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center will be open from 10 am-3 pm Monday through Wednesday (5/18-5/20) next week during finals. 

Our summer hours will begin Tuesday, May 19th. Over the summer, we will be open from 10 am-3 pm Tuesday through Thursday. 

During regular business hours, center staff will be available throughout the summer. If you have any questions or concerns, reach us at womenscenter@umbc.edu. 

H.A.G.S. and tune in to our Book Club and other Summer Programming!

The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center 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.

Please note: UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site or any of our events or discussions, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and/or remedy any accessibility challenges.

Don't miss out!!

The Wisdom Weavers are accepting nominations for their Executive Board for the 2026-2027 school year! (Applications due by May 16th) 

The Wisdom Weavers are a student interest group with the Erickson School of Aging Studies that are dedicated to building a community that values every stage of life. Our mission is to:

● Promote outreach and service to older adults in our local community.
● Provide intergenerational opportunities for connection and growth.
● Spread positive messages about aging and dismantle stereotypes.
● Increase awareness of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in this field.

Submit your board application HERE.

Don't miss out!!

The Wisdom Weavers are accepting nominations for their Executive Board for the 2026-2027 school year! (Applications due by May 16th) 

The Wisdom Weavers are a student interest group with the Erickson School of Aging Studies that are dedicated to building a community that values every stage of life. Our mission is to:

● Promote outreach and service to older adults in our local community.
● Provide intergenerational opportunities for connection and growth.
● Spread positive messages about aging and dismantle stereotypes.
● Increase awareness of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in this field.

Submit your board application HERE.

Temporary Private room available for Summer 2026 in a 2BHK townhouse for a male at Westland Gardens for a 3-month move-in. 


Perfect for interns, students living on campus whose apartments will be closed, or anyone looking for temporary housing.

Fully furnished 2BHK townhouse:

What you get:

• Spacious living room with sofa + TV. 
• Fully equipped kitchen (Oven, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher). 
  In-unit Washer & Dryer.
• Central heating & cooling. 
• Just a 1-minute walk to the UMBC bus stop. 
• Only 10 minutes walk to campus.
• Availability: May 25th - Aug 15th. 
• Rent is just 600$ only(I can help you with BGE + Wifi). 
  

DM for more information: +1-202-937-5716 or email me at IO95979@umbc.edu

The final walk across the stage at commencement is an exhilarating milestone, but as the celebration settles, it’s common for a new feeling to creep in: uncertainty. For many new alumni, the transition from a structured academic schedule to the open-ended "real world" can feel like standing at the base of a mountain without a map. Whether you are still searching for that first role or starting a position and feeling the weight of "imposter syndrome," you aren't alone.

But you should also feel confident. Your UMBC journey has equipped you with the resilience and technical skills you need. Now, it’s about shifting your mindset from student to professional and maintaining your momentum. Here’s how.

Reframe the "First Job" Pressure

There is a common myth that your first job after graduation defines your entire career. In reality, your first role is simply "Step 1" of the climb. Focus less on finding the "perfect" forever-job and more on finding a place where you can learn, contribute, and build a professional reputation. Every task you master and every project you complete adds another skill to expand on in your resume and LinkedIn.

Normalize the Learning Curve

No one walks into a new office (or logs into a new remote role) knowing everything. Employers expect a learning curve. Instead of fearing what you don't know, lean into your curiosity. Ask questions, seek feedback early, and observe how successful leaders in your organization navigate challenges. By being a proactive learner, you prove your value far faster than by trying to be perfect.

Combat Imposter Syndrome with Proof

When you feel like you don't belong, look at the data. You earned your degree from a rigorous institution, navigated complex projects, and cleared the hurdles of graduation. Keep a "win folder" — a digital space where you save positive feedback, completed certifications, or successful project outcomes. Reviewing these tangible results reminds you that your seat at the table was earned, not given by luck.

Stay Connected to the Pride

One of the fastest ways to lose confidence is to isolate yourself. Your status as a Retriever doesn't end at commencement; it just evolves. The UMBC alumni network is a massive, global community of professionals who have been in your shoes. Reaching out for a "coffee chat" or a quick advice session can provide the perspective you need to realize that your current challenges are just a standard part of the professional journey.

What’s Next?

You don't have to navigate the post-grad landscape in isolation. Leverage the power of the UMBC community to find mentors, get industry advice, and build the connections that will sustain your long-term success.

• Retrievers Connect: Join our exclusive platform to find alumni mentors who are ready to help you navigate your specific career path.
• UMBC Alumni on LinkedIn: Click on the "Alumni" tab on the UMBC LinkedIn page to see where 80,000+ Retrievers are working and how they got there.

