One final hello

Welcome to the last week of the semester that we're able to officially hold meetings. For those who attended meetings this year and supported us in our 1st year as an official club, thank you.
Our final meeting is tonight in ILSB 302 at 7pm. We will be talking about the general future of the club, do some planning, close out the semester, and probably have some time for something like Jackbox or Gartic Phone.

Good luck with finals to one and all

Retrievers Read is a summer reading challenge designed to help you explore new genres, engage with our UMBC community, and make reading fun! It's free to participate, and we email you everything you need to get started, including a welcome letter with further instructions, a bingo card, and a handy-dandy reading log to help you keep track of your progress.

Sign up: alumni.umbc.edu/retrieversread26

Questions? Email retrievernet@umbc.edu.

Whether you’re spending the summer at home, on campus, traveling, interning, or simply catching up with friends, Retrievers Read brings back a familiar summer tradition, with a grown-up twist. Think back to those grade school summer reading lists: books chosen to spark curiosity, stretch your thinking, and mark the season’s passing. Now, as part of the UMBC community, this is your version of that same tradition: an easy, nostalgic way to stay connected to campus life and the Retriever community between semesters, wherever summer takes you.

The Career Center will be closed on Tuesday, May 12 for a Planning Day Retreat. We will reopen on Wednesday.

Appointments can still be made through Handshake-  https://careers.umbc.edu/aboutus/appointments/

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to connecting with you on Wednesday!

Name: Lyna Beraich

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Computer Science 

Current Class Level: Senior

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

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name):  ClearEdge IT Solutions

Location of the Organization (City, State): Jessup, MD

Title of position: Software Engineer Intern

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

As a software engineering intern at ClearEdge IT Solutions, I have the privilege of working with the IRAD (Internal Research and Development) team. The IRAD team is responsible for a wide range of initiatives within ClearEdge, including the development of corporate applications that employees across the company depend on, as well as building internal software that reflects the same technologies and frameworks used by ClearEdge engineers on government contracts. Since joining, my primary focus has been contributing to the development and ongoing maintenance of these applications. From working on bug fixes and implementing new features, to ensuring the tools our team delivers meet the needs of the broader organization. Our workflow follows an Agile methodology: each day begins with a stand-up meeting where team members share progress and coordinate on priorities. The remainder of the day is spent heads-down in development, collaborating through code reviews, pair programming, and team meetings as needed. This structure has given me consistent exposure to real-world software engineering practices and a strong sense of how cross-functional teams operate in a professional environment. 

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

I heard about this position last October from someone who I had previously worked with at a different company who was now working at ClearEdge. I was immediately interested after I learned about the role and I applied soon after. I also signed up to go on a tour of the ClearEdge facility with the UMBC Career Center. I was so thankful for the opportunity to get a hands-on look at what an internship at ClearEdge would look like. I learned a lot about the company values and I was able to connect with UMBC alumni currently working at ClearEdge. I was super excited to hear back in December and the past couple weeks at ClearEdge have been super engaging and fulfilling. 

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Alumni Networking

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

I've really valued the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge AI technologies, deepen my understanding of modern software development practices, and grow as an engineer by learning from my more experienced colleagues.

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

It's been incredibly fulfilling to watch my contributions take shape in products that people at ClearEdge use every day. Beyond writing code, I hope I'm also bringing a fresh perspective that pushes the team to continually refine how we collaborate and approach our day-to-day workflows.

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

Don't be afraid to knock on every door. My previous internship, which is how I learned about this opportunity, wasn't one I was formally offered. I simply kept reaching out and demonstrating genuine interest until I earned the chance to contribute and in doing so, I built lasting connections that ultimately led me to where I am today. The worst thing anyone can say is no, so always put yourself out there.

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

I love how well I'm supported here while still being challenged and learning something new every day. The Career Center provided me with an amazing opportunity to visit ClearEdge and truly connect with the company and the people here.

Join us for lunch with fellow commuters and connect with helpful on-campus resources. There's no better way to celebrate the end of the semester, and it's complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

This is the final use for the Gold Cards for the 25-26 academic year!

We can't wait to see you there!

https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/ocss/events/149345

Good afternoon, Retrievers!

Are you looking for a job that will lead to new experiences and meeting fellow students? Do you like working in a high paced office where you can help people on a daily basis? Is customer service something you excel in and wish to do in a fun and supportive environment? 

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then working in the Financial Aid Office may be the job for you!

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is looking to hire Federal Work Study eligible students as new Front Office Assistants to train and work over the summer and into the upcoming academic year. Front Office Assistants are responsible for providing excellent customer service for our students and families who contact our office daily as well as other office related tasks, while working in a team driven and fast paced environment. 

If you are interested, please look at the full position description by logging into your Handshake account (if you do not have a Handshake account, please set one up) and looking for position #11033303. The position will be open for applications through May 29th, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid office.

Thanks so much!

~The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Dear UMBC Community,

I recently had one of those days that reminded me—through a richly diverse set of experiences—exactly who we are. I had the opportunity to attend three events the first Saturday in May that showcased in different ways the strengths of our community and the contributions UMBC makes to the state of Maryland.

My day began at an open house at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where UMBC faculty, students, and partners are advancing research on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. The family-friendly open house gave visitors a chance to experience IMET’s research through hands-on science activities, conversations with scientists, and demonstrations exploring marine science. I could see curiosity taking hold in the minds of the attendees.

Then it was on to Maryland History Day, a celebration of the humanities and the culmination of the Maryland History Day contest that we have hosted on our campus for more than two decades. A partnership with Maryland Humanities, the event brought hundreds of middle and high school students whose questions and perspectives are adding to our understanding of history.

