DoIT's Manager of Online Learning, Dr. Susan Biro, has been selected to serve on the Quality Matters Academic Advisory Council (QMAAC) for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2024. The Council provides guidance to and oversight of the programmatic directions and initiatives of Quality Matters.

QMAAC members represent an institution or organization's interests and viewpoint to QM; provide guidance on QM to ensure QM's long-term sustainability and success; help to review new initiatives and act in an advisory role for new projects; and disseminate QM-related information, materials, and opportunities to others. 

Biro came to UMBC in May 2019 as Coordinator, Online Learning with more than 20 years of experience in distance education, including accreditation, program management, faculty support, and online student support and retention. 

"I was introduced to Quality Matters early in my higher education career," said Biro. "QM has been an integral part of how we do the important work of supporting faculty in designing effective online and hybrid learning environments. It's an honor to have been selected and I look forward to working with my QM colleagues on initiatives and projects."

Biro currently serves as one of UMBC's QM Coordinators. She is also QM-certified as a Course Review Manager, a Peer Reviewer, and Independent Online APPQMR Facilitator.

About the QM Academic Advisory Council

Created in 2004 during the grant phase of Quality Matters, the Council has evolved in purpose and composition. The QMAAC's 15 members include representatives of QM subscriber schools, QM senior staff, and online and blended learning leaders who provide a national perspective. 

The Council is chaired by Dr. Morris Thomas, Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning and Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment at Howard University. 

Biro is one of five new members selected to serve on QMAAC. The others are Julian King, M.Ed., Instructional Designer & Quality Matters Coordinator, Center for the Advancement of Learning, University of the District of Columbia; Katherine McAlvage, Ph.D., Associate Director, Faculty Development and Support, Oregon State University; Antoinette R. Miller, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chair, Psychology, Clayton State University; and, Alicia Reed, Director of eLearning and Instructional Innovation Center, Laredo College.

About Quality Matters at UMBC

A total of 18 faculty have earned Quality Matters certification of their online or hybrid courses following rigorous peer reviews as part of the Quality Matters Impact (QMI) program. To date, more than half of the QM-certified courses in the University System of Maryland are from UMBC.

For more information about Quality Matters at UMBC, including course reviews, please contact Dr. Susan Biro (sbiro@umbc.edu).

Timmie Topoleski, professor of mechanical engineering at UMBC, has received the 2024 Society for Biomaterials Award for Service, which honors individuals who have devoted significant time and energy to advancing the goals of the professional society.

The Society for Biomaterials brings together professionals from academia, government, and business to promote advancements in biomaterials science, education, and professional standards to enhance human health and quality of life.

“I do not know anyone for whom “Service” is written in their DNA as it is for Tim,” said Paul Ducheyne, a professor of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania who nominated Topoleski for the award and is quoted in a society press release. 

Topoleski has served on and chaired many Society for Biomaterials committees and has taken on leadership positions for many years. His own research has focused on understanding the behavior of a range of biomaterials, from the harmful plaques that can build up in people’s arteries, to the metal, ceramic, and cement used in joint replacements. The work may lead to better ways to diagnose and treat diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.  

“I enjoy working to make the Society for Biomaterials a society that serves the needs of our members and provides a forum for the exchange of the latest developments in our biomaterials research,” Topoleski says. “It is an honor and very humbling to be in the company of those who previously received the award.”