In January 2025, UMBC will facilitate its STEM-focused research study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain.

The program, developed by UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement’s Education Abroad Office and the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, was created to provide students with an affordable study abroad experience while expanding study abroad access for students in technology, engineering and mathematics fields. 

Steven Caruso, principal lecturer of biological sciences, will lead up to 18 undergraduate students on a three-week program to Barcelona to investigate bacteriophage biology research. Caruso ’94, Ph.D. ’02, biological sciences, is the co-leader of UMBC’s SEA-PHAGES program, called Phage Hunters, a two-course undergraduate genetics and bioinformatics sequence.

In 2023, UMBC received the institution’s first capacity-building grant for study abroad from the U.S. Department of State’s Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) initiative to develop the “Phage Hunters in Barcelona” program. The study abroad program combines asynchronous online learning and hands-on training opportunities at research institutes in Barcelona.

“The IDEAS grant helps to make education abroad more accessible for UMBC students,” said Katherine Heird, UMBC’s director of education abroad and global learning. “This innovative program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to delve into biomedical research, hone their intercultural communication skills, and build connections across the globe.” 

Find out more about the UMBC faculty-led Phage Hunters in Barcelona, Spain, study abroad program. 

Updates to Payroll Forms:

The I-9 DocuSign form has been updated in accordance with the revised federal forms. Please note the following changes: 

On the I-9 screen three additional questions have been added as required fields: 

1. Question: How Many Additional Preparer/Translators?  

If selected additional preparers/translators will complete a section on the I-9.

2. Question: Is this a Reverification or Rehire? 

If selected, the recertification/rehire fields on the I-9 via DocuSign become a required field.  The revised I-9 moved the recertification/rehire information to a supplemental section of the form.

3. Question: In-Person Signing at UMBC? 

With the prior approval of HRSTM Payroll Management preparers may virtually examine employment authorization documents, instead of reviewing documents in person. If selected the additional information section in Section 2 becomes a required field.  Payroll Preparers should document in this field what documents were virtually examined and that it was done via two way video (i.e. WebEx, Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)

Updates to CI Contract Forms

When background checks are required the signature/acknowledgement of the Authorized Program Authority must now be included on the form.  This signature/acknowledgement verifies that the CI has cleared the background check process. 

Mount Ridge unit located on Maiden Choice Ln, 5 minute drive to UMBC and just in front of a UMBC shuttle stop. Walking distance from Giant, Walgreens pharmacy and  Catonsville’s short-line trail.

This hometown style apartment is on the second floor. It has a spacious kitchen with gas range and a pantry. Washer and dryer in unit. Central air conditioning and heating. Great natural lighting.

One room is available in the apartment of 3 bedrooms starting from July. One of our roommates is leaving late June. Rent is around 530$ each plus electricity and wifi (electricity is around 40-50$ per person and depends on the usage and 20$ for wifi). call or text for more information and pictures phone no (240)516-4220