If senior Kayla Nemirovsky’s passport could talk, the first thing it would likely say is, “I’m tired.” Despite having local roots, first attending Mount Hebron High School in nearby Ellicott City and then continuing her academic career 10 miles away at UMBC, Nemirovsky has always felt most at home on a plane. She has visited over 30 (!) countries with no signs of stopping her travel now. Thanks to the support and guidance she received from UMBC, she’ll be staying here to pursue a master’s in teaching. 

Q: With dual degrees in math and financial economics, it’s a little surprising that one of your greatest passions in life is traveling. How did you catch the travel bug? 

A: I was four, if not younger, when I took my first international trip. We traveled a lot as a family and have always had a big love of it. When I was in middle school and early high school, my grandpa took my cousin and me on three trips to Europe, which we’re very grateful for. It was a really great snapshot into a lot of places. Both of my parents are immigrants from the Soviet Union, so growing up, my dad traveled around the Soviet Union a lot with my grandpa. It’s just something that is ingrained in our family. Seeing new places, learning about cultures, trying new food, and learning about the history of places when I’m going to them—that’s what’s fun to me.

Q: With such a pull to travel and see the world, why did you decide to continue your education locally at UMBC? 

A: I knew I wanted to stay local-ish and take advantage of in-state tuition. My dad [Sergey Nemirovsky ’03, computer science] went here and I worked at the UMBC summer camp in high school. I met some people who went to UMBC and they showed me around and let me know what it’s really like. But when I was accepted into the Sondheim Scholars Program, that really sealed it for me. My brother [Sam Nemirovsky ’27, mathematics] is a first-year student here, and it’s funny because we’re both math majors but doing it in entirely different ways. He’s working with applied math, and I know that’s just not for me. It was also so important for me to build study abroad into my college experience. 

Q: How would you describe the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program to someone who isn’t familiar with it? 

A: We focus on not only policy, but also community engagement and service. Throughout all of freshman year, we’re doing community service, involved mostly in Baltimore and just getting a chance to see local communities. And then we go through our years at UMBC as a cohort. Some people graduate early, but for the most part, for us, it’s been 12 people, together. The other cool thing is it’s a very diverse group of majors so you get a lot of different perspectives and people trying to implement policy in different ways or just seeing how it comes to play, not just in government. It’s been great having that community throughout to push each other. We push each other to really exceed and make the most of our college experiences.

Q: Do you have any advice for students who are unsure what they want to do?

A: Go with what you like and what you enjoy. Obviously having a job is ideal, so be a little more realistic with what you’re studying but think about how you could apply it and investigate that. And be flexible! I texted my mom a couple of times my first year thinking out loud, “What if I add this minor? What if I do this major?” And she said, “If you want to and if it makes sense, do it.” 

I knew that I would love to have a job where I have the flexibility to travel but never really as a career. I had no idea what exactly I wanted to do but I always liked math, so figured maybe that route. And then I had a really good high school economics teacher [Vann Prime] who was state recognized, and I decided to go down that path and see where it takes me. 

Q: So many students think it’s not possible to study abroad with their academic course load or they can’t fit it into their schedule. What would you say to them? 

A: As an Education Abroad Advisor, I talk about this all day, every day. I think everybody should study abroad and there’s so many new ways to do it too, especially with the faculty-led programs that are really growing. Even in these super packed majors where you feel like you have to be here every semester, you can still travel for a short-term winter or summer faculty-led program. They’re really meeting students where they are to give them opportunities. 

Q: Have you had mentors who have influenced you throughout your academic career. What does mentorship look like and mean to you?

A: I view mentorship as something that has to be beneficial. Through the Sondheim Program, we were assigned mentors freshman year, and I originally wasn’t sure how to feel about it, and I didn’t know if we would connect in a meaningful way. But it’s been one of the things I’ve enjoyed most. Jess Cook [associate director of Sondheim] connected me to Josh Michael [’10, political science, Ph.D. ’22, public policy], who helped me get my internship at the Maryland State Department of Education and was one of my mentors. From there, this internship helped me solidify the work that I want to do in math education curriculum and policy and helped me figure out what my next steps need to be after college. The internship also helped me to expand my connections in the field and shaped my plans for senior year and beyond.

