• BY BRANDON FOSTER
 
• •   APRIL 29, 2015 The retriever weekly

BRANDON FOSTER

Staff Writer brafos1@umbc.edu

Dr. Robert Musil gives book talk for Earth week

As part of Earth Week at UMBC, Dr. Robert K. Musil presented a talk on his latest book.

On April 21, UMBC had the honor of inviting Dr. Robert K. Musil, a celebrated author and professor from American University in Washington, D.C., to the seventh floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library to discuss his latest publication, “Rachel Carson and Her Sisters: Extraordinary Women Who Have Shaped America’s Environment.”

Musil is the president of the Rachel Carson Council, senior fellow at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University and former CEO of Physicians for Social Responsibility.

The booking of the event fell on the week of Earth Week, which has been celebrated since 1970. Musil focused his talk on the legacy of American environmental pioneer and scientist Rachel Carson, who he said, “inspired me immensely to write this book.”

Widely known for her 1962 bestseller “Silent Spring,” Carson was the first American to combine the love of nature and a concern for human health through the advancement of the environmental movement. The cover of the book features Carson holding a pair of binoculars and sitting on top of a mountain, drawing the connection to her societal contribution.

In an effort to initiate this event, Dr. Mary Rivkin, who teaches courses for the Early Childhood Education program, received an invitation to a launching for Musil’s book last spring and thought it would be a good book for students to know about.

“I corresponded with him and invited him to our campus last fall, given his busy schedule,” she said. In addition to her childhood education endeavors, she teaches a course that aims toward saving campus trees from the invasion of English ivy.

“Upon choosing a speaker, I realized the significance of Rachel Carson and other notable female activists and writers in modern environmentalism.” Rivkin said. Musil’s interest and knowledge in the field made him an ideal speaker.

The timing was appropriate as well. “Given the current environmental crises, I thought it was worthwhile to inform students of this history and encourage them to participate,” Rivkin said. Over the many diverse topics, one message was consistent: the world is ours to protect, so it is our responsibility to take better care of it and the people in it.

Musil kept the attention of the audience with his light-hearted anecdotes, reminiscent of Bob Barker of “The Price Is Right.” He left the audience pondering over how Carson would have dealt with contemporary environmental issues concerning global warming, nuclear radiation, pesticides and fracking.

Photo Credit: Patrick Alejandro

April 29, 2015 4:01 PM

Bridging the gap between scientific discourse and community conversation can be quite a leap, but it’s a necessary one.  “It is great to do the work, but if nobody knows or understands what we are doing, then people will continue to believe that climate change is just a belief system,” said UMBC Vice President for Research Karl Steiner.  “Having an opportunity today to learn how we as engineers and scientists can go out and bring our data to the broader community, and also down to Annapolis, down to Washington, wherever we go, is important.”  

Three panelists gave advice for how scientists can more effectively engage the public.  Terri Adams-Fuller, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Howard University, conducts research in crisis management.  She encouraged climate communicators to connect climate change, which can seem abstract, to people’s immediate concerns, such as the economy, national security, or personal health.  


Thorsten Markus speaks during the symposium's climate communication panel. (Valerie Casasanto)

Thorsten Markus, JCET Fellow and Adjunct Professor of Physics at UMBC, expressed frustration that when scientists say, “I don’t know for sure,” the public often completely dismisses them.  “It’s similar to when you go to the doctor, and the doctor says well, your blood pressure is high, your cholesterol is high.  You better change your diet, or you might have a stroke,” he said.  “Do I then tell the doctor, ‘Unless you tell me the exact date when I will have a stroke, I won’t change a thing’?”  Markus acknowledged that there are uncertainties regarding how much humans are affecting climate, but argued that is not a reason to delay making changes.  He also urged us to recognize that our individual actions affect global systems.                

