Cyber Movie Night TONIGHT | COMMONS 331 | 7:15 PM Movie: The Imitation Game

With the halfway point of the semester being passed, the CyberDawgs wanted to offer everyone a meeting where they could relax, enjoy a movie, and get some free food and drinks!

Tonight is a Cyber Movie Night! We will be showing The Imitation Game. The movie will be in COMMONS 331, DO NOT GO TO ILSB 118.

Doors Open at 6:45PM and the movie starts promptly at 7:15 PM, so make sure you arrive early to grab a seat and food. No Webex tonight, for legal reasons.

Free Food and Drinks?
Yes, there will be pizza, drinks (soda/water), popcorn, and candy!

The Imitation Game (2014)
Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

As a reminder, this week's submissions for the CyberPaws CTF challenge will close at the start of tonight's meeting. Remember to submit your flag! Also, if you would like a hint, you can DM a board member to receive one.

Again, don’t hesitate to contact me (wbrooks1@umbc.ed) if you have any questions. And as always, Don’t Do Crime.

Kind Regards,
William Brooks
CyberDawgs President

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Please see the below campus announcement! 

Dear UMBC Community, 

Last week, I was thrilled to share that UMBC is kicking off a strategic planning process this semester. This is an exciting opportunity for us to envision UMBC’s future together and determine how we can be a catalyst for progress in higher education. Your input is essential to this work; we  will include the broad UMBC community in a variety of ways throughout this year-long process. 

Foundational to envisioning the future of any organization is understanding our shared values—the fundamental beliefs or principles that guide our core work, actions, and goals. To that end, we would like to invite all students, faculty, and staff to take this short, anonymous survey so that we may assess the values important to our community. Please complete the survey by November 17. 

If you have questions, please contact Shannon Tinney Lichtinger, strategic planning project manager and director of institutional research in the Office of Institutional Research, Analysis, and Decision Support.

In the coming weeks, you will receive additional information about the strategic planning website and timeline, including opportunities for the campus community to be involved in shaping UMBC’s next strategic plan. 

Until then, thank you for your continued commitment and investment of time and energy into ensuring that UMBC is ready for its bright future ahead. 

Sincerely, 

Manfred H. M. van Dulmen 
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs 


]]> Please see the below campus announcement!  Dear UMBC Community,  Last week, I was thrilled to share that UMBC is kicking off a strategic planning process this semester. This is an exciting... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/announcements/posts/145449 https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145525/guest@my.umbc.edu/3b575fb8ffb6d036dd7fe4f277ff5b55/api/pixel Exempt Staff Senate https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/ess https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/xsmall.png?1718385156 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/original.png?1718385156 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/xxlarge.png?1718385156 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/xlarge.png?1718385156 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/large.png?1718385156 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/medium.png?1718385156 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/small.png?1718385156 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/xsmall.png?1718385156 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/133/54882d064e3d41653605a1b3fbb3bdb4/xxsmall.png?1718385156 Re-Post from UMBC Campus Announcements 0 0 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:25:08 -0500 UMBC and MSDE launch admissions pathway for high school students aspiring to become teachers A student-teacher leads an elementary classroom in circle-time

Thanks to award-winning education faculty and UMBC’s research-based teacher preparation programs, hundreds of Retriever alumni lead pre-k through 12-grade classrooms across the state, meeting the need for highly qualified teachers. Maryland’s high school students now have a unique opportunity to join their ranks by beginning their teacher training early in preparation for applying to UMBC’s teaching programs. This fall, UMBC joined an existing network of higher education institutions across Maryland that partner with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) to offer Maryland-high-school students interested in teaching a direct admissions pathway to UMBC’s undergraduate teacher education programs.

