Sara M. Cole, Ph.D. '13 language literacy and culture, is an author and lecturer of digital theory, cultural anthropology, film/media/ communication studies, and discourse. Her past publications address linguistic expressions of digital identity, gender representation, connections between work and play, and the role of horror and consumption in modern media. Dr. Cole's recent research focuses on the ways that video game and other digital play narratives influence personal identity and psychological development, specifically feelings of digital longing, gaming nostalgia, and intergenerational play. She explores ways in which players value ideologies developed through play and linguistically express learned conceptions of morality, ethics, interpersonal relationships, and senses of self.

Since 2007, Dr. Cole has taught courses in film and video game history, cultural linguistics/semiotics, folklore, and anthropology, working with traditional, returning, and online students of various ages, disciplines, and academic and cultural backgrounds at Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, University of Baltimore, and local community colleges. She stresses the importance of valuing social spaces that foster deep learning via online and digital interactions, and urges students and colleagues to broaden their expectations of these formats in higher education.

Her book, Identity and Play in Interactive Digital Media: Ergodic Ontogeny (Routledge, 2017), focused on sociolinguistic analyses of expressions of identity as influenced by interactive entertainment media experiences. This work developed the concept of ergodic ontogeny to encompass the multi-faceted influence of agentive new media play as it changes individual understandings and outward expressions of morality, gender, and other identity markers as well as broader cultural trends. Dr. Cole is returning to UMBC having received her PhD from the Language, Literacy, and Culture program in 2013. She received a masters degree from Johns Hopkins University and bachelors degree from Goucher College, majoring in both philosophy/religion and media/communications.

 We enthusiastically welcome Dr. Cole to the LLC Doctoral Program!

Asian Studies is thrilled to welcome all of our new and returning students to campus for Fall 2023! Whether you're just starting here at UMBC or are approaching the completion of your studies, we're excited to see you and look forward to learning alongside you this semester. 

Look for this newsletter from us every week, with information about events, special programs, and other news that might be of interest for Asian Studies students. 

Welcome Week Sushi Lunch

Join us tomorrow for one of our favorite recent traditions, the Welcome Week Sushi Lunch! We'll be in the Fine Arts Amphitheatre (access through the Fine Arts Recital Hall Lobby) with sushi, snacks, and Asian Studies giveaways. Stop by to say hello to faculty and friends and catch up after the summer break!

InterACT Dialogues Program 2023

The Interact Dialogues Program is a 4-week experience designed for students to learn and practice skills to become inclusive leaders and engaged community members. Interact is a space where students can develop leadership skills and cultivate a deep sense of belonging to the UMBC campus and community. During the program, students will meet in small, peer-facilitated groups for about 90 minutes each week based on their schedules. 

Click here for more information about the program; if you're interested in joining the program, you can click here to complete the interest form. 

Library Resources & Workshops

UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library is a valuable resource for all of your research needs, with seven floors of material for you to browse and utilize. Aside from the collections, did you know that the library also offers workshops, equipment [laptops, etc] rentals, and study space? Find out more about everything it has to offer on the Library Website! 

Of particular note are the Writing Wednesday Workshops, which take place once a month throughout the semester: 

Research 101
Wednesday, 9/6 @ 4-5pm Link

Stepping up your research game: Searching strategically
Wednesday, 10/4 @ 4-5pm Link

How to Cite sources for your research and writing
Wednesday, 11/1 @ 4-5pm Link

Finding your flow: Navigating final papers
Wednesday, 12/6 @ 4-5pm Link 

ASCOM Seeking New Leadership

Have you been looking for a way to get involved on campus and with Asian Studies? ASCOM - the Asian Studies Council of Majors - is looking for student leaders! In the past, ASCOM has held meetings and events periodically throughout the academic year for fellow students, ranging from craft-making to movie nights and everything in between. 

If this sounds like something you'd like to be part of, let us know! 

Earlier this year, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced an Outreach and Engagement Initiative for Aspiring PIs with a goal to increase the number of cybersecurity education and workforce development-related proposals submitted to EDU programs by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), and investigators who are underrepresented in accordance with NSF's priority goals. The activities include webinars, 1-1 and small group mentoring sessions, and engaging non-profit organizations that support black communities in cybersecurity awareness and privacy issues.

 

In continuation of this effort, NSF is organizing a virtual Aspiring PI Engagement Session on Sept 7^th from 9:30 to 12 PM.

 

Registration is required for interested participants: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EngagePI

 

The agenda:

 

Time	Session
9:30 AM	Welcome (NSF)
9:40 AM	Introduction (Participants)
9:55 AM	Overview of NSF Programs of Interest (NSF)
10:15 AM	Break
10:30 AM	Panel Discussion of PIs with Active SFS and SaTC-Edu awards (Moderated by NSF)
11:30 AM	Breakout Rooms for Networking
12:00 PM	Path Forward and Conclusion (NSF)
12:30 PM	Adjourn