We will be closed July 1- 5th, reopening on July 6th. Please plan accordingly for any poster printing you may need or reach out if you have questions. researchgraphics@umbc.edu

Tyler Josephson, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering at UMBC, has received an Amazon Research Award to improve the accuracy of scientific computing. The project, titled “Autoformalization for Scientific Computing in Lean,” aims to bridge the gap between complex scientific theories and the computer code used to simulate them.

In modern science, researchers use computer simulations to model everything from new medicines to climate change. However, these simulations often rely on code that is difficult to check for errors. If a mistake is made when translating a mathematical equation from a research paper into a computer program, it can lead to incorrect findings. 

While "formal methods"—a type of high-level logic used to prove code is correct—are common in cybersecurity and hardware design, they are rarely used in general science because they are difficult and time-consuming for humans to learn and use to write code. 

Photo: Tyler Josephson, second from right, works with students in the lab (Marlayna Demond '11/UMBC)

Josephson, who leads the AI and Theory-Oriented Molecular Science (ATOMS) Lab at UMBC, is developing a new AI system to help solve this. Using a specialized programming language called Lean, the team is building AI "agents" that can read scientific papers and automatically translate the math into formally verified code. 

"We don't think humans will manually formalize a century of scientific theory without machine assistance," Josephson notes, highlighting the need for AI-human collaboration to scale these efforts. 

The award provides almost $77,000, which Josephson plans to use to support student researchers on the project. 

Ultimately, the tools could help researchers tackle challenges such as designing new materials for gas separation or speeding up drug discovery by providing a rock-solid foundation for digital experiments. 

Roberto Yus, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (CSEE) at UMBC, has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to fund his work aiming to make sensor data more accessible. The award is one of the most prestigious for early-career faculty and supports both research and education activities.

Simplifying complex sensor data

Yus’ CAREER award proposal tackles a problem currently limiting the impact of the billions of sensors and smart devices that have been deployed around the world in the so-called “Internet of Things”: Even when sensors are widely distributed, most organizations struggle to use the data because turning raw sensor readings into useful answers often requires deep technical expertise.

Yus’ project aims to solve this challenge by developing a system that allows regular users—such as educators, factory operators, public health officials, or building managers—to ask simple questions. For example, a building manager may want to know how many rooms were underutilized in the last month and how much energy they consumed. The computer system will automatically figure out which sensors and AI models to use to find the answer, while balancing concerns of privacy, efficiency, and accuracy. 

"The prevalence and pervasiveness of sensing and communication devices have the potential to transform our world. Yet, it is necessary to provide a systematic and simple means to filter the massive data that these devices collect,” says Mohamed Younis, chair of the CSEE department. "Roberto's proposed research aims to address this need. Employing AI in the process increases the system’s agility and opens the door to adopting it for a wide range of applications.”

Yus plans to test his approaches with smart home devices in his laboratory, with a smart manufacturing testbed at the Center for Research in Emergent Manufacturing at UMBC, and with sensors deployed on the UMBC campus. 

“The opportunity to work with students to develop sensor applications that will be useful to them, for example remotely checking the wait time at Starbucks, I think that will be amazing,” Yus says.

Supporting research success

Several internal UMBC grants helped Yus build the foundation for his successful CAREER proposal. He received seed funding to explore a multidisciplinary approach to deploying sensors in assisted living communities and also received funding for an undergraduate student researcher to explore the intersection of AI and the Internet of Things. 

UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) also provides active proposal mentorship to faculty, including workshops, one-on-one coaching, and feedback. "This invested format of more directed one-to-one support has emerged in the last few years, and I do believe it helps faculty shape their proposals," says Vandana Janeja, associate dean for research in COEIT. 

Since 1995, when NSF established the CAREER award program, 36 COEIT faculty have received awards. Yus’ award also marks the 51st CAREER award for the university as a whole. 

Integrating education with research is a key characteristic of CAREER award projects. As part of his project Yus will develop new hands-on university courses, high school internships, and a summer camp for Baltimore-area students that will help educate the new generation of researchers. Campus leaders praised Yus' passion for research and community dedication.

"He is a wonderful researcher and at the same time he supports others. He is keenly aware of what matters in research, as evident from his own foundational work and also interdisciplinary work," Janeja says. 

For his part, Yus expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues for their support and to NSF for the funding. “I’m very excited to get started,” he says.

The DoIT Technology Support Center is looking to hire additional student consultants to work during the upcoming semester and beyond. Please see our job description below and visit our job posting on Handshake to apply. (Search for DoIT Technology Support Center Student Consultant.) The application will be open until July 18, 2026.

