All posts by: Sarah Hansen, M.S. '15

three people work on a laser layout in Matt Pelton's quantum photonics laboratory

Quantum photonics expertise earns UMBC spot in DOE Frontiers in Energy Research Center

/ 2 minutes of reading

UMBC has been selected to participate in the Quantum Photonics Integrated Design Center (QuPIDC), which is led by Purdue University and also includes Los Alamos National Laboratory, Stanford University, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the University of Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech. The collaboration is one of 10 new Frontiers in Energy Research Centers recently funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The centers support top-tier interdisciplinary teams as they pursue transformative basic research that will advance energy technologies. The quantum optics center will receive $13.9 million overall, and UMBC will receive $570,000. QuPIDC aims to develop ways to generate… Continue Reading Quantum photonics expertise earns UMBC spot in DOE Frontiers in Energy Research Center

a large group photo of mostly children, several wearing neon green t-shirts, and a few adults stand outdoors backed by trees at the Saigon Zoo

Inspired by evolutionary biology ‘aha’ moment, Nhi Nguyen ’25 takes action to help children grasp their own worth

/ 4 minutes of reading

On a warm and humid day in January, about 40 children, five teachers, and 10 volunteers spill out of a school bus at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—one big bundle of anticipation, full of chatter and bounce. The children, who live at a home for orphans and rarely get opportunities like this, are especially excited.  The busload fans out across the zoo in small groups led by enthusiastic college student guides, searching for answers to “challenge questions” that encourage them to learn about the animals. The trip, envisioned and organized by rising senior… Continue Reading Inspired by evolutionary biology ‘aha’ moment, Nhi Nguyen ’25 takes action to help children grasp their own worth

outdoor pedestrian corridor with a large group of professionally dressed students walking across; in foreground an easel with poster advertising Summer Undergraduate Research Fest that reads "SURF's UP 2024" at the top

27th Summer Undergraduate Research Fest prepares students for scholarly next steps

/ 3 minutes of reading

In early August, 124 students from seven states and the District of Columbia participated in UMBC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fest (SURF), sponsored by the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS). The students came from UMBC and other universities, community colleges, and three high schools, and they presented 106 posters and gave six “lightning talks” about research projects they completed over the summer. Almost all participants had completed their research under the mentorship of UMBC faculty. CNMS Dean William R. LaCourse encouraged the students to carry their experience at UMBC with them after the summer ends.  “I hope this summer… Continue Reading 27th Summer Undergraduate Research Fest prepares students for scholarly next steps

One professor and three students stand around a building sign that reads "Meyerhoff Chemistry Building" outside on a fall day, backed by a walkway and brick buildings

Three decades of student mentoring earns UMBC chemist Paul Smith the Braude Award

/ 5 minutes of reading

Chemist Paul Smith has been recognized for him commitment to mentoring undergraduate students at UMBC for nearly three decades. Early opportunities “allowed me to immerse myself in research as an undergraduate,” Smith says, “so I think because of that, it’s always been important to me to include undergrads in the research that we do in my lab.” Continue Reading Three decades of student mentoring earns UMBC chemist Paul Smith the Braude Award

scientist in tie-dye lab coat working at a lab bench

Partnership with biotech giant Genentech benefits UMBC graduate students

/ 3 minutes of reading

UMBC doctoral students are reaping the benefits of an innovative partnership between UMBC and biotech leader Genentech. In year three of a five-year program, six students have received financial support and started conducting research with the company through Genentech Fellowships. In addition, many more students have benefited from regular contact with Genentech senior scientists through their on-campus lecture series.  Continue Reading Partnership with biotech giant Genentech benefits UMBC graduate students

woman stands in front of glass wall, lab benches with purple chairs behind.

“Hidden” sex differences in neurological reward pathways suggest opportunity for improved psychiatric therapeutics

/ 4 minutes of reading

New research shows sex differences in how mice process rewarding stimuli, with implications for behavior. “If you want to understand susceptibility and develop better treatments, you have to understand the mechanisms at these synapses,” Tara LeGates says. “You have to understand what’s happening, and you have to understand it in each of the sexes.” Continue Reading “Hidden” sex differences in neurological reward pathways suggest opportunity for improved psychiatric therapeutics

STEM BUILD at UMBC leads to lasting institutional change, benefiting STEM students and beyond

/ 6 minutes of reading

To emphasize the inclusive reach of the program, the STEM BUILD motto is “500, not 50.” It was created to identify effective interventions that could be implemented at scale to support all STEM students at UMBC, and to find ways to continue those interventions beyond the existence of STEM BUILD. It has been wildly successful. Continue Reading STEM BUILD at UMBC leads to lasting institutional change, benefiting STEM students and beyond

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