An elementary school student reviews a math chart with the teacher who is sitting at a table with other students MSDE Sherman Teacher Scholars Program alumna, Vanessa Gonzalez ’19, American studies, during her first year teaching at Lakeland Elementary/Middle School in 2019. (Marlayna Demond ’11/UMBC)

UMBC awarded its first TAM scholarship and academic credit this fall to three first-year students, Layla Bugarini, Alna Thekkiniath, and Sofia Driver.“Once the word gets out that UMBC is a TAM-participating institution offering not only great benefits for TAM students but also a high quality and unique teacher education program, we anticipate many more aspiring educators will see UMBC as a destination institution for teacher education,” says Vickie Williams, director of student services and certification officer for UMBC’s Department of Education and a member of the organizing committee

TAM’s mission is to grow and diversify the teaching field by igniting high school students’ passion for teaching. The program provides them with foundational knowledge and skills essential for success as educators, learners, and leaders. Through a partnership with a higher education institution, participants gain valuable experience in a university setting which helps them prepare for their transition to education majors.

Two elementary school teachers stand next to each other inside a classroom MSDE(l-r): Sherman Teacher Scholars Program alumni, Olivia Grimes ’19, individualized study, and Lydia Coley ’20, American studies, in 2020 during Grimes’s first year of teaching and Coley’s first semester as a student-teacher at Maree G. Farring Elementary/Middle School. (Marlayna Demond ’11/UMBC)

Participating high schoolers develop a portfolio that includes three high school courses: Human Growth and Development through Adolescence, Teaching as a Profession, and Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction. Students are also required to complete an internship in a classroom setting under the supervision of a TAM mentor. After fulfilling all the TAM requirements, students submit their portfolio for review and feedback to the university they plan to attend. Each university offers students different benefits.

UMBC is providing students who successfully complete the TAM program, with several incentives:

“Our undergraduate students enter classrooms equipped with pedagogical knowledge, field experience, and expertise from their academic major. This prepares them for their teacher certification exams in their chosen grade level and subject area,” says Williams. “Collaborating with TAM provides high school students with exposure to rigorous education research and practice, along with guidance, financial support, and mentorship.” 

“My journey with TAM began back in my freshman year at Eastern Technical High School [Baltimore County], where I had the opportunity to intern in a third-grade classroom at Rossville Elementary in Baltimore County Public Schools,” says Bugarini. She notes that the experience led her to enroll in UMBC’s education program and major in psychology. “TAM didn’t just introduce me to teaching in a classroom, it also gave me a glimpse of what education courses at college would be like. This head start has been invaluable as I pursue my education certification and the required classes to complete it.”

To learn more about UMBC’s teacher preparation programs, contact Vickie Williams, director of student services and certification officer.

]]> Thanks to award-winning education faculty and UMBC’s research-based teacher preparation programs, hundreds of Retriever alumni lead pre-k through 12-grade classrooms across the state, meeting the... https://umbc.edu/stories/umbc-msde-launched-pathway-for-aspiring-teachers/ https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145533/guest@my.umbc.edu/5972d9f2def66dbf0d41a81aabf214bb/api/pixel american-studies cahss community education inds news sherman-scholars story UMBC News & Magazine https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbc-news-magazine https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xsmall.png?1748556657 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/original.png?1748556657 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xxlarge.png?1748556657 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xlarge.png?1748556657 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/large.png?1748556657 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/medium.png?1748556657 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/small.png?1748556657 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xsmall.png?1748556657 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/943/24435aa6207c452e7bc15cc74b42c7bb/xxsmall.png?1748556657 UMBC News & Magazine 0 0 false Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:50:17 -0500 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:50:17 -0500 Invitation for Latinx Students to attend UMBC Talks
Folks,

Welcome home to our campus community! We hope your semester is progressing well. 

We are writing to invite you to join us in a new initiative called UMBC Talks, which aims to enhance the sense of community, vibrancy, and well-being at UMBC. Over the summer, we worked with the UMBC Talks core team to prepare to guide group conversations about our experiences of inclusion and exclusion at UMBC. The hope is that by talking about our experiences, campus community members can reaffirm and deepen our collective commitment to UMBC’s core value of inclusive excellence. 

