The Spoon Theory is a popular metaphor created by Christine Miserandino in 2003 to explain the daily reality of living with a hidden disability or chronic illness. It uses "spoons" as a unit of energy, with a person starting each day with a limited number of spoons. Every daily task—like showering, dressing, or working—costs a specific number of spoons. Once a person runs out of spoons, they have no energy left and must rest.

Because many disabilities and health conditions (such as lupus, fibromyalgia, autism, and chronic fatigue) are not immediately visible to others, this theory helps outsiders visualize the hidden mental and physical exertion required to navigate daily life. People with these conditions are often referred to as "spoonies"

Many people in the chronic illness and disability communities rely on this concept to set boundaries and explain their limits to friends and family. 

“On a high-pain day, a relatively simple task of showering or getting ready for the day can take four spoons. On a low-pain day, that same task might take just one spoon.

The Spoon Theory is a popular metaphor created by Christine Miserandino in 2003 to explain the daily reality of living with a hidden disability or chronic illness. It uses "spoons" as a unit of energy, with a person starting each day with a limited number of spoons. Every daily task—like showering, dressing, or working—costs a specific number of spoons. Once a person runs out of spoons, they have no energy left and must rest.

Because many disabilities and health conditions (such as lupus, fibromyalgia, autism, and chronic fatigue) are not immediately visible to others, this theory helps outsiders visualize the hidden mental and physical exertion required to navigate daily life. People with these conditions are often referred to as "spoonies"

Many people in the chronic illness and disability communities rely on this concept to set boundaries and explain their limits to friends and family. 

“On a high-pain day, a relatively simple task of showering or getting ready for the day can take four spoons. On a low-pain day, that same task might take just one spoon.

To the UMBC Research and Creative Achievement Community,

Effort Reports for Spring 2026 are available and ready for certification. 

The Spring 2026 period includes Payroll 2026‐015 through Payroll 2026‐026 (from January 11, 2026 through June 26, 2026). Certifications are due September 30, 2026.

Please remember that Effort Reports are both a Compliance Tool and a Grants Management Tool. After reviewing payroll charges, work with your business managers if any changes are needed. Payroll cost transfers (retros) should be processed prior to certification of Effort Reports as retros will re‐open any previously certified effort due to adjustments.

To find out whether you have open effort reports for Spring 2026 (see page 6, Year: 2026 Period: Spring) and to learn how to certify them, see the attached updated Effort Report Quick Guide with screenshots for your convenience. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to access the Effort Reports.

In order for UMBC to be in compliance, please check Open effort reports for previous periods under your PI/Certifier ID name to ensure they have been Finalized. Any payroll cost transfers (retros) for previous periods will re-open effort reports and they need to be certified and finalized again.

*NOTE: If you are new to Effort Report certification, please see page 13, FAQ #1 in the Quick Guide for information on how to gain certification access. You will not be able to certify without proper access in PeopleSoft.

*NOTE: If the PI on the project is not available to certify due to termination, sabbatical, etc. see page 13, FAQ #2 in the Quick Guide for instructions. Requests must come directly from the department chair/dean/director.

Additional resource: Effort Report Certification Guidance webpage, which includes definitions of Effort.

Your timely commitment to this process is appreciated.

Watch your email, myUMBC and Blackboard for notifications regarding online Student Course Evaluations beginning July 13th.  

The survey window for Session One (8 week) Summer 2026 is July 13th through July 17th 11:59pm..  

The secure online system grants students 24/7 access during the evaluation period. Surveys must be completed before the July 17th deadline.  

Survey results available to instructors after Summer 2026 grades are posted. 

UMBC will host the 3rd IEEE Baltimore Technical and Professional Development Colloquium on Nov. 7, 2026 on Creativity in an Era of AI. Abstract submissions are due by August 31 for presentations, posters, and demonstrations in one of four tracks:

 • AI Applications in Biology and the (Bio)medical Field
 • AI Software Systems: Design, Engineering, and Deployment
 • AI Meeting Physical Reality
 • AI and the Future of Work: Skills, Talent, and Workforce Transformation

Get more information and register here.