Q: Are there other ways your mentors have helped you? 

A: I’m a person who needs a path. And I realized once I got to college that there’s kind of no more path, I have to make my own. That was really scary to me, so having mentors who can help me make this path…give me advice and offer suggestions, that was extremely helpful. I really believe you have to choose the people you look up to and kind of aspire to be them. 

BYDB: Building Your Digital Brand

Hosted by the Office of Professional Programs, GEARS, and the Career Center

📅 April 28, Tuesday | 5:00–7:00 PM

📍 UMBC Commons, Rm. 329

📥 Please RSVP by pressing "Sign-up" button on the event page here.

📸 BIG bonus: We will have a professional photographer on site providing FREE headshots/ Linkedin Profile pictures.

😋 Snacks available!

Whether you're job hunting, networking, or just starting to think about your professional presence online, this is the event for you! Join us for BYDB: Building Your Digital Brand,  an interactive workshop designed to help you craft and strengthen your digital identity in today's competitive landscape.

Who You Are:

• A graduate or undergraduate student looking to build or refine your online professional presence

What to Expect:

• Tips and strategies for building a strong, authentic digital brand
• Guidance on optimizing your LinkedIn, portfolio, and other professional platforms
• Networking opportunities with fellow students and career professionals
• Resources and support from the UMBC Career Center and Office of Professional Programs

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing presence, this is a great chance to invest in yourself and your future career.

Follow us on Instagram @gears_umbc for updates on upcoming events!

The University System of Maryland is conducting a survey to understand current attitudes toward and opinions of public higher education in Maryland and how it is perceived to impact the state. Because you are a student at a USM institution, we would value your participation. Please consider taking a few minutes to share your opinions by taking the survey.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey is being conducted by our marketing partner, BVK, on our behalf. Your responses will remain anonymous and will be automatically submitted to BVK and analyzed only in aggregate with others.

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and, as a thank you for participating, you will be given the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of fifty $25 Amazon.com gift cards.

Review full drawing rules.

Thank you for your consideration.

TAKE THE SURVEY 

If you have questions about the survey, please send them to USMStudentSurvey@BVK.com

Thanks again!

Eight UMBC students and alumni have been awarded the prestigious 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP), a highly competitive honor that supports outstanding graduate students in STEM disciplines. This year’s large cohort of Retriever recipients demonstrates the university’s commitment to fostering research excellence and preparing students to become leaders in their fields.

The recipients are already making waves with their work. Caly Ferguson ’26, mechanical engineering, was recently named to the National Society of Black Engineers’ “25 Under 25” list and received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship in 2025. He has been working on developing an affordable and dextrous prosthetic forearm and hand with Ramana Vinjamuri, associate professor of computer science and electrical engineering. 

Lesley Hernandez ’25, biochemistry, will use the GRFP to support her doctoral studies in biomedical science at the University of Michigan. At UMBC, she studied HIV replication with Michael Summers, professor of chemistry and biochemistry. Both Ferguson and Hernandez are Meyerhoff Scholars, and Hernandez also balances her science with a passion for Latin dance. 

Peter Allen Wilschke ’24, economics and political science, is heading to graduate school after completing a two-year research assistant position at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, DC. His research at UMBC on the complex relationships between political factors and fiscal policy garnered national attention.

Sydney Braithwaite, who completed her bachelor’s in forensic chemistry at Towson University, will bring her fellowship to UMBC for graduate study with Lee Blaney, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering. Meredith Morse ’25, chemical engineering; Shefra Shah ’24, biochemistry and molecular biology; and Terra Miley ’25, chemical engineering, are all conducting doctoral work at the University of Delaware; Salman Mirza ’25, mechanical engineering, is pursuing a Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University.