TSC Student Consultant Job Description

Technology Support Center (TSC) student consultants are the first points of technical contact for the UMBC community and those who do well often go on to work in other areas of the Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Minimally, consultants are expected to provide initial triage and support for a wide range of information technologies including accounts, hardware, instructional technologies, networking, software, telecommunications, and basic web development.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide technical assistance to users by phone and online;
• Answer TSC phones in a professional and courteous manner;
• Create, update and resolve tickets in the Request Tracker (RT) ticketing system;
• Create, update, suggest and recommend relevant FAQ articles to users (www.umbc.edu/faq);
• Provide direct assistance to users on technical issues they cannot easily resolve on their own;
• Respond to all work-related communications in a timely manner;
• Escalate urgent problems to the Full-Time staff, as appropriate.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate by phone or in writing.
• Demonstrated writing ability.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve successful outcomes in handling difficult situations and customers.
• Demonstrated analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability & willingness to learn coupled with a clear understanding of one’s technical abilities, so as to triage and escalate an issue that leads to an effective solution for the user.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 

Time: 3:00PM ET - 4:00PM ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Click here to register

Event Overview:

Description:

Join this virtual open house to learn about the Individual Career Development (K Award) opportunities supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The event will open with a short presentation on active funding opportunities followed by breakout sessions where you can ask questions about specific activity codes or how to prepare a K award.

For event questions and special requests contact: NINDSKAwards@ninds.nih.gov 

the serpent under't

An Adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth
Conceived and Directed by Nigel Semaj

UMBC Proscenium Theatre
October 29 - November 8, 2026

Purchase Tickets to the serpent under't

About the Show:

the serpent under't is an experimental dance theatre adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. It explores the shadows of the human psyche where ambition, guilt, and fate intertwine with the supernatural. Blending movement, dance, and spoken text, this reimagining draws inspiration from horror and the macabre of Edgar Allen Poe.

Performances at UMBC:

• Thursday, October 29, 7:30 PM – Opening Night Reception
• Friday, October 30, 7:30 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students
• Saturday, October 31, 2:00 PM *** New time! 
• Friday, November 6, 7:30 PM
• Saturday, November 7, 7:30 PM
• Sunday, November 8, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students; Prospective Student Day; Actor Talkback

WITCH

By Jen Silverman
Directed by Katie Hileman

UMBC Black Box Theatre
December 4 - 6, 2026

Purchase Tickets to WITCH

About the Show:

A charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought. As the devil returns to convince her – and then returns again – unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed. An inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama, this sharp, subversive fable debates how much our souls are worth when hope is hard to come by.

WITCH is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

Performances at UMBC:

• Friday, December 4, 7:30 PM – Opening Night Reception
• Saturday, December 5, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students
• Saturday, December 5, 7:30 PM
• Sunday, December 6, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students

Merlin

By Susan McCully
Directed by Eve Muson

UMBC Proscenium Theatre
April 1 - 11, 2027

Tickets Available Soon!

About the Show:

During a catastrophic storm surge in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, a mutual-aid collective coordinates emergency shelter operations while a woman searches desperately for her missing dog, Merlin. Inside a media studio used as an emergency coordination center, activists navigate tensions surrounding privilege, leadership, and collective responsibility while organizing shelter for hundreds of displaced residents. Meanwhile, Merlin undergoes a surreal evolutionary transformation—from dog to otter to fish to microalgae—symbolizing ecological interdependence and adaptation. As the storm intensifies, the characters confront the limits of individual heroism and the necessity of collective action. The play ultimately imagines survival through networks of cooperation and mutual aid rather than domination or escape.

Performances at UMBC:

• Thursday, April 1, 7:30 PM – Opening Night Reception
• Friday, April 2, 7:30 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students
• Saturday, April 3, 2:00 PM *** New time! 
• Friday, April 9, 7:30 PM
• Saturday, April 10, 7:30 PM
• Sunday, April 11, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students; Prospective Student Day; Actor Talkback

Ludicrous! 

A Very Silly Variety Show
Directed by Colette Searls and Gerrad Alex Taylor

UMBC Black Box Theatre
April 30 - May 2, 2027

Tickets Available Soon!

About the Show:

This production is a contemporary comedy variety show inspired by vaudeville traditions. The performance will include clowning, physical comedy sketches, staged fight bits, stand-up style monologues, etc. Material will be developed through rehearsal exercises in clown, physical comedy, and comic choreography. Some segments may draw inspiration from current events, transforming topical material into satirical comic sketches. The final performance will be a curated sequence of short comedic pieces devised collaboratively by the ensemble.

Performances at UMBC:

• Friday, April 30, 7:30 PM – Opening Night Reception
• Saturday, May 1, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students
• Saturday, May 1, 7:30 PM
• Sunday, May 2, 2:00 PM – Free Performance for UMBC Students

Note:

ASL Interpreted performances are TBA. If you have requests around accessibility for any of our performances, please email the UMBC Box Office (PahbBoxOffice@umbc.edu).

All ticket sales benefit the UMBC Department of Theatre Scholarship Fund.

UMBC Theatre's 2026 - 2027 Season is funded by the UMBC Arts+ Initiative.

UMBC Theatre events are 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.

Poster Artwork by Eric Abele.