We would love you to participate in a series of two conversations we will co-facilitate. The conversations will take place on November 20 from 2:0 PM to 03:30 PM location to be determined (In-person), and on November 25 from 2 PM to 3 PM in location to be communicated later (In-person). All that will be expected of you is bringing your own stories and perspectives (as well as a pen or pencil and a notebook or paper) and engaging in what we hope will be an enjoyable and informative conversation. The learning we do together will likely inform the strategic planning process UMBC will launch later this year.

Please let us know if you can participate by signing on the Google form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YmsOuuCElX58Z3wYUKFs1ZjBAu21fSLbul6Ico2954U Because the second conversation will build on the first; it is important that you be able to participate in the entirety of each of the two conversations.


Please note that we have a limited slot for about ten students; we would appreciate it if you only sign up when you are sure to attend.


Reach out to the undersigned if you have any questions.


Chinonso Ezeobi | ug86132@umbc.edu

Jake Weissmann | yweissm1@umbc.edu

]]> Folks, Welcome home to our campus community! We hope your semester is progressing well.  We are writing to invite you to join us in a new initiative called UMBC Talks, which aims to enhance... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145526/guest@my.umbc.edu/0d40cd0a97646a961ebe15fd97bfb431/api/pixel Latinx and Hispanic Graduate Student Association https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/latinxhispanicgsa https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/xsmall.png?1728860362 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/original.png?1728860362 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/xxlarge.png?1728860362 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/xlarge.png?1728860362 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/large.png?1728860362 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/medium.png?1728860362 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/small.png?1728860362 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/xsmall.png?1728860362 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/002/030/262ab2fcd459d0f9190997df93c91845/xxsmall.png?1728860362 Latinx and Hispanic Graduate Student Association 0 0 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:35:08 -0500 Jennifer Artis and Dr. Samantha Smith Selected to 2024 Ujima Institute Cohort

Jennifer Artis, senior director of student belonging, and Dr. Samantha Smith, director, Office of Health Promotion (OHP), were selected for the 2024 Ujima Institute Cohort, held in October. The institute, part of NASPA, offers an intensive, challenging, and collegial learning environment for student affairs professionals as they develop culturally relevant leadership skills that leverage their unique ethnic heritages and histories and prepare to lead increasingly diverse institutions.

Ujima is the third principle of Kwanzaa and embodies an active commitment to the collective and to shared liberation. Inherent to the principle of Ujima is sharing in one another's achievements and hardships. Ujima, as a practice, assumes that the reconstruction of the history and humanity of the African diaspora is a fundamental part of the struggle for human liberation. The principle of Ujima serves as the foundation for this institute, which has been envisioned and developed by senior level leaders committed to investing in building successive generations of student affairs leaders with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to build vibrant, diverse, global, and socially just higher education environments. 

“I am thrilled that both Jennifer and Samantha were selected for the Ujima Institute,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Renique Kersh. “The principles of Ujima are exactly the principles that I hope all leaders across the division will embody in our work and as we engage with partners across the University. I look forward to seeing how the lessons learned through this experience show up both in Jennifer and Samantha’s work and throughout the division.”

Dr. Smith shared, “The Ujima Institute was a well-timed pause from the hussle of the campus to re-discover and begin to uncover the leader that I am destined to be. This transformative experience allowed me to better understand the nuances of student affairs practice and cultivate strategies to better infuse health and wellbeing into those strategies. I believe this experience will allow me to better co-create with students and provide robust support for each team member within OHP and the greater UMBC community.”

Cohort members chart a plan for professional growth that addresses key competencies, career discernment, and personal values; experience safe space to share and strategize about navigating institutional challenges and politics with integrity and cultural alignment; and develop mentoring relationships with senior student affairs leaders invested in their success.

