Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker

Throughout its history, UMBC has encouraged community members to take risks and make lasting changes to guide our institution to become the empowered University it is today.

UMBC is nothing if not unapologetically aspirational. From its earliest days, Retrievers have dreamed big dreams and punched far above their weight at every turn. We have grit to spare—and  we’ll share it with anyone who wants to be a part of it.

So, how do we do it? Well, aspiration is nothing without follow through. At UMBC, that means digging into the details, thinking creatively, and working together as a community to make things actually  happen—then digging in again to measure the results. 

As they write in The Empowered University, published by Johns Hopkins University Press in November, co-authors UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski, Provost Philip Rous, and senior advisor to the president Peter Henderson, a broad history of people and bold moments have made UMBC what it is today. As Hrabowski often tells his Commencement audiences, “It’s choice, not chance” that defines us. 

At  a place like UMBC—where our community strives to make choice a possibility  for all—those moments  have made all the difference.

SEEING “PROBLEMS” AS OPPORTUNITIES

As diverse as UMBC is on paper, many students come to school never having stepped foot in an urban area. That’s where experiential learning opportunities like Tyson King-Meadows’ Problem- Solving in the Urban Black Community class come in. It’s a course where students can engage a subject from their own vantage point in conversation with partnering community organizations in ways that traditional classes cannot.

Experiential learning gives students a chance to engage in a subject in very personal ways. Students bring their own vantage points to the table but walk away having deeply considered topics as varied as loitering and vagrancy laws, public transportation policy, and crime in a way that forces them to examine their own blind spots and connects them to the world around them.

“UMBC students and community groups see their destinies linked rather than separate” and develop a deeper appreciation for the power of social science research and teaching in action, says King-Meadows, associate professor of political science. “If my students can take what they learned…and positively change the course of one life in one community, I am happy.”

THE CLUES ARE IN THE DATA

Even under the best circumstances, it isn’t always easy to tell when students are struggling with school. Some may stay after class to speak to a professor; others may fall through the cracks. That’s why, in 2016, UMBC added a new tool for uncovering the mystery of student success: data.

By using information already being collected—predictive analytics such as attendance, grades, tutoring use, test scores, etc.—members of a team in UMBC’s Department of Information Technology led by Bob Carpenter began identifying which students could benefit most from extra support and testing out possible solutions in the form of strategic digital nudges.

“The philosophy we’re using is trying to get the right information to the right person at the right time,” says Carpenter, associate provost and deputy CIO. In other words, early enough so that students can make adjustments.

For example, students who miss more than three classes are likely to have major trouble, so those students get emails reminding them to attend. Since one out of two students who retake a math class fail it, but those who take advantage of tutoring while doing so are nearly 20 percent more likely to pass, those students get targeted messages reminding them of tutoring dates.

In the end, of course, the students choose how to use the information. But, with student success rates going up in a variety of instances, Carpenter finds the results encouraging, and he’s already looking for additional paths to pursue. “Like everybody else here, I want to help people get across the finish line,” he says. “We want people to finish because we want them to have not just the keys to a higher salary, but the tools to a richer, more vibrant life.”

UPENDING MYTHS OF THE SURVEY COURSE

For years, Classical Mythology students gathered hundreds at a time for stadium lecture classes, quickly memorizing materials, then using Scantrons to measure their understanding of Greek and Latin. Not surprising, when it came to truly understanding the building blocks of Western Civilization, they were missing the mark. That’s how Tim Phin ’04, ancient studies, learned it when he was a student at UMBC—and that’s exactly why he jumped at the chance to flip the format on its head as senior lecturer in ancient studies.

Today, in his hybridized course, the work happens both in class and online. There’s much less lecturing, with Phin instead breaking difficult material into chunks and giving students ways to discuss in small groups together online. Not only does this make the work digestible—and get the students to actually read and write about the ancient texts—but it allows Phin to see in real- time whether they’re getting it or not.

“We live in a world that moves at a blistering pace. I believe that classics can slow us down, provide us with an opportunity for reflection, for introspection,” says Phin. “The study of antiquity reminds students that both human ingenuity and human frailty have long histories. I want students at UMBC to know that.”

STUDENT-BUILT SPACES

UMBC’s students have a long history of charting their own territory. The grit goes all the way back to 1970, for example, when the newly formed Student Union voted to establish a free and unscheduled hour three times a week for student assembly, organization, and advising. Today, it’s still a cherished part of students’ days and an indelible change to the official campus schedule.

So, when members of the Student Government Association came up with the idea of a 24-7, all-access study space, campus partners sat up and took notice. Opened in 2011, the Retriever Learning Center (RLC) is now one of the hottest spots on campus—a sea of movable seating and tables filled with students, laptops, whiteboard markers, and a buzz of ideas.

And it wouldn’t have happened without intense student work.

“This project taught me about the power of a small group of friends inspired to mold the architectural landscape in their intimate college neighborhood,” said Simmi Singh ’12, biological sciences, one of several student senators who spearheaded the project. “The importance of student-created spaces and initiatives at UMBC is the life-altering experience of holding fast to dreams, actualizing them, and being a positive agent for change for generations of the UMBC family in the years to follow.”

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Image by Marlayna Demond ’11.

SEVILLETA FIELD STATION REU SITES PROGRAM IN ARIDLAND ECOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

The UNM Sevilleta Field Station is seeking applicants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).  Application deadline is February 15, 2019.  We are looking for 10 Biology and 2 Art Ecology REU students for the Summer of 2019. This years dates of program are May 27-August 2, 2019. This interdisciplinary REU Site Program at the Sevilleta Field Station in central New Mex! ico will train undergraduate students who will conduct independent rese! arch under the guidance of UNM faculty in Biology, Ecology, Civil Engineering, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, along with scientists from Federal and State agencies. The summer program includes a seminar series, a weekly journal club, an annual symposium, professional development workshops, public speaking, ethics training, field trips, and opportunities to interact with a multitude of scientists conducting research in the area. Students will conduct independent research in and around the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) and present their projects at the annual symposium to be held in early August 2019. Working at the Sevilleta Field Station and SNWR site invites close interactions among students, faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students.