Name: Mustafa Ali

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Information Systems

Current Class Level: Senior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Baltimore County

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: Data and Technology Campaign Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
I am currently interning with a Baltimore County District 1 Council Member candidate who is running a local campaign. A lot of my work focuses on organizing and managing voter, volunteer, and donor information to support the campaign’s outreach efforts. I also help with canvassing, attending community events, and assisting with general campaign operations. Being involved both behind the scenes with data and out in the community has helped me better understand how local campaigns connect with voters and stay organized.


Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I heard about the internship midway through Fall 2025 through a friend who was already working on the campaign. I attended a local political event without really looking for an internship, but I ended up meeting the candidate and talking about my background and skills. After a few follow up conversations, he offered me the position. I submitted my application and started working less than two weeks later.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Student Connections

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I’ve enjoyed most is being able to see the direct impact of the work I’m doing, both behind the scenes and in the community. I like that I’m not stuck doing just one thing. I get to work with data and technology, but also go out canvassing and attend community events. It makes the work feel meaningful and connected to real people.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I think I’ve made an impact by helping keep voter, volunteer, and donor information organized so the campaign can reach people more effectively. I’ve also contributed through canvassing and outreach, where I’ve been able to talk directly with community members and help spread awareness about the campaign.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I’d say don’t be afraid to show up and put yourself out there, even if you’re not actively looking for an internship. Talk to people, go to events, and be open about your skills and interests. A lot of opportunities come from connections and conversations you don’t expect.

All,

Both Constellation and Exelon energy will be conducting day camps starting July 12th and running through the the 24th. Conference rooms and the 4th floors classrooms will be unaffected by these events, but most other classrooms will be occupied over the next two weeks.

Thank you!

A number of UMBC faculty members received UMBC internal research awards through the  Strategic Awards for Research Transitions (START) and Summer Research Faculty Fellowship (SURFF) programs to support their AI-related research projects.

• Anderson Frailey (Economics) received a SURFF award for “Cybersecurity Advantages of AI Access”

• David Garcia (CBEE): received a SURFF award for “Proteomic and Machine Learning Based Supplementation of Cell-free Systems for Biological Production”

• Dong Li (CSEE) received a START award for "Securing Smartphones Against Voice Scams with Real-Time Vocal-Acoustic Watermarking."

• Tera Reynolds (Information Systems) received a SURFF award for “A Human-centered Approach to Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Research and Design to Support Hypertonic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Self-management”

• Eric Stokan (Political Science) received a START award for “Bridging the AI Digital Divide in Local Governance: Capability, Vulnerability, and the Future of Public Service”

• Roberto Yus (CSEE) received a START award for "Optimizing AI Workflows for Reliable, Low-Cost Agentic Systems."

Get more information on UMBC’s internal funding opportunities and open calls for proposals on the Division of Research and Creative Services website.

I'm moving soon and selling several items in excellent condition, including furniture, home décor, and other household essentials. Feel free to browse my Marketplace listings here:

Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/100089818454080/

Email: sinam1@umbc.edu

Available starting September 1 on Palladi Dr, Halethorpe, MD 21227 for female students.

🚌 About 5 minutes from UMBC
🏠 Four-bedroom house with four residents (two of them would be available)
🍳 Shared kitchen
👤 One person per room
📅 12-month lease
🚫 No pets

Rent:

• Bigger Room: $505/month

• Smaller Room: $480/month

Utilities:

• BGE varies monthly; last month it was $230 for the whole house

• Wi-Fi is $50/month for the whole house

For more information or to schedule a tour, please send me a private message or text:

📱 410-446-5243
📧 m294@umbc.edu

Please use your UMBC email when contacting me by email.

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