Artis explains, “The Ujima Institute came at exactly the right moment! Unlike many conferences where I focus solely on gathering resources for the communities I serve, this experience allowed me to invest in myself and refill my own cup, which was running low. Though I wasn’t sure what to expect initially, I quickly realized I was exactly where I needed to be. Surrounded by inspiring Black student affairs professionals and leaders, I gained invaluable insights, built lasting connections, and reignited my passion. This transformative experience will shape both my personal and professional journey, and I am deeply grateful to the Ujima Institute for offering such an empowering space for growth and reflection.”


Pictured: Dr. Samantha Smith (left) and Jennifer Artis (right)
 ]]> Jennifer Artis, senior director of student belonging, and Dr. Samantha Smith, director, Office of Health Promotion (OHP), were selected for the 2024 Ujima Institute Cohort, held in October. The... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145519/guest@my.umbc.edu/f23a6e3db83d39ebb7a72c3d1760edc3/api/pixel web-stories Vice President for Student Affairs https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/vpsa https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xsmall.png?1597341080 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/original.png?1597341080 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xxlarge.png?1597341080 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xlarge.png?1597341080 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/large.png?1597341080 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/medium.png?1597341080 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/small.png?1597341080 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xsmall.png?1597341080 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/819/111d10c784b62405e0ce2f721ccc1acc/xxsmall.png?1597341080 Vice President for Student Affairs https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/519/8d5c1534eca00aa569427d762ff56d3f/xxlarge.jpg?1731336609 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/519/8d5c1534eca00aa569427d762ff56d3f/xlarge.jpg?1731336609 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/519/8d5c1534eca00aa569427d762ff56d3f/large.jpg?1731336609 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/519/8d5c1534eca00aa569427d762ff56d3f/medium.jpg?1731336609 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/519/8d5c1534eca00aa569427d762ff56d3f/small.jpg?1731336609 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/519/8d5c1534eca00aa569427d762ff56d3f/xsmall.jpg?1731336609 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/519/8d5c1534eca00aa569427d762ff56d3f/xxsmall.jpg?1731336609 12 0 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:35:19 -0500 Coffee, Chai, Hot Chocolate In Commons 308 Come get your Monday boost with OGSL at the Commons 308.

]]> Come get your Monday boost with OGSL at the Commons 308. https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145522/guest@my.umbc.edu/76ec9b005e8ad56f1726d5d84bc81866/api/pixel UMBC Graduate Student Association https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xsmall.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/original.png?1688588974 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xxlarge.png?1688588974 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xlarge.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/large.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/medium.png?1688588974 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/small.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xsmall.png?1688588974 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/141/6944ed1afb7c0b0557d52a5e61a6d9c9/xxsmall.png?1688588974 UMBC Graduate Student Association 0 0 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:33:02 -0500 CNMS Summer Programs Directors Panel Today from 12-1 PM in UC315!
Reposted from the Career Center:

Calling all undergraduates interested in research! Join us for a panel discussion with four summer research program directors where they will answer questions you have about participating in a summer research program or experience. This event will feature four program directors from the Hopkins USTAR program, The University of Virginia Summer Medical Leadership Program, Duke University Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates, and Uniformed Services University Health Sciences Summer Programs. This is a great opportunity to connect with these program directors and ask them any questions you have about applying and participating in a summer research experience!

You can submit any questions you would like the panel guests to answer via this Google form. 

