Emily Ferketic

Degrees: B.S., Physics
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Post-grad plans: Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from UMBC

As a scholar athlete, Emily Ferketic has excelled in both the research lab and on the volleyball court. Ferketic is a physics major who participated in the quantum thermodynamics research group with Sebastian Deffner, associate professor of physics.

A key mentor, Deffner helped guide Ferketic through the process of writing and submitting the article “Boosting thermodynamic performance by bending space-time,” which examines how to unlock the mysteries of black holes. It was published this January in the journal Europhysics Letters. She plans to continue working with Deffner for her Ph.D., focusing on quantum thermodynamics and shortcuts to adiabaticity.

While completing this intensive academic work, Ferketic also shined as a student athlete on UMBC’s Division 1 women’s volleyball team for four years. In 2021, she was named the America East Elite 18 Award winner, which recognizes the top performing student-athlete in the America East championships, and she later became captain of her team. She credits volleyball for teaching her valuable communication skills and discipline, and she has also developed connections with international teammates from around the world.

Given Ferketic’s extraordinary accomplishments, she was asked to co-host the spring 2023 inauguration dinner for UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby.

Has there been a mentor or fellow student who influenced your time at UMBC?

“Sebastian Deffner has been my mentor for about a year and a half (since the beginning of my junior year). I was taking his PHYS 303 class called Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics and I ended up doing well and really liking it. Given that, he invited me to audit some of his research group’s weekly meetings and, shortly after, I joined. We began working on my first research project and had my first professional paper published a little over a year later. He saw potential in me that I didn’t see myself, and I certainly wouldn’t have the success I do today if it weren’t for him. Now I am staying at UMBC for my Ph.D. as his research assistant.”

What has been the best part of your UMBC experience?

“My best UMBC experience was hosting President Sheares Ashby’s inauguration dinner. President Sheares Ashby personally asked Chris Slaughter ’23, M31 computer engineering, and me to host a dinner the night prior to her inauguration. I was exceptionally honored she asked me to represent the student body. In addition to the extraordinary experience, it also connected me to people I never thought I would have the privilege to meet.”

The spring 2023 Student Course Evaluation (SCE) process is in progress. The SCEs will be available online through Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at midnight.

Student Course Evaluations are valuable for understanding and evaluating student and faculty experiences. All responses are anonymous and are not released until after spring semester final grades are submitted.

The survey application is accessible by email link, a Blackboard building block link, and a "Student Course Evaluations" link that is available on myUMBC. Students can use their myUMBC credentials to log in to their profiles and complete surveys for the courses in which they are enrolled.

Faculty are encouraged to promote the SCE survey and to remind students that the survey can be completed anytime through midnight on May 16, 2023.

Office of the Provost

Brandon Gouin

Degree: B.A., Music Performance
Hometown: Laurel, MD
Post-grad plans: Teaching and performing in Baltimore and D.C.

Brandon Gouin arrived at UMBC with a love for percussion music, but unsure of his future direction as an artist. He was also not very engaged in the contemporary music world, but his experience with musicians such as Tom Goldstein, associate professor of music,and Patrick Crossland, affiliate artist, completely changed that.

Gouin played in several ensembles at UMBC, including the percussion ensemble, new music ensemble, and improvisation ensemble. He credits the improvisation ensemble, directed by Crossland, with shaping his artistry and musical growth. In the class, which he took five times, he fine-tuned his musical ear and experimented with music as a vehicle for ever-shifting self-expression.

Crossland says Gouin developed and nurtured a passion for adventurous and experimental music during his time in the ensemble. “His enthusiasm is palpable and infectious, inspiring others to take the plunge along with him,” Crossland says. “He has been working with young school groups, introducing students to new ways of making and thinking about music. He is truly an ambassador for contemporary music.”

Is there a particular academic achievement you’re most proud of?

“Performing Vinko Globokar’s 1985 work “Corporel” at my senior recital is a highlight of my UMBC experience. This piece is a solo for the human body. The performer is shirtless and seated on the stage. They beat, scratch, smack, and tap various parts of their own body. This work is a discovery of self and musical potential that resonates deeply within me.”

Has there been a mentor who influenced your time at UMBC?

“Dr. Patrick Crossland, who directed the improvisation ensemble and the new music ensemble, has influenced my experience. He thinks about music in incredibly detailed and focused ways. His knowledge and technical ability of the trombone and contemporary music are unmatched. I am grateful to have learned from him.”

Hello SABAS Members!

It's officially finals season! Come relax and study with us and other UMBC psych organizations like Psi Chi, PCOM, and NAMI! There will be drinks and snacks as well so bring your friends!

Our event is today, May 9th from 5 pm - 7 pm in Sondheim 414. 

We look forward to seeing you all!