Retirement Celebration for Tim Sparklin
Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 1-4 p.m.
Tim Sparklin, Director of the Office of Research Protections and Compliance (ORPC), in the Office of Research and Creative Achievement (ORCA) will be retiring from UMBC after 39 years of USM service with over 30 years at UMBC.
An in-person Open House Event will be held in the Skylight Room on the 3rd floor of Commons from 1PM-4PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. (Please note the new time and location)
Tim obtained his BA in Sociology from UMBC in 1981 and his Masters of Social Work from UMB in 1983. So his connection to USM actually started as a freshman in 1977 (over 45 years)!
Tim's family connections to UMBC run even deeper. Two of Tim's children graduated from our campus, his wife Kim spent two years at UMBC working her way to obtaining a Bachelor's of Nursing at UMB. He also has two siblings and two nieces who received degrees from UMBC.
Tim started working at UMB as a Research Assistant in the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. From 1983 - 1985 he provided assistance on a trauma and motorcycle helmet use study prior to Maryland enacting its helmet laws in 1992. Tim was promoted to Program Analyst, then in 1987 to Grants and Contracts Administrator (when he was bit by the Research Admin bug).
He then came to UMBC in 1992 to become a Grants Manager for what was then called the College of Arts and Sciences, where, his value was quickly recognized. Tim was promoted to Research Services Administrator before coming to ORCA to run UMBC's Human and Animal Research Protections Office (HARPO) in 2004.
In January of 2011, Tim led HARPO in a rebranding effort to recognize the growth in UMBC's research and compliance areas needing support. In 2010 we had 375 human and 37 animal support actions. The office was renamed the Office of Research Protections and Compliance (ORPC). ORPC support expanded to include Institutional Biosafety, Conflict of Interest, Export Control, Responsible Conduct in Research and Research Integrity. And, by FY21 ORPC with just 2.6 staff processed nearly 2,000 compliance actions (down from 2,400 in FY20), and supported nearly 2,700 trainings (individuals trained in the various areas of compliance).
As Director of ORPC Tim provided administrative oversight and the strategic direction of ORPC's centralized resources to ensure UMBC conducted its research activities in a manner consistent with federal, state and institutional regulatory requirements. In this role Tim served as the primary liaison with federal regulatory agencies and provided periodic updates and recommended actions to senior management as issues demand institutional response.
Not only did Tim significantly expanded ORPC's areas of compliance support, he totally revamped the web site, implemented a new electronic compliance support system (Kuali Compliance), went paperless, moved the office, provided key support for the new ILSB vivarium, and implemented countless procedures, policies and general guidance documents to streamline and clarify the constant changing regulations associated with this field. And, as if this was not enough, Tim has conducted in-person training for graduate and undergraduate students in the area of Responsible Conduct in Research. These are only a few of the many accomplishments during Tim's time with UMBC and USM. And, during that entire time, Tim has been consistently recognized by UMBC faculty, staff and his USM peers for his skills and knowledge, and genuine willingness and desire to help support research and creative achievement. Throughout, Tim epitomized what customer support means.
Tim had also been very active in shared governance at UMBC, serving as President and Past President of the Professional Staff Senate. Tim has also been involved in multiple industry related organizations such as the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA), where he was a member of their Board of Directors, and held the positions of President Elect, President, and Past President of the Northeast Section from 2021-2014. Tim has also shared his experience and knowledge through multiple presentations and Panel discussions. Besides SRA, Tim was a member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), the Laboratory Animal Welfare Training Exchange, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Public Responsibly in Medicine and Research, a member of the University of Maryland, Baltimore IACUC, and the Association of University Export Control Officers. Tim was often called upon by sister campuses to assist with their protections and compliance programs and to answer specific questions.
Tim's unwavering drive to support UMBC in a positive supportive manner won him multiple accolades from his team, the researchers he served, and senior leadership. His unique ability to balance the overwhelming regulatory requirements with the level of reassurance that minimizes the burden on our research community and not a "police state" is unique. Faculty often commented on ORPC's support, stating things like, "I am consistently astonished by how helpful, informed, patient, and responsive"...ORPC is...ORPC "asks great questions, handles emergency requests gracefully"...and generally makes it "possible for me to do better research."