Click here to RSVP for the event and register
]]> Reposted from the Career Center: Calling all undergraduates interested in research! Join us for a panel discussion with four summer research program directors where they will answer questions... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145521/guest@my.umbc.edu/583c3c8ced45f72052e7e31c0b8e4f56/api/pixel College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Advising https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/cnmsadvising https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/xsmall.png?1654873031 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/original.png?1654873031 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/xxlarge.png?1654873031 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/xlarge.png?1654873031 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/large.png?1654873031 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/medium.png?1654873031 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/small.png?1654873031 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/xsmall.png?1654873031 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/475/61f5727176d8301926b7c19064396eb6/xxsmall.png?1654873031 College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Advising https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/521/69a5762fb7fa0a59a5d908224d8516b1/xxlarge.jpg?1731338791 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/521/69a5762fb7fa0a59a5d908224d8516b1/xlarge.jpg?1731338791 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/521/69a5762fb7fa0a59a5d908224d8516b1/large.jpg?1731338791 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/521/69a5762fb7fa0a59a5d908224d8516b1/medium.jpg?1731338791 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/521/69a5762fb7fa0a59a5d908224d8516b1/small.jpg?1731338791 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/521/69a5762fb7fa0a59a5d908224d8516b1/xsmall.jpg?1731338791 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/521/69a5762fb7fa0a59a5d908224d8516b1/xxsmall.jpg?1731338791 0 0 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:26:55 -0500 Tyler, The Creator takes off his mask in latest album, ‘Chromakopia’ The album begins with the percussive sound of marching footsteps following a short narrated refrain by Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith. Her voice is a frequent… ]]> The album begins with the percussive sound of marching footsteps following a short narrated refrain by Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith. Her voice is a frequent… https://retriever.umbc.edu/2024/11/tyler-the-creator-takes-off-his-mask-in-latest-album-chromakopia/ https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145512/guest@my.umbc.edu/2d43a48e66500fcff590e5ddfe7e08b3/api/pixel arts-and-culture music opinions retriever The Retriever https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/retriever https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xsmall.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/original.jpg?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xxlarge.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xlarge.png?1580494471 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/large.png?1580494471 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/medium.png?1580494471 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/small.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xsmall.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xxsmall.png?1580494471 The Retriever 0 0 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:44:41 -0500 Brat summer’s best new music While still too early to recount the best albums of the entire year, with new releases coming from powerhouse artists like Tyler, the Creator in… ]]> While still too early to recount the best albums of the entire year, with new releases coming from powerhouse artists like Tyler, the Creator in… https://retriever.umbc.edu/2024/11/brat-summers-best-new-music/ https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145513/guest@my.umbc.edu/7f710ab04afda8bce5c9a888a9cbb002/api/pixel arts-and-culture music retriever The Retriever https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/retriever https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xsmall.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/original.jpg?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xxlarge.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xlarge.png?1580494471 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/large.png?1580494471 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/medium.png?1580494471 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/small.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xsmall.png?1580494471 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/961/a4bec01b91ae747ba7a6d93ed7db9687/xxsmall.png?1580494471 The Retriever 0 0 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:39:29 -0500 Researcher of the Week: Asiya Ahmed How plants defend themselves
Asiya Ahmed is a senior Biological Sciences major, MLL Spanish Minor, and Public Health Minor. She is a STEM BUILD @ UMBC BTP Affiliate & UMBC 2024-25 URA Scholar.

Title of your research project:
“Investigating Genetic Interactions between FLK and HOS1 in Plant Defense and Flowering”

Describe your project:
I’m currently investigating how plants defend themselves from pathogens and abiotic stressors, such as cold temperatures and UV radiation, by examining a possible relationship between two genes named HOS1 and FLK. By analyzing this genetic interaction, my research could contribute to developing crops that are better suited to withstand environmental stresses and disease pressures.

Who is your mentor for your project?
My mentor is Dr. Hua Lu, who is in the Biological Sciences department. I first connected with Dr. Lu after taking her BIOL 302 (Molecular Genetics) course in my sophomore Spring semester. Near the end of the semester, I was interested in joining a research lab and started browsing the Biological Sciences Department website. I landed on Dr. Lu’s profile and looked into her work which caught my attention as she focuses on genetics, a field of science I took much interest in. After contacting her, I met with Dr. Lu and her team, and the atmosphere in her lab was amazing. They were all so welcoming and encouraging, and I knew that a supportive lab like this was the type of lab I would best thrive in.

