Nelanne Bolima,‘24 chemical engineering - biotechnology & bioengineering track

When did you start your Research?

Fall 2021

Where was your Research Experience?

Marten Lab

What is the focus of your Research?

My research focuses on understanding the physical and mechanical properties of mycelial materials, made with the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Our goal is to eventually make mycelial materials that are able to mimic the properties of traditional materials (e.g., plastic) but have greater sustainability.. 

What was the best part of your Research Experience / What was the biggest learning moment of your Research?

The best part about my research experience in the intrinsic mentorship that comes with being in a research lab. My graduate student mentor and PI provide such a warm and supportive environment. 

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research or an internship?

Just try it! Research seems very intimidating as there is no clear solution for the problem you want to solve. But even performing research for one semester will give you invaluable skills such as communication, presenting, and even critical thinking. 

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

UMBC National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) President, CBEE 225L Teaching Fellow, AiChE, Meyerhoff/U-RISE

What are your goals after graduation?

I hope to pursue an MD-PhD in predictive medicine. Long-term I plan to entire academia and ideally become a professor teaching future scientists. 

Learn more about Nelanne Bolima: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelannebolima/

iHARP is recruiting the executive director to provide critical leadership in the center's operations working alongside the iHARP team, a person who is dedicated to the center’s growth as well as building a sustainable center for years to come. The ideal candidate will be active in building community relationships and related programming, involved in strategic planning for the center's growth, and work with researchers to identify new grant and funding opportunities. 

For more information about the position and how to apply,  please visit: https://listings.umbc.edu/cw/en-us/job/494168/executive-director-for-iharp

The Office of Health Promotion's (OHP) summer hours will be Tuesday – Thursday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, until August 14, 2023. During this time, staff will be available in-person Tuesday-Thursday. On Mondays and Fridays, staff will be available virtually. 

All Mind Spa locations will be closed during the summer. Mind Spa locations will reopen on the first day of classes, August 30, 2023. 

Catherine Wraback, '23 chemical engineering, traditional track and AIChE co-president 

Meet Catherine Wraback, a senior in the chemical engineering traditional track, President of the AIChE student organization, and a CWIT (Center for Women in Technology) Scholar. Catherine was also the President of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) ChemE Jeopardy team which won first place at the 2022 national competition. She will be heading to GE Aerospace to become a part of the Edison Engineering Development Program. Take it away, Catherine! 

Catherine Wraback, chemical engineering '23, poses in the GE Aerospace office after accepting the Edison Engineering Development Program offer. Image courtesy of Wraback.

Q: Why did you choose UMBC?

The Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering (CBEE) department at UMBC has a strong sense of community, which I experienced firsthand during a campus tour. I was impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the department, and it was clear that the faculty and students form a close-knit group. One of the main reasons why I was attracted to UMBC is the family-like environment within the CBEE department, where professors and staff not only care about the academic success of their students, but also their personal well-being. This dynamic ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

Q: Tell us about someone in the department who has inspired you or supported you & how did they do it?

Dr. Raikar and Dr. Castellanos are remarkable professors at UMBC, who go above and beyond to support their students. Dr. Raikar is known for her open-door policy, which makes her approachable to all students, and she is always willing to lend an ear and provide guidance on any topic. Her classes are not only inspiring, but also challenging and intellectually stimulating, which keeps students engaged and motivated.

Dr. Castellanos is an advocate for the needs of her students and encourages them to approach problem-solving from a holistic perspective, considering the broader impact on society. Her passion for thermodynamics is contagious and inspires her students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 

Both Dr. Raikar and Dr. Castellanos are instrumental in running the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChe) at UMBC. Their guidance and support ensure that the student organization runs smoothly and provides a valuable platform for students to develop their leadership skills, network with peers and professionals, and participate in various academic and social events.

Q: What do you love about your academic program?

The chemical engineering bachelor's program at UMBC offers a variety of tracks, which allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. One of the most beneficial aspects of the program is the ability to choose elective courses, which provides students with the flexibility to customize their curriculum and explore various topics in depth. I particularly appreciated the ample opportunities to take labs, which provided me with hands-on experience and helped me develop my practical skills. Additionally, the program encourages students to design their own projects, which fosters creativity and innovation, and provides a platform to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Q: What clubs and orgs are you a part of and why? How was that experience?