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Students will have numerous opportunities to share ideas and explore issues within and across disciplines. The program’s goals are to (1) provide students with a high quality independent research experience, (2) expose students to a large, multidisciplinary research program, (3) inspire students to continue into professional careers, and (4) prepare students for the rigors of graduate school, professional research, and responsible citizenship. The program exemplifies the integration of research and education. As students conduct research, they will learn how to be independent scientists, and they will gain experience dealing with many technical, methodological and ethical issues that arise in scientific research.

In addition to the 10 Biology REUs, 2 Art REU students (funded through the Sevilleta LTER Program) will be selected for summer of 2019. The goals of the selected individuals will be to observe and interpret the ecology, research, and landscape of the SNWR through the creation of artistic works (e.g., photography, painting, sculpture, videos). These artworks will be used to cultivate the understanding among the general public about the goals of UNM and SNWR in studying, restoring, and protecting the ecology and landscapes present within the SNWR. Final artwork! s will be displayed and maintained in facilities under the care of UNM..

Lodging and laboratory space for all REU students will be provided by the UNM Sevilleta Field Station at no cost to the student. In addition, candidates chosen will receive a stipend of $5500 and a $500 food allowance during the 10-week summer program that will run from May 27 – August 2.  We will also refund travel costs to and from the UNM Sevilleta Field Station up to $600 (stipulations apply). Students will have access to ~$500 ! for materials and supplies related to their research or artistic endeavo! rs.

Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is interested in conservation biology and ecology in aridland environments. Students are not eligible if they have completed an undergraduate degree by the start of Summer 2019. We especially welcome applications from students at two and four year colleges, students early in their college career, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students ! from traditionally underrepresented groups.  Students must be U.S.. Citizens.

General requirements for participation in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Programs in the Biological Sciences are set by the National Science Foundation. These requirements are listed below:

Applicants to the Sevilleta REU Program must be:!

• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions (e.g., Puerto Rico).
• Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (full- or part-time) leading to a Bachelor’s degree.
• Undergraduate students who are transferring from one institution to another but are not enrolled at either institution during the intervening summer may participate.
  
  Students are not eligible if they are:

• Foreign nationals residing in a country other than the United States.
• Students that have completed high school but have not yet enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.
• Students that have completed an undergraduate degree and are no longer enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.
  
  Requirements for the Sevilleta REU Program:

• The Sevilleta REU Program has no additional requirements. Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is generally interested in careers related to conservation biology and ecology.
• We are particularly interested in applications from students that have had limited opportunities to conduct independent research at their home institution. We welcome and encourage applications from students at four year colleges, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups.
  
  A completed application for the Sevilleta LTER Researc! h Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program will consist of five items:

1. A complete online application (see below).
2. A resume.
   •   3.  An unofficial copy of your academic transcript. If accepted into the REU program, applicants will be required to provide an official copy before starting the program.
     
     4. Two letters of recommendation. These can be from faculty advisors from the student’s home institution, me! ntors or previous employers. Recommendations from those that are able t! o comment on the applicant’s academic ability, initiative, maturity, and self-motivation are preferred. Please have your respondents email your letters of recommendation tosrbaker@unm.edu WITH the subject line of “2019 REU Recommendation for YOUR NAME.”

1. A two-page essay addressing the development of the student’s interest in ecology, the specific areas of research interest, and current professional career goals. Essays can be single or double-spaced but should be in a legible font (min. 11 point) with 1 inch margi! ns.
2. Art REUs will also need to provide a portfolio with examples of their artwork. This should be a PowerPoint presentation or pdf and needs to be uploaded to the application.

Deadlines

The application form, resume, unofficial transcript, two-page essay, and letters of recommendation should be received by February 15, 2019.

Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to the Program Manager, Stephanie Baker by e-mail. Please put REU 2019 in the subject line.

e-mail:!  srbaker@unm.edu

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION visit: https://sevilletareu.wordpress.com/

Deep Vision Dance Company seeks vibrant, intelligent, versatile dancers with a collaborative spirit for their 2019 and 2020 performance years. Dancers receive rehearsal and performance honorariums. Rehearsals take place on Sundays (4-9pm) and Mondays (6:15-9:30pm).

Date: Sunday, February 10th @ 4:00PM

Location: Towson University, Center for the Arts, Rm 1006

Audition Details:

Are you looking for a career in high demand? If so, the biotechnology job outlook looks promising.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Annica Wayman, Associate Dean and Professor, UMBC, Shady Grove Affairs, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, about the job outlook for Biotech professionals.

The MPS Biotechnology program prepares students by helping them to, not just deepen their technical expertise, but also to strengthen soft skills such as leadership and communication and project management.

Global challenges in human health, food security, sustainable industrial production and environmental protection continues to fuel the biosciences industry, creating new opportunities within the four primary sub sectors:

• Agricultural feedstock and chemicals
• Drugs and pharmaceuticals
• Medical devices and equipment and research
• Testing and medical laboratories

The Visitor Services Associate performs all functions of the Visitor Services Department in order to provide a high level of customer service to the Maryland Historical Society’s members, visitors, volunteers and staff. This position also has key responsibilities for security functions including opening and closing of the buildings; and monitoring the safety and security of MdHS facilities.

Responsibilities