Building career confidence after commencement isn’t easy, but this is just the beginning of your journey. Use the tools you've learned at UMBC, and lean on your community for support. We're excited to see where you land next!

Major: Engineering Management (M.S.)
Hometown: Gujarat, India
High School: St. Xaviers High School, India

Turning experience into impact

Over his two years of graduate study at UMBC, Yash Bhatt has given back as much as he’s gained, contributing meaningfully to both the university and the greater Baltimore community. As a graduate student, Bhatt arrived at UMBC with an undergraduate degree and professional experience, but he says he was not yet the confident leader he is today. Over his two years as an engineering management graduate student, Bhatt developed his leadership skills through hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world application.

Learning through experience

Bhatt credits his advanced project management course—which he says every engineering management student should take—as one of the most impactful parts of his academic experience. Through the Maryland New Venture Program at bwtech@UMBC, Bhatt contributed as a project manager for SphereHub, an AI-driven platform designed to help international students navigate housing and logistical challenges while studying in the U.S. Not only did Bhatt gain valuable practical experience and the satisfaction of providing tangible assistance to the project, but the opportunity also led to a meaningful summer internship.

Giving back to the community

Bhatt also served as a graduate assistant for both the Division of Professional Studies (DPS) and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. He credits his experience with VITA, where he was trained alongside other volunteers to help low-income Marylanders prepare their taxes, with giving him the confidence to talk to anyone and the sense of purpose that comes from making a real difference in people’s lives. The experience also deepened his understanding of life in the United States and in Maryland specifically, as community members welcomed him into their lives and trusted him with their financial situations, sometimes simply appreciating that someone cared enough to listen. Through his work with DPS, Bhatt is also involved in the Baltimore Waterfront Re-Imagining Project, in which UMBC is serving as a coalition partner in creating an Inner Harbor that better serves the needs of Baltimore residents.

Contributing to campus life

Outside of the classroom, Bhatt dedicated himself to enhancing student life. As a member of the Indian Graduate Student Association and the Black and Gold Student Advisory Board, he advocated for international students and contributed to university decision-making. Bhatt also joined two Alternative Spring Break experiences. Starting as a participant and returning as a program leader, Bhatt immersed himself in what he considers a genuine “American student experience,” building local friendships and making connections within local government and community organizations, in addition to the service the participants provided to the community.

A legacy of service

In finishing his two years of graduate studies, Bhatt leaves UMBC not just with a master’s degree in engineering management, but with a supportive local community and a wealth of experience spanning high-level project management, community advocacy, and campus leadership. While Bhatt arrived seeking to grow as a professional, he will graduate as a confident leader who has enriched the community as much as it has enriched him.

“The best part of my UMBC experience has been the people and the sense of community. UMBC has this unique balance—it’s diverse and full of opportunity like a larger university, yet still close-knit enough that you truly feel seen and supported,” he says.

All photos courtesy of Bhatt. Story by Sharon Brown, international recruitment coordinator in the Center for Global Engagement.

Emily Riggs came to UMBC from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to study mechanical engineering while playing for UMBC’s championship-level softball team. She was rewarded for her decision early on—in her first year, she was named to the America East All-Rookie team and helped the Retrievers win their fourth-straight America East championship. In the following NCAA Tournament game against Nebraska, Riggs hit UMBC’s first home run in an NCAA Tournament game in 21 years, and the program’s second ever overall. She’s a two-time Academic All-District Honoree and was named to the 2025 America East All-Conference First team after she batted .343 with 11 homers in 49 games.

Q: What’s your experience at UMBC been like, balancing academics and athletics?

A: It’s busy and it means a lot of time management because my days are pretty booked. Usually this means classes in the morning, then practice, and then come home. Maybe I take an hour or two break and then do a bunch of homework. It’s tough but manageable.

Q: What difficulty does your major add because of the technical course load?

A: In my junior and senior years, I’ve had quite a few intensive projects. I’m in a capstone class right now, and we’re making an intelligent convoy system. So it’s coordinating team meetings, extra work, making requirement documentation, and more. 

Q: What would you say your favorite class has been here and why?

A: My mechanical engineering capstone class. We’re part of actually making the intelligent convoy vehicles, and then there’s two other teams that are focusing on software design. It’s been really cool to see all the stuff that I’ve been learning in school kind of all come together and apply to this one project.

Q: What do you plan to do after you graduate?

A: Get a job in the field of engineering, specifically mechanical engineering. Luckily, there are a lot of options around here! They range anywhere from aerospace to design to construction. So I’m just trying to find somewhere that fits me right now.

Q: How has UMBC helped you get ready for that job after college?