I have had the privilege of serving as the President of the AIChE chapter at UMBC, as well as being a part of the Jeopardy Team, which has won at both the regional and national level. I am on the women's ultimate frisbee team at UMBC and attend practice twice a week. Being involved in these extracurricular activities has taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. Through these experiences, I have learned to approach disagreements with empathy and respect for diverse perspectives, while also managing multiple responsibilities and growing as a leader.

Moreover, being part of these teams has given me the opportunity to have fun and connect with my peers outside of the classroom. I have formed close personal connections with my teammates and learned a lot from their unique perspectives and experiences. These extracurricular activities have also taught me the importance of compassion and understanding towards others, and the value of taking time to enjoy the company of friends.

Q: What would you tell others who are in your shoes at UMBC?

I strongly encourage everyone to get involved in extracurricular activities and events on campus. Don't hesitate to attend office hours, ask questions, and engage with your professors, as they are a valuable resource and can provide guidance and support beyond the classroom. Additionally, attending student organization meetings and other events is an excellent way to meet new people, build connections, and broaden your horizons. Getting involved in extracurricular activities can help you build a well-rounded skill set that will serve you in your future endeavors.

2022 AIChE ChemE Jeopardy National Championship team and their advisor (l-r): Max Bobbin, Catherine Wraback, Dr. Neha Raikar, Colin Jones, and Pavan Umashankar. Image courtesy of Wraback

The Office of Research and Creative Achievement (ORCA) is once again offering to cover the costs of a UMBC research administrator to attend the 65^th Annual NCURA National Meeting in Washington D.C. from August 6^th - 9^th, 2023.  These covered costs will include a one (1) year membership to NCURA as well!

Please click on the following link for full details about the National conference:https://www.ncura.edu/annualmeeting/Home.aspx

But that's not all folks!  ORCA is also going to cover the costs for a fellow Retriever to attend the NCURA Regional Meeting, and the virtual Departmental Research Administration DRA Workshop!  The NCURA Region II Meeting is convening from November 12^th - 15^th, 2023 in Annapolis, Maryland.  The DRA virtual Workshop is being held from June 26^th - 29^th, 2023.

Please click on the following link for the most up-to-date details about the Region II conference: https://www.ncuraregion2.org/regional-meeting

Please click on the following link for the most up-t0-date details about the Virtual DRA Workshop: https://www.ncura.edu/travelingworkshops/DRA.aspx

See below for instructions and directions to qualify for this exciting opportunity!

To Qualify:

With the exception of ESRA and OCAM staff members, ORCA staff are not eligible to be included in this contest.  

 The individual must be relatively new -- a novice -- to the Research Administration field and should not have attended an NCURA National Meeting, Regional Meeting or DRA Workshop in the past. 

 Please submit a short (half page at most) justification of why you want to attend and should be chosen to attend one of these conferences. Please include your conference of choice in this justification.

 The winning entrant must also agree to summarize what they learned and/or summarize a session they attended at these meetings at a future Expanded Research Administrators Group meeting (Expanded RAG).

 Please submit this short narrative to Associate Vice President of Research (AVPR) Dean Drake (ddrake@umbc.edu) by Friday June 9^th.

 Congratulations again to our 2022 winner, Emma Wheatley from CAHSS. 

Registration:

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)is once again coordinating Early Bird and Bulk Registration payments for the  NCURA National Meeting in August.    

Bulk registration discounts offered in increments of 5 and 10 attendees. 

Early Bird registration ends on June 26, 2023.

There were thirteen (13) UMBC Research Administrators who attended NCURA's National Meeting in 2022. If we obtain similar numbers/attendees this year, significant savings are available through bulk registration (well over $1,100.00)!

If you are interested in attending, please contact OSP Director Michael Walsh (mwalsh3@umbc.edu) by COB Tuesday June 20^th.

Links to Meetings/Conferences:

NCURA 65^th National Annual Meeting August 6-9, 2023-- In Washington DC.

NCURA Region II Meeting Nov 12-15, 2023-- In Annapolis MD.

DRA Workshop:  June 26-29, 2023 -- Virtual