Congratulations to Oindrila Ghosh, Ph.D. ‘24 environmental engineering! 

The first chapter of her PhD Dissertation was published in the Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal, in January 2025. This paper, 'Modeling time scale of integration in equilibrium passive sampling', started as a simple modeling exercise. In the end, the team discovered the potential of this mathematical model to interpret 'time-integration' provided by Passive Samplers and its role as a helpful tool that can be used to strategize sampling practices for specific objectives. 

Authors: 

Oindrila Ghosh, Songjing Yan, Mandar Bokare, Upal Ghosh

Title:

 Modeling time scale of integration in equilibrium passive sampling

Abstract:

Passive samplers (PSs) deployed in the field for several months provide a time-averaged measurement of the freely dissolved concentration of pollutants, which is important for assessing ecological exposure and estimating pollutant loads. A comprehensive theoretical modeling assessment of the sampling time scale of integration (TSI) of an equilibrium PS is required to correctly interpret the results. We address this knowledge gap by modeling exchange kinetics of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in low-density polyethylene (PE) PS based on diffusive transport and first-order kinetics. We evaluate the sampling TSI by analyzing the response of the PS to simulated pulsed concentration increases in the water column that lasted for 1 day in a total sampling period of 90 days. More hydrophobic compounds experience slower transfer into the sampler and show a longer TSI compared with less hydrophobic compounds. Similarly, a thick sampler shows longer TSI than a thinner sampler. The sampling TSI for a typical 25.4 μm PE sheet ranged widely from 14–15 days for a dichlorobiphenyl to 43–45 days for a hexachlorobiphenyl. We show that strategic deployment of a thick and thin passive sampler can be used to narrow the range of TSIs for all congeners and used to simultaneously capture episodic events along with long-term averages.

full article: https://doi.org/10.1093/etojnl/vgae003

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program workshop for CAHSS faculty will take place on Friday, February 21, 12:00-1:00 p.m., in Performing Arts & Humanities Building, room 216. Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m.

Space is limited, so please register here by Friday, February 14.

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is the largest educational exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State. The program provides numerous and diverse opportunities for international research, teaching, or both, in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

During this workshop, Dr. Brian Souders, Associate Director for Global Learning in the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) and UMBC’s Fulbright Scholar Liaison, will introduce the 2026-27 Fulbright program to interested faculty and explore ways to create a competitive application. He will be joined by past UMBC faculty Fulbrighters, who will share their experiences.

The Fulbright application process, as well as assistance from the CAHSS Research Centers and CARAT, will also be discussed.

Time will be given for Q&A.

The Fulbright Accelerator is sponsored by the Center for Global Engagement; the Center for Social Science Scholarship (CS3); the Center for Innovation, Research, and Creativity in the Arts (CIRCA); the Dresher Center for the Humanities; and the CAHSS Creative Achievement and Research Administration Team (CARAT).

As we begin this new semester, we want to highlight a few key updates and resources to help you support our students with disabilities. Here's what you need to know:

• Updated Spring 2025 Memo: The new memo for working with SDS and supporting students with disabilities is now available on our SDS Faculty Resources Webpage. 

• Recording of 1/29 Faculty Session: If you missed our session "I Got an Accommodation Letter, Now What?", we're uploading the recording to our Faculty Blackboard organization shell, where you'll find additional resources. Access the session recording by self-enrolling in our Blackboard Shell.

• Upcoming Events: We encourage you to participate in the following events throughout the semester:

  • Accessibility Walk & Roll Tours (monthly)
  • Assistive Technology Demos (monthly)
  • Inclusive Excellence in Action: A session on Disability Awareness and Inclusion will be held on April 8th.

• Join the Sunflower Initiative: Be part of supporting students with hidden disabilities. Learn more and get involved here.

• Look Ahead: Stay tuned for our upcoming Faculty Accessibility Challenge, which will help raise awareness and highlight best practices in accessibility.

• Testing Services Reminder: Our testing hours and location remain the same. 

• Location: Math/Psychology Building, Room 212 and UC Testing Room
• Monday, Thursday, & Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Please remind students to schedule their accommodated exams and tests in advance to ensure a smooth process.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students! We look forward to working with you this semester.