Major: Psychology
Minors: Entrepreneurship, Social Welfare
Hometown: Baltimore County, MD
High School: Perry Hall High School
Blending Psychology, Storytelling, and Social Impact
Mary Rose Khamfong, a psychology major at UMBC with minors in entrepreneurship and social welfare, is determined to make well-being science accessible to all. Born in Baltimore County and a graduate of Perry Hall High School, she’s building a future grounded in education, digital storytelling, and purpose-driven content creation.
Her goal? To become a digital content creator who creates meaningful, accessible resources that help people grow, heal, and thrive.
Empowering Others Through Research and Mentorship
During her time at UMBC, Mary served as a McNair teaching fellow and a writing fellow for the psychology department and the Writing Center. In these roles, she mentored first-generation and underrepresented students in academic writing, professional development, and graduate school preparation. She also led workshops on personal branding and reflective writing, thoughtfully incorporating principles of positive psychology and well-being throughout her work.
“These roles allowed me to support students from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to achieve their goals,” she reflects. “Helping others build confidence, refine their narratives, and take ownership of their futures reaffirmed my calling—to uplift others by supporting their holistic well-being.”
Hands-On Research for Real-World Change
Mary’s academic journey took her beyond the classroom. At Brown University, she participated in a prestigious summer research program, conducting a review of long-term services in the veteran healthcare system. At UMBC, she collaborated on a civic storytelling curriculum for Latinx youth through the Interdisciplinary CoLab.
In both roles, she applied psychology to address social inequities, sharpen her communication skills, and deliver impactful presentations at national research conferences.
She earned national recognition through the APIA Scholars Community Service & Leadership Award, a competitive $10,000 scholarship honoring her dedication to service and educational equity.
A UMBC Journey Rooted in Growth and Connection
Mary’s college experience was as much about relationships as it was about academics. Living on campus gave her the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and form deep connections with fellow students, mentors, and faculty.
““The best part of my UMBC experience has been the blend of adventure, building relationships, and having the space to grow,” she says. “These connections will outlast even some of the academic knowledge I’ve gained.”
Looking Ahead
Mary is now focused on creating digital platforms that promote holistic well-being across physical, emotional, financial, relational, and cultural dimensions. By combining evidence-based research with authentic storytelling, she aims to give others the tools they need to build better, more fulfilling lives.
“I don’t just want to create content—I want it to have a purpose and to work,” she says. “There’s science that answers how to live a good life. That knowledge needs to be shared, and I want to be the one who shares it.”