The substantial fellowship provides three years of financial support, including an annual living stipend and funds for tuition and fees, and the recipients can take their fellowship to any institution in the U.S. That flexibility makes it easier for students to pursue exactly the research they are passionate about with faculty who share their enthusiasm, regardless of the level of resources available at the host institution. 

These eight fellowships are a testament to the drive and talent of UMBC’s graduates as they take on new challenges along their research journeys. Each is in a strong position to make their mark on scientific discovery and innovation across the country.

We've made some changes to how featured images work for posts and events. Here's what's new.

What's new

Thumbnails are now called Featured Images. The field has been renamed to better reflect what it actually does. It's the primary image representing your content across the site and in email, not just a small thumbnail.

Three crop previews when uploading. When you upload a featured image, you'll now see three previews showing how your image will be cropped for different layouts: normal (4:3), wide (16:9), and square. Adjust your crop before saving so you know exactly how it'll look.

Featured images now appear in email notifications. The wide version of your featured image now shows up at the top of outgoing emails. It's a small change that makes a noticeable difference.

How the three sizes are used

• Wide (16:9) - Card-style layouts and the top of individual posts and emails.
• Normal (4:3) - Listing views where content is displayed in rows.
• Square (1:1) - Compact mobile listings where space is tight.

When in doubt, check all three previews before saving — that's what they're there for.

Bonus: Email Template Updates

You may also notice that emails from myUMBC look a little different.

• The gold bar that appeared at the top of outgoing emails since 2009 has been replaced with a black bar with a gold accent, matching myUMBC's current design.
• The author of posts will show below the title, just like on the web.
• And if your post includes an embedded YouTube video, the email will now show the video thumbnail with a red play button, so readers know there's a video to watch rather than a static image.

As always, feel free to reach out with any and all feedback: collier@umbc.edu

What gives you energy? It is a simple question that is so profound and important. For me, conversations with faculty, staff, students, and alumni often have me in awe (although after almost two years at UMBC I now expect to be amazed by the creativity and innovation of our community). 

On Tuesday evening, I attended an Alumni Hilltop Society event including a panel discussion on AI. The panel, led by Vice Provost and Chief AI Officer Anupam Joshi, was both thoughtful and provocative. I felt inspired and comforted, knowing our future is in the hands of UMBC graduates who are trained to be thoughtful, critical, and innovative. At the same time, I reflect on various meetings recently with faculty and staff in academic departments in the humanities and arts. These meetings remind me of the profound contributions these areas make in teaching our students lifelong skills (e.g. conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, perspective taking, and critical thinking). These skills are called lasting (or durable), as they are not emerging or dependent on technological changes, which are likely to become even more important in preparing students for the careers and jobs of the future. What an opportunity we have in this space at UMBC, particularly as we start rethinking our general education program! 

As we lean into how AI can augment higher education, I encourage us also to lean into conversations about lasting skills. It is not an either/or. Our opportunity is to lean into both areas simultaneously and graduate students who are the best of both worlds. Meeting those students 20 years from now would give me energy!   

Digital Accessibility as Inclusive Excellence

Late last week, we learned the federal government extended the official enactment of the new Title II ADA regulations regarding digital accessibility from today to April 26, 2027. However, this adjustment does not change UMBC’s proactive stance. 

We view digital accessibility (DA) not merely as a regulatory requirement, but as a natural extension of our inclusive excellence mission. By ensuring our digital environments are accessible for all, we uphold our commitment to an equitable education and work environment for every student, staff, and faculty member and continue the essential work we have already begun.

With this in mind, and building on the “Strive for 85” campaign launched before Spring Break, I want to share several updates and resources to support your efforts:

• New Digital Accessibility Policy Added to UMBC Policies Site: Our formal Digital Accessibility policy is now published, providing a clear framework for our institutional standards.