A: Many of our major courses, especially at the 400 level, are structured like a corporation. For example, you’ll have documents that you have to present. It’s still graded, but the professors will have a conversation with you: “Hey, here are the standards that we’re seeing in the real world right now, and here’s how you can meet it.”

Q: What would you say your favorite athletic moment has been?

A: Winning the America East softball championship my freshman year, and playing in the NCAA Tournament at Oklahoma State

Q: Do you have a mentor who has helped you while at UMBC

A: This year, I’m with my capstone professor—Dr. E.F. Charles LaBerge—the whole year around, and he’s been really helpful and has focused on preparing us for the real world. He’s there to answer questions, whether they’re about school or not about school.

Q: What opportunities stand out to you from your four years at UMBC? 

A: I’ve learned a lot. I’ve had opportunities working here in the Athletics Department helping keep in-game statistics for soccer, volleyball and basketball. I didn’t think that I was going to do that. I got an internship last year through UMBC, I worked in field service engineering with Beckman Culture Life Sciences. It allowed me to travel around the region and work on a bunch of automation systems. I definitely feel grateful for the academic opportunities I’ve had here.

Visit UMBC Athletics for more information on what our athletes are getting up to.

All photos courtesy of Riggs. Story by Zach Seidel ’12, media and communication studies, director of digital media for UMBC athletics.

Finals season can be a lot, so the Office of Graduate Student Life is opening our doors for a Grad Finals Reset for the remainder of the week. Whether you need a quick pause between study sessions or a quiet place to recharge, feel free to stop by the OGSL office anytime.

We’ll have:

☕ Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
🧩 Puzzles & brain teasers
🖍️ Relaxing coloring activities
🤫 A dedicated quiet space to decompress

No registration needed — just drop in, reset, and take a breather before getting back to finals. You’ve got this, Retrievers!

Dr. Jeff Cullen, director of Student Conduct and Community Standards, was recognized with the College of Engineering and Information Technology’s (COEIT) Outstanding Campus Partner Award at a May 11 State of the College presentation. This award was created to “...recognize and express thanks to UMBC faculty and staff from outside our college who go above and beyond in supporting the success of the students, staff, and faculty from our college.” Dr. Cullen was nominated for serving as the staff facilitator for the practicum course Allies in CWIT (Center for Women and Information Technology).

His nomination read, “Jeff Cullen’s leadership of the Allies in CWIT practicum is nothing short of transformative. He creates a rare space where students are challenged to be honest, vulnerable, and accountable—grappling deeply with identity, equity, and their role in shaping a more just field. His impact is lasting, empowering students to grow into courageous allies and leaders. Through this work, Jeff brings COEIT’s vision of inclusive excellence to life in powerful, tangible ways.”

In April, Dr. Cullen received CWIT’s Community Partner Award at its annual Community Awards event. The award is given to an individual or department who has actively collaborated with CWIT towards its mission and goals and serving its students. Dr. Cullen was also recognized for his work with the Allies in CWIT practicum. Gina King, director, undergraduate admissions and orientation, also received the Community Partner award.

At the CWIT awards event, staff shared, “For the past several years, Jeff has been the driving force behind the Allies in CWIT practicum, a program that is vital to our mission of building an inclusive workforce. His approach to allyship is both profound and personal; he challenges our male-identifying students to rethink traditional roles and take active responsibility for equity in tech ... .While Jeff has been a pillar of this program for years, this is sadly his final year leading the practicum. There is no better time than now to recognize the safe space he has built and the unwavering advocacy he has provided for inclusive excellence across our campus. Jeff, thank you for your years of service—your impact will be felt here for a long time to come.”

In a nomination for the award, a CWIT staff member stated: “I am proud to nominate Jeff Cullen for the Outstanding Campus Partner Award for his transformative leadership of the Allies in CWIT practicum over the past four years. This program is vital to CWIT’s mission, providing male-identifying students with the tools to become active change agents for diversity and inclusion in technology. Jeff's commitment goes beyond standard facilitation; he models a profound, intersectional approach to allyship that challenges students to both dismantle white supremacy and rethink traditional gender roles. At our recent winter retreat, a former participant shared that JC was the ‘perfect facilitator’ because of his unique ability to be serious, honest, and vulnerable. By sharing his own journey, he creates a safe space for students to confront male privilege and embrace their responsibility in building a more equitable workforce. Jeff is an unwavering advocate whose dedication ensures CWIT’s vision of inclusive excellence truly rings true across our campus.”

Last year’s CWIT Community Partner Award recipient was also from Student Affairs: Valentine Anamelechi, Event and Conference Services coordinator.

The Division of Student Affairs congratulates Dr. Cullen on these two awards and is grateful for his commitment to our campus partners!