Steve Platnick, Deputy Director for Atmospheres at Goddard, focused on practical tips for reaching the public.  Knowing your audience is critical, he said, as well as making your presentation visual.  Tools like Twitter and mobile apps (check out “NASA VIZ”) can make science more accessible by providing information in digestible chunks accompanied by compelling imagery.  He also recommended scientists use U.S. examples, such as the reduction of snowpack in California, light pollution, or over-development in the Las Vegas region.  

Following the panel, UMBC Sustainability Coordinator Tanvi Gadhia ’09 and Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management Rusty Postlewate addressed initiatives at UMBC that have reduced the university’s carbon footprint.  UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski signed the American Colleges and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, which entails a promise to work toward carbon neutrality and develop a “climate action plan.”  The goal is to “make UMBC a living example of what it is to have a sustainable community and an engaged community,” Gadhia said.  That involves bringing together diverse campus groups that address environmental issues and cultivating positive habits that students will maintain after they leave UMBC.

But UMBC had already reduced campus carbon dioxide emission by 10,000 metric tons before Hrabowski signed the agreement, Postlewate is quick to point out.  Since 2007, UMBC has done even more to address climate change.  The community has grown by 18 percent, and the square footage of campus buildings has increased seven percent.  Even with that growth, electricity use has declined 24 percent and carbon dioxide emissions dropped an additional 10,000 metric tons because of upgrades to heating, cooling, and lighting systems and the addition of green roofs on a few buildings.  The Performing Arts and Humanities Building, completed in 2014, is certified LEED Gold, as was a dorm addition in 2013.


Kenji Williams performs Bella Gaia.(Valeria Casasanto)

To close the symposium, musician and filmmaker Kenji Williams performed his multi-faceted work Bella Gaia (Beautiful Earth).  The film included everyday scenes from rural and urban India, Japan, and Egypt interwoven with worldwide modeling images of pollutant flow and accumulation, deforestation, carbon dioxide emissions, oil consumption, and other environmental factors, all backed by recorded music and Williams live on electric violin.  The effect was powerful.  “We have to engage people with their emotions,” Williams said.  He reported that surveys show the number of people indicating that “Earth plays an important role in their personal and family lives” increased from 31 percent before watching the film to 64 percent afterward.

Communicating climate accurately and comprehensibly to the public is a challenge, but one scientists must rise to meet.  Using techniques like visualization and creating personal connections will help.  Demonstrating that our activities act on large time and spatial scales should, also.  If all else fails, remind them (as Markus reminded us) that, at least so far, “We don’t have a Planet B.”


JCET's Cathy Manalansan (right) and Amita Mehta (left) perform hands-on climate experiments during the reception. (Valerie Casasanto)

High End Language Educator Positions for Public Schools (9274326)
Eico HR - Seoul, Non-U.S.

Public school positions offer the opportunity to slip into an established system where a full and comprehensive teaching curriculum is provided for you. Along with the added benefit of a co-teacher to allow you to focus on what you do best, your main concern is to give quality instruction on learning the English language.

ANALYST, OPERATIONS FUNCTIONAL (7367) (9274254)
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield - Owings Mills , Maryland

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Under the general supervision of a Manager or above the incumbent’s accountabilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provides ongoing internal and external customer support for system questions for customer inquires and problems impacting claims, and more!

Baltimore Co. Dept of Environmental Protection & Sustainability- Vacant Position – Public School Stream Buffer Reforestation P (9274290)
Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability - Chase, Maryland

The Baltimore County Dept. of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (EPS) desires to fill a vacant position with our school stream buffer reforestation project. The position will complete the first year of a 2-year project funded through the MD Dept. of Natural Resources for the Stream Restoration Challenge Grant (SRCG).

Mental Health Therapist (9272664)
Mental Health Therapist (9272664)

Do you enjoy working with children and families? This position will provide clinical mental health services including individual & family therapy to the diverse community in Montgomery County via collaborative partnerships. Clinical supervision will be provided. Successful candidates will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, and more!

