Dr. Karen Chen, Associate Professor in UMBC’s Department of Information Systems, was appointed as a Senior Fellow for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) by the University System of Maryland Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation for the 2026-2027 academic year. The fellowship bridges the gap between classroom practice and systematic inquiry.

Dr. Chen will lead the 2026-2027 SoTL Fellows cohort in providing expert guidance on refining research questions, selecting methodologies, and navigating the Institutional Review Board process. She will mentor USM faculty through the lifecycle of their research, from initial data collection to preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, helping them contribute significantly to the global conversation on evidence-based teaching.

Read more here

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for our first Summer Connection! It was truly wonderful seeing so many of you. The energy in the room was incredible, and it was a great reminder of the power of coming together in community.

We're already looking forward to our next gathering! As we continue planning future events and opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey to let us know how we can best engage and support you and to indicate any interest you have in becoming more involved with the Association.

Thank you for being a part of this community. We appreciate each of you and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Take care, and we'll see you soon!

Effective today, July 1, 2026, the University System of Maryland (USM) has officially launched its new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program.

Please visit our website for additional information on this program: https://hr.umbc.edu/pfml/

Updates to ETS: 

Optional Code Field Removed: The "Optional Code" field has been removed. Any comments you previously entered there should now be placed in the Employee Comments field.

New "Time Category" Field: A new Time Category field is now available. Please use this field to specify payroll-related information when applicable, such as: Call Back Time, On-Call Pay, PFML Pay, or Shift Differential.

July is Disability Pride Month💚💛❤️💙🤍🖤

This July we're also celebrating 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and uplifting disability as a vital part of human diversity. Disability Pride challenges stigma, honors lived experiences, and promotes access and inclusion — because having a disability is something to be proud of and is valued.

The Disability Pride flag represents:

❤️ Physical disabilities

💛 Neurodiversity

🤍 Invisible/undiagnosed disabilities

💙 Emotional/psychiatric disabilities

💚 Sensory disabilities

🖤 Faded Black background: mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence

Want to learn more? Check out campus events, courses in Critical Disability Studies, or get involved with orgs like Sign of Life, NAMI, Best Buddies, the DAU, and more.

Let’s celebrate disability pride this month and every day.

July is ADA’S 36th Anniversary: July 26, 2026 

ADA turns 36 this year, and here are some facts you should know.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed in 1990, was a landmark moment in U.S. civil rights history. It made it illegal to deny someone a job, education, or housing just because of a disability. But the ADA didn’t just happen. It was demanded. Activists crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the Capitol Crawl to fight for equal rights.

Today, the ADA protects people with both visible and invisible disabilities, including PTSD, ADHD, and diabetes. It also covers far more than physical spaces for access. Think about websites, apps, voice recognition, closed captioning, and screen readers. In fact, in 2022 alone, over 3,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA for being inaccessible to people with disabilities.

From the U.S. to international countries such as the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the ADA’s influence is global.
And yes, even Siri owes a thank you to the ADA.

Equal access isn’t extra. It’s essential. Access is inclusive excellence.

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and encourage action to prevent, diagnose, and treat this often overlooked disease. According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, more than 287 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B or C, yet many remain unaware of their infection due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages. Viral hepatitis affects different age groups depending on the specific virus. Acute hepatitis A peaks primarily in adults aged 30 to 49. Acute hepatitis B and hepatitis C disproportionately affect middle-aged adults, while chronic hepatitis C is most prevalent in young adults (20–39) and older adults (55–70). 

This year's World Hepatitis Day theme, "Let's Break It Down," focuses on breaking down the barriers that prevent people from accessing hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment, and care. Misinformation, stigma, limited awareness, and inequitable access to healthcare continue to stand in the way of eliminating hepatitis and improving health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

You can take action by:
• Learning the facts about hepatitis and sharing accurate information with others
• Talking to a healthcare provider about hepatitis testing and vaccination
• Challenging stigma and misconceptions surrounding hepatitis
• Supporting efforts that expand access to prevention, treatment, and care services

Key facts to know include: hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver cancer, nearly two million new hepatitis infections occur each year, effective treatments are available for hepatitis B and C, and vaccination can prevent hepatitis B infection. With increased awareness, education, and access to care, hepatitis elimination is an achievable goal.

Together, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma, promote early detection and treatment, and work toward a future free from hepatitis.