• DoIT Offers CoRE (Course Roadmap to Equity) Summer Camp: Summer Camp Dates (June 3 or June 10): Join us for intensive workshops designed to help you refine your course materials.

• Support for Faculty Teaching in Summer 2026: Workshops and consulting are available now as Summer '26 Blackboard Course Shells have been created, allowing for immediate accessibility implementation.

• Accessible Math: In a new collaboration, DoIT, Math, and SDS have launched a dedicated Accessible Math support site to assist STEM faculty with complex formatting and notations.

• Raise a Fall 2026 Blackboard Course's Ally Score by Fixing the Prior Version: Use the Blackboard Ally Course Accessibility Report to identify and remediate gaps in previous course versions now. When Fall 2026 shells are released in late July, you can simply copy your improved, high-scoring content into the fresh shell.

Our collective efforts toward achieving equity across all courses ensure that UMBC remains a leader in inclusive digital learning.

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NEWS & NOTES

Faculty and Staff: Send Me Your Highlights

As we near the end of the semester, I want to encourage faculty and staff members to send me your highlights and accomplishments from the academic year. Our goal is to call out outstanding work and programs that positively impact UMBC and the community. If you or your team has done something cool, innovative, exciting, or just downright effective, let me know. Pictures of team members and activities are highly encouraged. The deadline to be included is Wednesday, May 6, so do not delay. Please email highlights and images to Aaron Burnett.

Order Your Regalia For Commencement

If you intend to participate in commencement and need to order regalia, the final day to do so is Saturday, May 2. 

Provide Open Access (free access) to You Works in ScholarWorks@UMBC

Providing open access (free access) to your publications makes them available to more people and increases citations. You can provide open access to your works in ScholarWorks@UMBC without paying article processing charges.

The Albin O. Kuhn Library will add works to ScholarWorks@UMBC for you. Simply send a link to your Google Scholar page or your publications website, your CV, or a list of your works to Claire Johnson. The library staff can also add unpublished works such as presentation slides if you send them.

If you've previously sent a list of publications, or a link to a list of publications, you don't need to do anything. Each year, the library staff automatically adds your new works, contacting you if anything is needed. 

____________________________________

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Learn about Study, Internships, and Funding Opportunities in Germany

Monday, April 27,  12 – 1 p.m.

Fine Arts Building, Room 459

The German Program at UMBC is hosting an informational event on April 27 to learn about 

studying, internships, and funding opportunities in Germany. Presenters include: 

• Amelia Wallace: Information Officer, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

• Danielle Bolden, J.D.: UMBC Center for Global Engagement; Fulbright Fellow, Germany 2010

• S. Maila Raphael, DAAD RISE Intern ‘22, UMBC ‘21 B.S. Chem. Eng., B.A. German

This is a follow-up to the fall event focused on research, collaboration, and funding opportunities in Germany with representatives from the German Academic Exchange Service, the American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the German Research Foundation.

Generative AI in Teaching I: Basic Critical Literacy and Foundations

Part I of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series

Monday, April 27, 12 - 1 p.m., Virtual 

This session introduces the basics of generative AI and its implications for teaching and learning. It focuses on AI literacy by examining what these tools are, what they can and cannot do, basic prompting, ethical & responsible use, and how they may impact classroom practice. Faculty will see short demos of ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity. 

Part I of an Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series. The FDC is co-sponsoring a series of three workshops facilitated by John Schumacher, Professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Public Health and a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow for 2025-26. Whether you have already begun exploring AI for your teaching and for student learning, are an AI-skeptic, or are somewhere in between, joining Dr. Schumacher and your UMBC colleagues for these hands-on workshops will help you to deepen your understanding of how AI works, some of the ethical concerns of AI-usage, and when and how to use which Gen AI tools. This workshop is a repeat of one that was initially offered twice in Fall 2025.