I ended the day at the Linehan Concert Hall, listening to “Songs of Freedom,” a concert by the UMBC Jubilee Singers and Gospel Choir. The music was powerful, carrying stories and history and bringing people together. Three different spaces, three different ways of connecting, learning, and contributing to our communities: That is UMBC.

With deep appreciation,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Dear Colleagues,

No matter how long you’ve taught, there is always something you can learn from your colleagues. And if you generally prepare and teach your classes in isolation, you may wish you had more opportunities to have the kinds of conversations with colleagues from across the disciplines that would enrich your teaching practice, help you improve student engagement, and deepen your sense of belonging to a community of scholars. Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) at UMBC fill this niche. The Faculty Development Center is pleased to announce six new proposed topics for Faculty Learning Communities in AY 2026-27:

• The Thinking Gap: Classrooms, Critical Reasoning, and Generative AI
• Big Classes, Better Learning: Designing Inclusive and Engaging Large Lecture Courses
• What Makes Mentoring Work? Investigating the Practices Behind Transformative Student-Mentor Research Relationships
• The Attention Problem: Sustaining Engagement in Today’s Classroom
• Integrity by Design: Understanding and Addressing Academic Dishonesty in the Age of AI
• Making, Doing, Knowing: The Value of Hands-On and Embodied Learning

What are FLCs? Faculty Learning Communities are groups of 6-12 self-selected faculty who are co-learners, joining together across disciplines for a year-long exploration of specific evidence-based teaching practices. FLCs support faculty in developing a new pedagogical approach, new kinds of assignments, and/or new ways to assess student learning. Participants who meet the attendance requirements (missing no more than 3 out of approximately 11 meetings over the academic year) receive a professional development award. The meeting format for each FLC, in-person or virtual, will be determined by the preference of the facilitators and the majority of the applicants. 

Who is eligible? All current faculty, as well as staff who teach, are encouraged to participate.

To apply: The application form contains descriptions of each of the proposed FLCs. Please submit your application to fdc@umbc.edu by Friday, June 26th. Although you can only participate in one FLC, you may apply to more than one, ranking your choices on the application form. Pending budget decisions, the FLCs that receive the greatest numbers of applicants will go forward as FDC-sponsored FLCs for 2026-27.

To learn more about the FLC program: Please visit the FLC page on the FDC website.

Best,
Kerrie and Sarah

Photo provided by Sarah Leupen.

UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby will host the 2026 Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, in the University Center Ballroom. The event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. and will include an awards ceremony and reception recognizing faculty, staff, and university honorees for excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, service, and creative achievement.

Several UMBC community members have received the University System of Maryland Board of Regents awards, including Tara Carpenter for Excellence in Teaching, Michael Summers for Excellence in Mentoring, Curtis Menyuk for Excellence in Scholarship or Research, Brian Kaufman for Excellence in Creative Activity, and Laura Schraven for Outstanding Service for Students.

Other featured honorees include Lindsay DiCuirci, named 2026 – 2029 Presidential Teaching Professor, and Weidong Zhu, selected as 2026 – 2029 Presidential Research Professor. Joby Taylor, Ph.D. ’05, will receive the 2026 Presidential Distinguished Exempt Staff award, while Michele Kimery will be recognized as the 2026 Presidential Distinguished Non-Exempt Staff honoree.

Additional university honors will be presented to David Clurman and Michael Canale, recipients of the 2026 Diane M. Lee Teaching Award; Keith Harmon, recipient of the 2026 Jakubik Family Endowment Staff Award; Maisha Cron, recipient of the 2026 Karen L. Wensch Endowment Award for Outstanding Non-Exempt Staff; Ramana Vinjamuri, recipient of the 2026 Marilyn E. Demorest Award for Faculty Advancement; David Hoffman, Ph.D. ’13, recipient of the 2026 Teresa Lupinek Endowment Award; and Mehdi Benna, recipient of the 2026 UMBC Research Faculty Excellence Award.

B.S.: Biopsychosocial Approaches to Health and Disease

Minors/ Certiicates on Graduation Record:

• Semester Academic Honors| Spring 2025
• President's List | Fall 2025
• Cum Laude 

Degree Mentors: 

• Dr. Mettassebia B Kanno, MD| Health Provider, Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente 
• Dr. Tonya Webb | Professor of Microbiology and Immunology |UMSOM Assistant Dean
• Dr. James DeVita | Assistant Vice President for Academic Partnerships & High Impact Experiences
• Steven McAlpine| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I realized that many courses in the Biology major didn’t directly align with my interest in human health and disease, often focusing more on plant and animal systems or lacking a broader policy perspective. I saw this as an opportunity to integrate multiple disciplines, such as psychology, public health, epidemiology, and the biological sciences, to create a more well-rounded academic path that better reflects my interests.

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

I plan to attend a postbaccalaureate program and apply to graduate school to earn my doctorate degree.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?

• Tau Sigma Honor Society| Public Relations Coordinator 
• Researcher| Undergraduate Reasearch Achievement Day URCAD with research from my experiences at UMBC and the Medical University of South Carolina
• Researcher| Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the Medical University of South Carolina- 2024
  • Studied CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers like B cell lymphoma in the O’Neil Lab. My work contributed to developing a novel drug-inducible gene “safety switch” in human T cells to improve the safety of engineered therapies. 
  • In 2025, I worked at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, focusing on strategies to enhance CAR-T cell effectiveness. I investigated how modifying signaling pathways influences T cell function and their ability to sustain cancer cell elimination.

For More information on Nicole's INDS journey please click here!