July is National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month 

July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial conditions while supporting individuals and families affected by these differences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth differences in the United States, affecting thousands of children each year.

Cleft lip occurs when a baby’s upper lip does not fully form during early pregnancy, while cleft palate happens when the roof of the mouth does not close completely. These conditions can affect feeding, speech, hearing, dental development, and overall health. With early medical care, surgical treatment, and ongoing support, individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions can and do live full, healthy, and successful lives.

It’s important to remember that cleft conditions don’t just affect babies—they continue into adulthood. Many adults live with the long-term effects, even if they’re less visibly recognized due to surgery or lack of awareness. We often only see images of infants when discussing cleft conditions, but adults with lived experience are just as important to highlight. Did you know several well-known public figures were born with a cleft lip or palate? Their stories help challenge stigma and show that this condition is more common—and more lived—than people realize.

National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month highlights the importance of education, early intervention, access to healthcare, and continued research. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals living with craniofacial differences and to recognize the healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates who support them.

You can take action by:
• Learning about cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial conditions and sharing accurate information
• Supporting organizations that provide resources, treatment, and advocacy for affected individuals and families
• Promoting understanding and inclusion for people with visible and invisible differences
• Encouraging access to prenatal care, early diagnosis, and specialized treatment services

Key facts to know include: cleft lip and palate develop early in pregnancy, these conditions can occur together or separately, a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to their development, and early medical intervention can significantly improve health and quality of life outcomes.

Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, support affected individuals and families, and promote access to the care and resources needed for every person to thrive.

As we begin a new academic year, we would like to share several important reminders and best practices with all P-card holders and supervisors.  Please take a few minutes to review this important information to ensure that all P-card transacations and processes follow established procedures.

Meet Lynn Dutrow. Lynn graduated from UMBC in 1989 with a B.A. in psychology and a certificate in early childhood education. Since then, she has worn many hats, including counselor, coach, and speaker. In 2022, she added another hat—author—when she published her first book, Aligned As F*ck: Transforming Your Inner Assholes (Like Anxiety) into Allies. Much of her work focuses on anxiety, overwhelm, and creating lives that feel more aligned and less exhausting. Lynn is deeply curious about humans and firmly believes humor belongs in serious conversations. Take it away, Lynn! 

Q: What brought you to UMBC?

A: I chose UMBC because it felt like the best of both worlds—it was close enough to home that I could get back when I wanted to, but far enough away that I could have the full experience of living on campus and becoming independent.

I actually didn’t know what I wanted to study. My parents wanted me to study business, but after my first psychology class, I was hooked!

Back then there were three dorms and two sets of apartments, only one of which even had kitchens! Living on campus was an education in itself. Some of my most memorable lessons about human behavior came not from textbooks, but from sharing living space with a variety of colorful personalities. In hindsight, my roommates may have unknowingly contributed to my professional training.

Pictured right: Dutrow on stage at her UMBC graduation.

What I remember most and appreciate, even 40 years later, are the approachable and supportive professors and the opportunities to gain hands-on experience through practicums and internships. Those experiences helped me connect what I was learning in the classroom to real people and real situations, something that has remained important throughout my career.

Looking back, I can see how those experiences laid the foundation for work that has taken many forms over the years: from education and school psychology to counseling, coaching, speaking, and writing. While the specific roles have changed, the common thread has always been a fascination with people and a desire to help them better understand themselves and navigate life’s challenges.

If you had told me in 1989 that my psychology degree would eventually lead me to become a counselor, coach, speaker, and author, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But the curiosity about people that drew me to psychology in the first place has been the common thread through every chapter of my career.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your current work?

A: Much of my work focuses on helping people navigate anxiety, overwhelm, and the exhausting experience of feeling like they’re constantly fighting with themselves. What I love most is helping people realize they aren’t broken. Watching someone shift from “Why am I like this?” to “Ohhh…this part was trying to help” never gets old.

Q: Can you tell us more about your work as an author?

A: People often ask what motivated me to write my book, Aligned As F*ck: Transforming Your Inner Assholes (Like Anxiety) into Allies, and the honest answer is that I realized I was repeating the same conversations over and over again…with clients, friends, family members, and occasionally random strangers. I wanted to put the information I found myself sharing most often into one place where people could return to it when they needed it.

