portrait of woman standing in front of colorful, science-themed mural

Michelle Starz-Gaiano brings leadership experience, relationships to new department chair role

Jun 23, 2023 / 6 minutes of reading

Michelle Starz-Gaiano began as an assistant professor at UMBC in 2008. Since then, her research program has blossomed, she’s mentored half a dozen graduate students and more than 50 undergraduates, and she’s taken on numerous leadership roles. Now she’ll add department chair to that list. “I think we have amazing people working and studying here,” she says, “and I really want to make sure they can be successful.” Continue Reading Michelle Starz-Gaiano brings leadership experience, relationships to new department chair role

UMBC softball team stands crouched around an America East Champions sign wearing America East hats/

UMBC softball nabs 4th consecutive America East title, advances to NCAA tournament

May 16, 2023 / 2 minutes of reading

A year after becoming the first team to win three consecutive crowns since UAlbany in 2006 – 2008, UMBC softball has permanently inked their place in the record books with their fourth-straight America East Championship win. Continue Reading UMBC softball nabs 4th consecutive America East title, advances to NCAA tournament

umbc graduates celebrate at commencement

UMBC’s 2023 commencement speakers represent the best of higher education

May 16, 2023 / 4 minutes of reading

This year’s UMBC commencement speakers, Keith T. Elder and Paula T. Hammond, represent the best of what higher education strives to be, applying insights to meet the needs of humanity. Continue Reading UMBC’s 2023 commencement speakers represent the best of higher education

Woman in a cream-colored suit speaks into a microphone while seated in a red chair. Additional people in professional clothing are seated in a row next to her.

UMBC, Maryland Matters host climate forum with top officials in Gov. Wes Moore’s administration

May 12, 2023 / 5 minutes of reading

UMBC and Maryland Matters hosted state officials in Governor Wes Moore’s administration for a community forum on Maryland’s plan to address concerns related to climate change and the administration’s proposed green energy initiatives. Continue Reading UMBC, Maryland Matters host climate forum with top officials in Gov. Wes Moore’s administration

Several students sitting around an open lap top

U.S. News Best Graduate School rankings for 2023–24 name UMBC programs among best in the nation

Apr 25, 2023 / 3 minutes of reading

U.S. News announced its 2023-24 Best Graduate School rankings, highlighting UMBC graduate programs in a broad range of fields, from public policy and several types of engineering to mathematics and other sciences. Continue Reading U.S. News Best Graduate School rankings for 2023–24 name UMBC programs among best in the nation

UMBC student smiling while presenting research at URCAD 2023. (Marlayna Demond '11/UMBC)

Lighting design to flu treatment: UMBC students share research and creative work at URCAD 2023

Apr 20, 2023 / 10 minutes of reading

In 2020, Renata Taylor-Smith ‘24, theatre, eagerly prepared for her first trip to Munich, Germany to study theatrical lighting design, but a week before she was meant to fly to Germany, her trip was canceled due to COVID-19. She learned that the show she was working on would be postponed indefinitely. Discover how she pivoted to have a valuable research experience, recently shared at UMBC’s annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD 23023), where hundreds of students presented their work. Continue Reading Lighting design to flu treatment: UMBC students share research and creative work at URCAD 2023

Portrait of smiling Valerie Sheares Ashby; inside an academic building

Let’s celebrate! UMBC marks the inauguration of President Valerie Sheares Ashby with community events, April 18 – 27

Apr 14, 2023 / 4 minutes of reading

“These first…months have been energizing, inspiring, and joyful. The more people I meet, and the more I start to make connections, the more I love this place,” President Valerie Sheares Ashby says. Her Investiture ceremony on April 27 is a historic milestone in the life of the university, one not to be missed. Continue Reading Let’s celebrate! UMBC marks the inauguration of President Valerie Sheares Ashby with community events, April 18 – 27

Group of people gather to cut the ribbon for the opening of a new tutoring space.

Amid surging demand for computing education, UMBC initiatives boost student success

Apr 14, 2023 / 6 minutes of reading

UMBC recently opening a new space for the Computing Success Center, one of many UMBC initiatives that is boosting the success of diverse students in high-demand computing fields. Continue Reading Amid surging demand for computing education, UMBC initiatives boost student success

UMBC welcomes Tanyka M. Barber as vice president for institutional equity and chief diversity officer

Apr 14, 2023 / 4 minutes of reading

“Being a Maryland native, I was familiar with UMBC and its stellar academic and research reputation, and as I progressed through the hiring process, the genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion was evident,” says Tanyka M. Barber. “That is what confirmed for me that this was a place I wanted to be.” Continue Reading UMBC welcomes Tanyka M. Barber as vice president for institutional equity and chief diversity officer

Smiling student stands in front of academic building

UMBC’s Christopher Slaughter, engineering student with health equity focus, wins prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Feb 15, 2023 / 6 minutes of reading

Christopher Slaughter ’23, M31 computer engineering, has won a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue graduate work at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom next fall. “He exemplifies UMBC’s values and the Gates Cambridge vision of preparing leaders who demonstrate not only academic excellence, but also a deep commitment to improving the lives of others,” says UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby. Continue Reading UMBC’s Christopher Slaughter, engineering student with health equity focus, wins prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Black and gold flags sway in the wind on a summer day in front of a large library and pond in the sunlight.

UMBC’s Top Stories of 2022

Jan 6, 2023 / 7 minutes of reading

Just like the people that are part of our community, UMBC experienced a year of change, growth, and opportunity in 2022. Exciting achievements, transformative leadership, and groundbreaking research made this another year for the record books. Looking back at 2022, we’re reminded of all the reasons we’re proud to call UMBC home. Continue Reading UMBC’s Top Stories of 2022

UMBC graduates ready to embark on a bright future

Dec 22, 2022 / 4 minutes of reading

Temperatures may have been cold, but the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena was warmed by the cheers of congratulations for this year’s graduates. More than 800 undergraduate and graduate students turned their tassels this week during UMBC’s 79th Commencement Ceremonies. Continue Reading UMBC graduates ready to embark on a bright future