Generative AI in Teaching II: Applied Skills and Use Cases

Part II of Introduction to Generative AI in Teaching Series

Monday, May 4, 12 - 1 p.m., Virtual 

Using Generative AI to Support Your Course Design: A Faculty Workshop

Use AI iteratively to align course objectives & activities.

Monday, June 1, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Virtual

Learn more and register for Generative AI in Teaching sessions.

Dialogue Sessions to Help Shape UMBC’s Inclusive Excellence Framework

Tuesday, April 28

The Division of Institutional Equity team has developed a draft framework for inclusive excellence, building on ideas shared by our campus community through the series UMBC Talks in 2024 and 2025. The framework is intended to articulate our shared commitments, communicate our values, guide action, inspire collaboration, and support the development and implementation of UMBC’s next strategic plan.

The campus community is invited to participate in dialogue sessions to help continue to shape the framework. The conversations are an opportunity to share your experiences, reflect on your values, and provide feedback to strengthen this work.

The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28. 

Learn more about the upcoming Dialogue Sessions.

Retirement Celebration for Connie Pierson

RSVP by April 30

After 27 years of service, Connie Pierson, associate vice provost for Institutional Research, Analysis and Decision Support, is retiring from UMBC. She is a beloved alumna, colleague, and friend. Join us in celebrating Connie on May 7, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Fat Tuesdays in the Commons. 

Please RSVP for Connie Pierson's retirement celebration by Thursday, April 30. 

Global Asias Symposium and Celebration

Monday, May 4

This daylong event will showcase and celebrate the work of the Global Asias Initiative, a three-year initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation that has created a forum for engaging in conversations in the fields of Asian American Studies, Asian diaspora studies, and Asian Studies. The initiative has created connections across disciplines, departments, institutions, organizations, and communities here on campus and beyond. With our grant from Mellon Foundation coming to a close this year, we are showcasing the many achievements of the initiative.

• 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Welcome & Belonging and Community Luncheon: Conversations on Asian experiences at UMBC
• 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Keynote Address with Dr. Anna Guevarra
• 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Global Asias in Dialogue
• 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Global Asias Student Showcase & Reception
• Learn more about the Global Asias Symposium and Celebration.

Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

University Center Ballroom

3-5 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Reception

Please join us in celebrating this year’s Presidential Faculty and Staff awardees, University System of Maryland awardees, and additional distinguished university honorees. 

Learn more and register for the Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony. 

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Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

The Council of University System Staff (CUSS) brings your most pressing concerns directly to university presidents, the Chancellor, and the Board of Regents. From budgets, to emerging policy, to staff advocacy, CUSS is an important voice in the shared governance process.

Get up-to-date on all things CUSS in the Spring 2026 Newsletter!

The University System of Maryland is conducting a survey to understand current attitudes toward and opinions of public higher education in Maryland and how it is perceived to impact the state. Because you are a student at a USM institution, we would value your participation. Please consider taking a few minutes to share your opinions by taking the survey.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey is being conducted by our marketing partner, BVK, on our behalf. Your responses will remain anonymous and will be automatically submitted to BVK and analyzed only in aggregate with others.

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and, as a thank you for participating, you will be given the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of fifty $25 Amazon.com gift cards.

Review full drawing rules.

Thank you for your consideration.

TAKE THE SURVEY 

If you have questions about the survey, please send them to USMStudentSurvey@BVK.com

Thanks again!

I have a small assortment of chess materials from a previous office occupant that are free to anyone interested!

The lot includes:

• ALREADY CLAIMED --> one minature travel chess set with pieces
• ALREADY CLAIMED --> two timers
• ALREADY CLAIMED --> two pouches of chess pieces
• ALREADY CLAIMED --> one vinyl chess board

If you are interested, please reach out to Lesa Goodhue at lgoodhue@umbc.edu. I'll let you know where on-campus you can pick them up and update this post to reflect they've been claimed!

Private room available in a 2BHK townhouse for a male at Westland Gardens for a 3-month move-in, available from May to August. 

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

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