Associate Contracts Administrator entry level (9274287)
ACell Inc - Columbia, Maryland

Title: Associate Contracts Administrator
Department: Legal
Location: Columbia, MD Type: Full-time
Job Summary:

The Associate Contracts Administrator will assist the Contracts Administrator and ACell’s attorneys by completing contract requests and standard Purchase and Consignment Agreements for hospitals and medical facilities.

HRM Incorporated - Odenton, Maryland

The successful candidate will be supporting our team on all facets of comic production lifecycle and book illustration lifecycle. The ideal candidate should have working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite 6, with a specific concentration in Adobe Photoshop...and more!

Intern - Community Planning and Building (9274349)
Calvert County Department of Community Planning and Building - Prince Frederick, Maryland

The Department of Community Planning and Building will be hiring a summer intern to work in the area of environmental planning - 10 weeks (35 hours/week), $12.00 per hour. Learn more in our attached job posting!

Summer 2015 - Outreach & Graphic Design, Research & Grant Writing Intern (9274169)
UMBC Office of Administration and Finance - Baltimore, Maryland

We are looking for a student who is passionate about sustainability, persuasive marketing, photography and/or graphic design to help design and implement marketing materials to expand campus sustainability awareness efforts. Outdoor interpretative signs, indoor prompts, and display materials are examples of projects which will be assigned.

Public Relations/Communications Intern Position - PAID (9273458)
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory - Laurel, Maryland

Duties:

·         Writes, edits and disseminates timely news and information on a daily basis to employees using various communication vehicles

·         Partners with intranet webmaster to establish and ensure consistent style and guidelines for intranet content

·         Posts and updates content, both written and graphic, on an ongoing basis for news

·         …and more!

Lead Instructor for Musical Theatre summer intensive (9274193)
Spotlighters Theatre - Baltimore, Maryland
Spotlighters Theatre / Young Actors Academy*

*Seeks Lead Instructor for Musical Theatre summer intensive.*
Program Dates: July 6 - Aug 7, 2015; Mon - Fri, 9a - 4p

Baltimore City (Bolton Hill / MICA neighborhood)

Musical Theatre Lead Instructor will be responsible for teaching
Voice/Vocal Technique & Methods and for Upper School Musical Theater

Every so often, we’ll chat with an alum about what they do and how they got there. Today we’re talking with Theresa Columbus, about her work a creator of the feature-length film “Chaza Show Choir,” a musical comedy about a high-school show choir’s journey to Europe. The film was screened April 29th at the Charles Theatre in Baltimore.

Name: Theresa Columbus
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Grad Year: 2011

Q: Where did you first come up with the idea for “Chaza Show Choir”?

I had been writing and directing lots of short plays in Milwaukee, and my partner, Didier Leplae, was interested in collaborating on a longer piece that would have an orchestra, since he wrote music. I tried to explain that I really wanted to include a funny flavor that had to do with being in a show choir in high school and being a theater person in high school. I described a show choir I was in that traveled to Germany, and someone suggested it should be about a show choir that ends up in Germany.

Q: Can you tell me more about when you were introduced to musical theatre and how it has impacted you?

Musical theater was a joyful experience for me in high school. I could not wait to get to high school and jump into these activities which seemed so electric and full of life. My first theatrical experience in high school was not a musical: my sister was an incredible actor and had just gotten back from an intensive theater experience over the summer. She then directed a play that consisted of about 10 people–including me–wearing jeans and black turtlenecks, saying monologues created by young writers and doing movement pieces. The hours of theatrical exercises and movement and communication was so new and thrilling to me. The one performance of the play, “Insights,” was one of the most intense experiences of my teenage years. That happened within the first few months of my attending high school!

Q: What is your favorite musical?

My favorite musical… I don’t know. I’ve been working on collaborating on performance with kids and I just watched one of my roommate’s (Jake Budenz) favorite musicals of all time: The Phantom Tollbooth. It’s animated, full of wordplay, and is the best musical I’ve seen in a long time. We hope to cover one of the songs in a performance piece soon!