I also hoped, somewhat naively, that writing the book would mean I could stop repeating myself. It turns out that’s not how humans work. What I discovered instead is that people often need to hear the same ideas many times and in many different ways, and I’m grateful to keep being part of those conversations.

* * * * *

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

Looking for private bedroom for a female Phd student. Preferable location near or around Circle Drive. Would like to rent the middle room on lease. Common areas should be available for use. Cleanliness is a priority. Kitchen should have a working dishwasher. If you have any leads, please email at bm32973@umbc.edu .

I need a roommate for a cool 2. Bed apt, Starting August. Rent is 750 per person. Interested persons can contact me via text 484 353 9752

This year, three undergraduate research assistants with ESI were recognized with research awards and internships: Kaylin Burrell, Alex Esposito, and Natalie McCourt. UMBC physics undergraduates Burrell and Esposito won Undergraduate Research Awards (URAs) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Sponsored by the UMBC Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, the URAs are solicited annually as a medium for motivated undergraduates to participate in research under the supervision of UMBC faculty. UMBC computer science undergraduate McCourt won a competitive NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) internship for summer 2026.

Burrell, under ESI scientist Dr. Brent McBride, will characterize an open-source, handheld remote sensor called the STELLA Q2, for the purpose of knowledge building in remote sensing and expanding citizen science initiatives relative to NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission. Created by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the STELLA (the Sustainable Technology for Land and Life Assessment) program is designed for middle and high school students to engage with the vegetation science of the LandSat mission. However, these remote sensors also have high compatibility with aerosol, cloud, and ocean measurements from PACE. In her project “Advancing STELLA into a Research-Grade Instrument for Outreach and Remote Sensing with UMBC in Support of NASA’s PACE Science Goals,” Burrell will adapt and calibrate the STELLA Q2 sensor for closer alignment with PACE and will collaborate with ESI and NASA faculty throughout the year.

Esposito, under physics professor and ESI director Dr. J. Vanderlei Martins, will develop a laser tomography system as part of his URA. Martins and ESI faculty have transformed one of the ESI research labs into a cloud chamber, where cloud droplets and ice particles can be generated, controlled, and studied against different variables like temperature, pressure, supersaturation, and convection. Tomography, a technique common in medical fields to see into solid volumes without incisions (i.e., MRI), is gaining in popularity in cloud physics to study droplet growth properties inside the cloud. In his project titled “Cloud Chamber Laser Tomography System,” Esposito will build the instrument to probe simulated clouds in this way and grow ESI’s in-situ capabilities.

 McCourt, who won the National Science Foundation (NSF) REU internship, will study ocean fertilization by aerosols using data from NASA’s PACE mission, under the supervision of Drs. Ivona Cetinic and Andrew Sayer (GESTAR II/GSFC). McCourt is part of a cohort of 12 students participating in UMBC’s NSF EXPeriments in Earth and Atmospheric Science (EXPLORE) REU program. Prior to this internship, McCourt led efforts to characterize various Earth surfaces using the multi-angle and polarized measurements of PACE HARP2, under the supervision of ESI's Dr. Brent McBride. This work led to McCourt’s first-author paper, which was published in SPIE in June.

Congratulations to our undergraduate researchers!

Photo: UMBC physics undergraduate Kaylin Burrell measures the irradiance of the Homecoming bonfire scar on the Erickson Field with the STELLA Q2 sensor. (Credit: B. McBride/ESI)Photo: UMBC physics undergraduate Alex Esposito presents research results related to ESI’s cloud chamber at UMBC’s URCAD conference in April 2026. (Credit: B. McBride/ESI)Photo: UMBC computer science undergraduate Natalie McCourt presents research results related to multi-angle and polarized signals measured by HARP2 over various Earth surfaces at UMBC’s URCAD conference in April 2026. (Credit: B. McBride/ESI)

Recently, Procurement held their second session in their Supplier Spotlight series.  This series is designed to highlight strategic supplier partners that assist UMBC in conducting it's business for the campus community.

This session was with BISM: Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, a preferred provider by the State. BISM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the blind and low-vision community by educating, training, employing, and empowering them to be confident and lead independent lives. Their manufacturing and retail businesses are the largest employers of blind and low-vision individuals in Maryland.  To find out more go to www.BISM.org

A recording of the session (37 minutes) can be viewed at this link.  A transcript can be viewed here.

Be on the lookout for information about future sessions in this series.