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Non-Linear Paths to Leadership

Oct 10, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

Francisco Cartagena describes his academic journey as unorthodox. Now an employee for the City of Gaithersburg, Cartagena started his educational path as an undocumented student. While charting numerous challenges, Cartagena ’19, political science, M.P.S. ’22, cybersecurity, also found ample opportunities for growth along the way, becoming an effective leader of social change at UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove. Cartagena arrived with his family from El Salvador as a preteen. In 2009, he graduated from high school and set out to Montgomery College to pursue his associate’s degree in general studies—a goal that would take him a decade to… Continue Reading Non-Linear Paths to Leadership

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U.S. News highlights UMBC’s national leadership in teaching, innovation, diversity

Sep 13, 2022 / 6 minutes of reading

The new 2022–23 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges undergraduate rankings illustrate why a record number of students chose to call UMBC home this fall. This year’s rankings show UMBC jumping an impressive 25 spots on the list of Best National Universities and appearing on several other prestigious lists, distinguishing the university’s achievements on a national stage. Continue Reading U.S. News highlights UMBC’s national leadership in teaching, innovation, diversity

A person with cropped blond hair, wearing a grey t-shirt, stands with their arms crossed over their stomach, looking seriously. Democracy.

Americans think they know a lot about politics – and it’s bad for democracy that they’re so often wrong in their confidence

Sep 2, 2022 / 6 minutes of reading

“In recent research, I studied how Americans’ perceptions of their own political knowledge shape their political attitudes,” says Ian Anson, associate professor of political science. “My results show that many Americans think they know much more about politics than they really do. Political overconfidence causes Americans to underestimate the political skill of their peers. And those who believe themselves to be political experts often dismiss the guidance of real experts.” Continue Reading Americans think they know a lot about politics – and it’s bad for democracy that they’re so often wrong in their confidence

A pregnant woman looks down at her belly. anti-abortion

Anti-abortion pregnancy centers will likely outlast the age of Roe – here’s how they’re funded and the services they provide

Jun 28, 2022 / 6 minutes of reading

The anti-abortion movement is often criticized as caring little about these matters. UMBC’s Laura Antkowiak, political science, who has studied the intersections of abortion and social welfare issues, I became intrigued by a large but little-known subset of anti-abortion activists who claimed to support women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Continue Reading Anti-abortion pregnancy centers will likely outlast the age of Roe – here’s how they’re funded and the services they provide

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Trump-endorsed candidates would generally win even without his support – and that’s usually the case with all political endorsements

Jun 17, 2022 / 5 minutes of reading

“As a political scientist who studies voting and public opinion, I have my doubts about the true power of Trump’s endorsements,” says Ian Anson, assistant professor of political science at UMBC. “Instead, it is more likely that most of the candidates Trump has chosen to endorse were already on track to win their respective races.” Continue Reading Trump-endorsed candidates would generally win even without his support – and that’s usually the case with all political endorsements

Advocate for self-discovery and inclusion

May 17, 2022 / 2 minutes of reading

Danylo Leshchyshyn ‘22, history and political science, came to UMBC hoping to receive the support he would need to succeed. He found it in the form of friendly staff members with Student Disability Services, and in strong connections he formed with other students. Continue Reading Advocate for self-discovery and inclusion

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A dancer’s discipline and dedication

May 12, 2022 / 2 minutes of reading

“I am driven by knowing that I can help future generations of my family explore what the world has to offer,” says Joshua Gray. “My work can open up opportunities for them and help them look at the world and their experiences in a different way.” Continue Reading A dancer’s discipline and dedication

An adult with short wavy hair wearing a dark blue suit poses in front of a tree. Rehman Liaqat.

Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic names UMBC’s Rehman Liaqat, human rights advocate, a 2022-23 Civic Fellow

May 11, 2022 / 9 minutes of reading

UMBC grad Rehman Liaqat is heading to Georgetown as a Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellow. He says, “I want to show future generations of Pakistani students all that is possible.” Continue Reading Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic names UMBC’s Rehman Liaqat, human rights advocate, a 2022-23 Civic Fellow

“Parenting in Privilege or Peril,” a new book by UMBC’s Pamela R. Bennett, explores barriers to the “American dream”

Apr 26, 2022 / 4 minutes of reading

The notion of the “American dream”—that hard work can lead to social and economic mobility—has existed in the United States for centuries, and it has been disputed for almost as long. Pamela Bennett’s new book takes on this idea. Bennett, associate professor of public policy, explores some of the social, educational, and economic factors that impact the decisions that middle- and working-class parents make in hopes that their children can attain the “American dream.” Continue Reading “Parenting in Privilege or Peril,” a new book by UMBC’s Pamela R. Bennett, explores barriers to the “American dream”

UMBC’s Haleemat Adekoya receives prestigious Truman Scholarship for education advocacy

Apr 14, 2022 / 6 minutes of reading

In addition to Haleemat Adekoya winning the Truman Scholarship, this is the second time that two UMBC students have been named finalists. “This national recognition highlights the fact that UMBC is indeed a magical place that fosters community leaders and passionate public servants, such as Haleemat,” says Rehman Liaqat ‘22, political science, a fellow finalist. Continue Reading UMBC’s Haleemat Adekoya receives prestigious Truman Scholarship for education advocacy

A man wearing a white dress shirt and a gray suit jacket smiles at the camera while standing in front of a wall with words with white letters.

UMBC’s Fernando Tormos-Aponte is named an Early Career Faculty Innovator for research on energy inequality

Dec 15, 2021 / 4 minutes of reading

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has named Fernando Tormos-Aponte, assistant professor of public policy and political science, an Early Career Faculty Innovator–one of 12 across the nation. He will partner with NCAR scientists to examine energy inequality in the wake of disasters, incorporating measures of social vulnerability. Continue Reading UMBC’s Fernando Tormos-Aponte is named an Early Career Faculty Innovator for research on energy inequality

A group of women standing outside a building talking.

Women leaders from UMBC, Morgan State, and UMD receive $3M Mellon grant to diversify senior leadership in higher ed

Nov 18, 2021 / 8 minutes of reading

“This experienced team of diverse senior leaders has an opportunity to create a structural answer to elevate diverse leaders from the arts and humanities,” says project PI Kimberly Moffitt, UMBC’s interim dean of CAHSS. “This will enable faculty to apply distinct knowledge, skills, and perspectives to address our communities’ needs as leaders at their respective institutions.” Continue Reading Women leaders from UMBC, Morgan State, and UMD receive $3M Mellon grant to diversify senior leadership in higher ed

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