In Tim's personal life, Tim loves to garden. His house in Catonsville is a treasure trove of multiple variety of trees and plants he and his wife Kim of (40 Years) maintain. Tim has three sons and two grandchildren, which in retirement he expects to spend a great deal more time. Tim recently commented that he hopes to chillax, and maybe travel to Ireland and Scotland.
Tim has always brought a sense of calm and steadiness to the office. While we will all miss Tim, please join us in wishing him nothing but happiness as he embarks on his next journey.
Tim's last day on campus is Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Please join us in celebrating his retirement and wishing him well.
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Tim Sparklin, Director of the Office of Research Protections and Compliance (ORPC), in the Office of Research and Creative Achievement (ORCA) will be retiring from UMBC after 39 years of USM...
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Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:21:02 -0500
Free ten-week AI4ALL Discover AI program
Open to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year undergraduates in all majors
UMBC and nonprofit AI4ALL have partnered to offer undergraduate students in any major who are not seniors the opportunity to apply to the College Pathways Discover AI program
HOW
Apply online by February 14, 2023
WHAT
Discover AI is a virtual program that provides students with a project-based introduction to computer science, machine learning, data, artificial intelligence, and tech careers through the lens of societal and ethical impact. In addition, students get access to AI industry leaders and are guided through a roadmap to cultivate a future career in the AI industry.
What are both the positive and negative implications of AI technology on society? How can (and does) AI affect communities in today's world? Through research, discussions, and reflection, you will explore the intersectionality of AI with other fields and articulate your own mindful perspective of AI. The program is facilitated at no cost to students.
Students that complete the program will emerge with actionable next steps in pursuing an academic or career path in AI and the opportunity to continue in the following semester to our second program, Apply AI and direct mentorship from industry leaders in the AI and tech industry from companies like Google, Capital One, Facebook, Slalom Consulting, Accenture, Pearson and more. At the end of the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion and access to the AI4ALL Changemakers community with additional resources, ongoing support and mentorship.
WHO
It's available for undergraduate first-year students, sophomores, and juniors with all coding and/or computing/AI levels, including everything from no experience to advanced. If you're a computing major, the program is a great supplement to your existing coursework. If you are not, we welcome you as well! If accepted, you will have the opportunity to learn more about artificial intelligence in a safe and thoughtful environment that offers you the chance to consider AI as a future career option and as a presence in your major industry/discipline. We recommend that students without a coding background take the first four modules for free here at EdX before the program begins. AI4ALL programs are designed to bring together and highlight voices that have been historically excluded and that will lead and shape the future of AI.
WHEN
The ten-week program starts on February 24 and includes both synchronous meetings on Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm as well as asynchronous instruction.
GET MORE INFORMATION
Discover AI program has 30 minute online information sessions on 1/19, 1/23, 1/30, 2/2, 2/6, and 2/9. Click on the select a date button to register for one. You can also review the program's application for more details. Send email to ai4all@cs.umbc.edu if you still have questions.
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UMBC and nonprofit AI4ALL have partnered to offer undergraduate students in any major who are not seniors the opportunity to apply to the College Pathways Discover AI program HOW Apply online by...
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Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and AI4ALL
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Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:14:19 -0500
Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:44:17 -0400
Volunteer with MD Youth and Government!
Mentor High School Students!
See attached flyer for more details
Maryland Y Youth & Government is a special program specifically designed to give high school students a hands-on lesson in how government works. Teens will learn how to elect their own leaders, debate, legislate bills, and lobby for their vision of a better future!
The program is open to all high school students in the state of Maryland regardless of how much or how little you may know about government and the legislative process. We'll teach you everything you need to know as all of your efforts culminate into a 3-day mock legislative assembly at the Maryland State House in Annapolis!
PROGRAM DATES
Students (referred to as delegates) from the same area or school form small groups (referred to as delegations) that meet weekly or bi-weekly under the guidance of an adult advisor. Delegates also participate in the following conferences:
- Training Conference: February 11, 2023
- Pre-Legislative Conference: March 18, 2023
- Officer Training, Annapolis, MD: April 20-21, 2023 (Officers only)
- State Legislative Conference, Annapolis, MD: April 22-24, 2023
Delegations are arranged regionally and in connection with a sponsoring entity, typically a Y or high school. To find a delegation in your area or for more information about starting a delegation at your school or in your community, please email mdyandg@ymaryland.org. Please be sure to include your area or school of interest.
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See attached flyer for more details Maryland Y Youth & Government is a special program specifically designed to give high school students a hands-on lesson in how government works. Teens...
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