How did you become interested in this project?
Towards the end of BIOL 302, we started learning techniques geneticists use in the lab such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), Gel Electrophoresis, and DNA extractions. I was very interested in this unit, so when I joined Dr. Lu’s lab, it was cool to see these exact techniques being done in real life in front of me. Now, I use these techniques myself to genotype my sample plants, allowing me to detect if they have any mutations in their FLK and/or HOS1 genes which can contribute to the possible genetic interaction I’m studying.  

What has been the hardest part about your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher? 
I think the hardest part was learning the science behind the work. There were many, many research papers I had to read, but they were not sufficient to understand the foundational concepts. I did my research on the weekends and met with Dr. Lu and PhD student Leah Vrydagh, who I directly work with, to go through the papers. It took me about three months to fully grasp what our lab aims to uncover. To me, the most unexpected thing about being a researcher is how good you get at public speaking. At certain points in the semesters I’ve been working, I have had to present my research and work to the team during our weekly lab meetings. At first, I messed up a lot because of stage fright, but now presenting comes at ease. Truthfully, these lab meeting presentations help tremendously when I present at research conferences or lead general body meetings for the Red Cross Club at UMBC.

What has been the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part was putting all my 7 months of hard work together into an abstract and poster for my first-ever research conference presentation. This past February, I attended the American Physician Scientist Association (APSA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting at Georgetown University where I presented said abstract and poster. I showcased the science I’ve learned, the techniques I’ve used, and the results I obtained to a diverse audience, ranging from undergraduate students to postdocs and physicians. Also, because I obtained this amazing opportunity through my research, I got to meet and speak with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Former Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States, who was our keynote speaker that day. He had shared advice about resilience and purpose which resonated with me and is something I carry as I navigate my studies and research. Without my research and Dr. Lu as my mentor, I never would’ve had this surreal experience.   

How will you disseminate your research?
I will be presenting my research at URCAD in Spring 2025, and if there is another conference opportunity next semester, I plan to present there as well. 

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?  
Take rejection as a re-direction, not a failure. When I was trying to join a research lab on campus, I emailed more than a dozen principal investigators before Dr. Lu, and none of them responded (which I understood as they were very busy with their work and the courses they taught). I kept on emailing and emailing for more than a month, but even if I kept on getting no responses, I continued to look for more potential openings and email more PIs. After what felt like years, I finally got a response back from my now mentor. If I had stopped emailing after my first few rejections, I never would’ve done the research I have and made the connections I have today. Just keep on trying even if you fail multiple times because, at the end of the day, your perseverance will be worth it.

What are your career goals?
I am an aspiring physician so medical school is my next step after my studies at UMBC. I understand that it is a challenging path to become a physician, but by persevering and putting in the effort needed, I hope I’ll be able to achieve this goal of mine.

Be a UMBC Researcher of the Week! Email: aprilh@umbc.edu
]]> Asiya Ahmed is a senior Biological Sciences major, MLL Spanish Minor, and Public Health Minor. She is a STEM BUILD @ UMBC BTP Affiliate & UMBC 2024-25 URA Scholar. Title of your research... https://ur.umbc.edu/ https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/145510/guest@my.umbc.edu/8f3dcdd446fb17395035e89d1c502225/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/510/4bdbb491717f19995da1ee690f91ade1/xxlarge.jpg?1731596422 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/510/4bdbb491717f19995da1ee690f91ade1/xlarge.jpg?1731596422 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/510/4bdbb491717f19995da1ee690f91ade1/large.jpg?1731596422 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/510/4bdbb491717f19995da1ee690f91ade1/medium.jpg?1731596422 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/510/4bdbb491717f19995da1ee690f91ade1/small.jpg?1731596422 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/510/4bdbb491717f19995da1ee690f91ade1/xsmall.jpg?1731596422 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/145/510/4bdbb491717f19995da1ee690f91ade1/xxsmall.jpg?1731596422 8 10 true Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:37:44 -0500 Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:04:19 -0500