Dr. Dong Li, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at UMBC, won first place at the Maryland NEW VENTURE™ Pitch Competition hosted by bwtech@UMBC. Dr. Li received the competition’s $5,000 grand prize for his groundbreaking work in AI-driven healthcare technology aimed at improving the early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of lives lost each year, often without clear warning signs. Dr. Li’s innovation transforms a standard smartphone into an accessible cardiac monitoring tool by using the device’s built-in microphone and artificial intelligence to measure heart rate and blood pressure without requiring external hardware. By enabling frequent, low-cost, and scalable health monitoring, the technology has the potential to expand access to preventative care and empower individuals to identify health risks earlier.

During the competition, Dr. Li emphasized the urgent need for affordable and accessible healthcare technologies that can reduce barriers to early diagnosis and improve long-term patient outcomes. Supported by Google Research and UMB ICTR ATIP funding, he has already developed a working Android prototype and collaborated with cardiologists from the University of Maryland Medical System for early-stage clinical validation.

The award highlights both the technical innovation and the broader societal impact of Dr. Li’s work, demonstrating how interdisciplinary research at UMBC can translate into real-world technologies that improve healthcare accessibility and save lives.

To our newest graduates: Your hard work and dedication have officially paid off! We are incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the incredible impact you'll make as you officially enter the teaching workforce.

You are joining a legacy of educators making a difference every day, and we are honored to welcome you to the professional community.

Image detail: Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Arnstein, Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, 2014 Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 2014.28
Gift of Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Arnstein, US Air Force

Hello everyone,

I’m a Nigerian Christian female and a rising senior at UMBC. For my final year, I’m looking for a clean and respectful female Christian roommate to share a 2-bedroom apartment with.

Ideally, the apartment would be located about 15–20 minutes from campus. My total budget is around $1,500 for rent (to be split between us), plus utilities.

If you’re interested or know someone who might be a good fit, please feel free to reach out to me via email at dsmogaji@gmail.com or by phone at 443-224-8799.

Thank you!

UMBC CSEE Associate Professor Naghmeh Karimi received the 2026 College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT)  Mid-Career Faculty Excellence Award for overall excellence and promise in scholarship, teaching, service, and leadership. Her research areas include hardware security and design for trust, reliability, and testability, hardware design and synthesis, VLSI design, computer architecture, and EDA tools. She directs the SECure, REliable, and Trusted Systems (SECRETS) Laboratory.

Happy end of the semester, and congratulations to all those who are graduating!!

The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center will be open from 10 am-3 pm Monday through Wednesday (5/18-5/20) next week during finals. 

Our summer hours will begin Tuesday, May 19th. Over the summer, we will be open from 10 am-3 pm Tuesday through Thursday. 

During regular business hours, center staff will be available throughout the summer. If you have any questions or concerns, reach us at womenscenter@umbc.edu. 

H.A.G.S. and tune in to our Book Club and other Summer Programming!

The Women's, Gender, & Equity Center is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

Please note: UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site or any of our events or discussions, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and/or remedy any accessibility challenges.

Don't miss out!!

The Wisdom Weavers are accepting nominations for their Executive Board for the 2026-2027 school year! (Applications due by May 16th) 

The Wisdom Weavers are a student interest group with the Erickson School of Aging Studies that are dedicated to building a community that values every stage of life. Our mission is to:

● Promote outreach and service to older adults in our local community.
● Provide intergenerational opportunities for connection and growth.
● Spread positive messages about aging and dismantle stereotypes.
● Increase awareness of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in this field.

Submit your board application HERE.

Don't miss out!!

The Wisdom Weavers are accepting nominations for their Executive Board for the 2026-2027 school year! (Applications due by May 16th) 

The Wisdom Weavers are a student interest group with the Erickson School of Aging Studies that are dedicated to building a community that values every stage of life. Our mission is to:

● Promote outreach and service to older adults in our local community.
● Provide intergenerational opportunities for connection and growth.
● Spread positive messages about aging and dismantle stereotypes.
● Increase awareness of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in this field.

Submit your board application HERE.

Temporary Private room available for Summer 2026 in a 2BHK townhouse for a male at Westland Gardens for a 3-month move-in. 


Perfect for interns, students living on campus whose apartments will be closed, or anyone looking for temporary housing.

Fully furnished 2BHK townhouse:

What you get:

• Spacious living room with sofa + TV. 
• Fully equipped kitchen (Oven, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher). 
  In-unit Washer & Dryer.
• Central heating & cooling. 
• Just a 1-minute walk to the UMBC bus stop. 
• Only 10 minutes walk to campus.
• Availability: May 25th - Aug 15th. 
• Rent is just 600$ only(I can help you with BGE + Wifi). 
  

DM for more information: +1-202-937-5716 or email me at IO95979@umbc.edu

The final walk across the stage at commencement is an exhilarating milestone, but as the celebration settles, it’s common for a new feeling to creep in: uncertainty. For many new alumni, the transition from a structured academic schedule to the open-ended "real world" can feel like standing at the base of a mountain without a map. Whether you are still searching for that first role or starting a position and feeling the weight of "imposter syndrome," you aren't alone.

But you should also feel confident. Your UMBC journey has equipped you with the resilience and technical skills you need. Now, it’s about shifting your mindset from student to professional and maintaining your momentum. Here’s how.

Reframe the "First Job" Pressure

There is a common myth that your first job after graduation defines your entire career. In reality, your first role is simply "Step 1" of the climb. Focus less on finding the "perfect" forever-job and more on finding a place where you can learn, contribute, and build a professional reputation. Every task you master and every project you complete adds another skill to expand on in your resume and LinkedIn.

Normalize the Learning Curve

No one walks into a new office (or logs into a new remote role) knowing everything. Employers expect a learning curve. Instead of fearing what you don't know, lean into your curiosity. Ask questions, seek feedback early, and observe how successful leaders in your organization navigate challenges. By being a proactive learner, you prove your value far faster than by trying to be perfect.

Combat Imposter Syndrome with Proof

When you feel like you don't belong, look at the data. You earned your degree from a rigorous institution, navigated complex projects, and cleared the hurdles of graduation. Keep a "win folder" — a digital space where you save positive feedback, completed certifications, or successful project outcomes. Reviewing these tangible results reminds you that your seat at the table was earned, not given by luck.

Stay Connected to the Pride

One of the fastest ways to lose confidence is to isolate yourself. Your status as a Retriever doesn't end at commencement; it just evolves. The UMBC alumni network is a massive, global community of professionals who have been in your shoes. Reaching out for a "coffee chat" or a quick advice session can provide the perspective you need to realize that your current challenges are just a standard part of the professional journey.

What’s Next?

You don't have to navigate the post-grad landscape in isolation. Leverage the power of the UMBC community to find mentors, get industry advice, and build the connections that will sustain your long-term success.

• Retrievers Connect: Join our exclusive platform to find alumni mentors who are ready to help you navigate your specific career path.
• UMBC Alumni on LinkedIn: Click on the "Alumni" tab on the UMBC LinkedIn page to see where 80,000+ Retrievers are working and how they got there.

Building career confidence after commencement isn’t easy, but this is just the beginning of your journey. Use the tools you've learned at UMBC, and lean on your community for support. We're excited to see where you land next!