Q: Do you have any other projects in the works?

Yes! I’m working with my partner Aaron Smith on a participatory theater stage that will be part of “Lazy River,” an area of Artscape. I will write short pre-recorded plays that festival attendees may act out with us, and they may be able to compose their own, record them, and act out amplified versions of them! We’re still working out the kinks. Also, I am collaborating with 5 performers, as well as musicians and visual artists, to create public theater based on ideas of stages of life, in a project called “Sphinx & Co.” Also, I am in a group art show/performance that will take place in October in Milwaukee entitled “Distance.” It is a yearlong project where I and 3 artists in different locations around the USA are collaborating on text and visual exquisite corpses, as well as portraits taken at dawn and a performance based on concepts of distance.

Q: If you could meet one person in the world who would it be and why?

If I could meet a person in the world I think it would be Laurie Anderson. Listening to her recordings where she tells stories and sings, you can tell she would be an incredible person to talk to. She’s inspired so much good art in this world. She has carved a life doing performance art that I find fascinating.

Q: Looking back on your time at UMBC, tell us what you think makes this place so special.

Preminda Jacob, Lisa Moren, Temple Crocker, Steven McAlpine, Fred Worden, James Mahoney, Mark Durant, Steve Bradley, Kathy O’Dell . . . there are so many teachers, advisors and role models that I felt so fortunate to have access to! Many of these teachers were open to and encouraged discussion outside of class… there are so many gems at UMBC, that’s what makes it special. And though I didn’t meet with him, I have so much respect for the school’s president: Freeman Hrabowski. My most memorable experience at UMBC was walking and talking with Preminda Jacob, noticing the beauty of the decorative grasses on campus, after an art history class that she taught with unbridled enthusiasm.

Learn more about Theresa’s work.  

Quadmania attracted a significant turnout of students despite gloomy weather

Despite a gloomy forecast, students still enjoyed the rides and games at this year’s Quadmania festival.

A mixture of screaming and laughter echoed across the quad, mingling with the hum of generators and the screech of brakes from the carnival ride called “Ring of Fire.” A blend of food scents and gasoline permeated the air where food trucks sat beside the academic services building. Students zig-zagged through each other with painted faces or inflatable donuts hanging around their necks. Quadmania was happening once again.

This year’s Quadmania festival was held on Saturday, April 25 from 1 to 9 p.m. Despite the overcast skies and the persistent wind chill, students were conversing and laughing as they moved through the maze of carnival games, rides and activities.

“That’s my favorite,” said junior information systems major Lizzie Reyes, as she pointed to the jumping area known as “Extreme Air.” Here, students could be strapped into a harness, which was suspended above an inflatable rubber platform. For several minutes, they were permitted to jump and flip themselves in the air as much as they wished.

A few carnival-style games sat in one corner of the quad, offering tickets to those who participated. The occasional clang of a bell marked the success of those students strong enough to launch the weighted ringer high enough with their giant hammer. They were awarded tickets for their effort.

Reyes described her disappointment with the number of tickets required for prizes. She mentioned that the smallest prizes were worth at least 30 tickets. She said, “It takes a lot to get that many.”

Wisps of pink fluff danced in the air and clung to the shirts and faces of (seb) members handing out free cotton candy and popcorn on the terrace. Wads of the pink candy were dumped into plastic bags and handed off to those waiting in line.

Aaiz Ahmed, a junior computer science major, took advantage of the free popcorn. He stood at the bottom of the terrace, munching and reminiscing about last year’s sunny weather. He looked across the quad and said, “I like what they have done with the rides and the games.”

It was a first time experience at Quadmania for several students, like sophomore chemical engineering major Sarah Kim. She said, “I think it’s really well planned out, and it was really well advertised.” She felt that a lot of people had turned out for this event and she would like to come again to future Quadmania festivals. Her only disappointment was with the food trucks. She said, “I wish that the food was free.”

Read more stories from: The Retriever Weekly