We hope your summer has been going well! If you haven't submitted your semester requests for Summer Session II yet, now is the time to do so. Please log in to Accommodate to submit your requests as soon as possible. Submitting early ensures your accommodation letters are sent to your faculty in advance of classes, providing timely support.

While you're there, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete our "Student Survey: Spring 2026" in Accommodate. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our services and better meet your needs.

Thank you for your time and for being a part of our SDS community. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

A furnished room is available for a female student in Arbutus starting in August.

The room is on the second floor. It is a 2-minute walk to the shuttle stop and a 20-minute walk to campus. The bathroom will be shared with two other tenants.

Parking is available, in-house laundry is included.

Rent: $500 per month ( Utilities included )

Contact Cindy: (443) 851-0475

As many veteran grant applicants can tell you, it can be tedious (and sometimes confusing) work to keep a CV up to date. But for federal sponsors like the NIH, NSF, and NASA, Biographical Sketches and Current and Pending (Other) Support documents remove the guesswork by streamlining a researcher's CV into a concise and standardized format; these documents help reviewers to determine an investigator's preparedness to undertake their proposed project, as well as to mark potential conflicts of interest. Take a moment to read our tips and tricks about NIH, NSF, and NASA Biosketch formats to make sure your application doesn't stand out for the wrong reasons!

NIH 

NIH proposals require the use of the NIH Biographical Sketch Common Form, which contains three major sections. These include Professional Preparation and Training; Appointments and Positions; and finally, Products Most Closely Related to the Proposed Project. Within the same form, there is also a required Supplement that includes a personal statement; up to 15 honors or awards; and a description of your Contributions to Science.  Use this link for detailed instructions.

The NIH's Current and Pending (Other Support) Common Form will require you to create a list of all proposals and currently active grants, which will give reviewers a comprehensive profile of sources of support, including nonfinancial support. This will include not only your previous proposals and awards from the NIH, but currently pending and active awards/proposals for any source of support. Additionally, you should list any sources of in-kind support with an estimated dollar value of $5,000 or more, and require a commitment of your time. (This could include office or laboratory space; data sets; goods and services; or employee or student resources.)

To create these documents, you must use the online tool ScienCV. UMBC's library has provided instructions about how to use this tool to generate your Biosketch, which you can access here. For more from the NIH, see their FAQ.

Don't forget...

• Unless specified by the NOFO, you will NOT provide your Current and Pending document at the time of application, but rather as part of the Just-In-Time (JIT) process as you are being awarded.
• Tip: to make sure your documents are valid, check the expiration date on the upper right hand corner of the first page.

NSF
The NSF’s Biosketch format is similar to the first half of the NIH common Form. It contains four sections: Professional Preparation; Appointments and Positions; and Products (with up to 5 publications closely related to the proposed project and up to 5 additional publications significant to the applicant.)

Unlike the NIH’s system, NSF requires the Current, Pending, and Other Support form at the time of proposal. It also requires the applicant to list all proposals and currently active grants from any funder; you should also list all in-kind contributions that are estimated at a value of $5,000 or higher and commit the investigator’s time. (This could include office or laboratory space; data sets; goods and services; or employee or student resources.)

Don’t forget…

• For the NSF, Biosketches and CPOS documents are only 2 of the 4 required documents that all Senior/Key Personnel must provide at the time of proposal. (The others are the Collaborators and Other Affiliates and Synergistic Activities documents.)
• While the NSF does not cap salary, it does cap NSF-funded effort at a total of 2 person months across all awards. The NSF uses the CPOS document to check whether investigators are under this threshold, so please be sure to document your effort accurately.
• While Biosketches are likely to remain stable across multiple proposal submissions, your CPOS will change with each proposal. Please ensure that only the current proposal is marked “this proposal” in the Statement of Potential Overlap and that all recent submissions are included as pending.

NASA

Of the three agencies covered in this post, NASA is the only one that requires a Biosketch and Current and Pending format that is generated from a word document template, and signed and certified using Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word or a similar signature software, or by providing a wet signature and scanning.

First, visit NASA’s Grant Operations Management website and scroll to the Regulations, Guidance, and Forms section. Under Grant Forms, you can download the NASA templates for the Biosketch and Current and Pending Support (CPS). Once you have finished filling out the appropriate entries on each of these forms, you must digitally sign each of these forms to fulfill the certification and signature requirement. NASA has provided these instructions about using digital signature software to sign the forms.

Don’t forget…

• Some programs may only accept certain types of signatures, so check the RFP carefully to ensure that your documents meet the program’s specific requirements, if any.
• You MUST include your ORCID or other Persistent Digital Identifier.
• Although these documents are formatted as word documents, modifying the standard language on the templates is not allowed.

We are looking for two faculty members willing to serve on the Academic Affairs Compliance Workgroup. The charge is attached below. This group typically meets on the last Monday of each month, with the flexibility to adjust the meeting time to accommodate schedules. Please email me at jmatamcm@umbc.edu if you are able and willing to serve.