Undergraduate Research

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

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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

Two women smiling, standing in front of bookshelf, holding scenic landscape paintings.

Office Hours with President Sheares Ashby and URCAD student artist

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During her office hours, President Valerie Sheares Ashby makes it a point to meet weekly with students and hear about their UMBC experiences and their aspirations for life after UMBC. Today, Jenna Beshara, a senior English and visual arts double major, shares her Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) project with the president. Beshara, who spent last summer on a study abroad program in Wales, painted a series of Welsh watercolor landscapes with paints she made herself using only natural ingredients. In this excerpt of their conversation, she and President Sheares Ashby discuss the importance of pursuing art and research through a sustainability lens. Continue Reading Office Hours with President Sheares Ashby and URCAD student artist

Three college students who are wearing suits smiling at the camera on UMBC's campus. Students are 2024 Goldwater Scholarship recipients.

UMBC students receive prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for fifth consecutive year

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For the fifth consecutive year, multiple UMBC students have been awarded a Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Gabriel Otubu ’25, biochemistry, Nathaniel Glover ’25, chemical engineering, and Samuel Barnett ’25, biochemistry, were recently named among the 2024 Goldwater Scholars recipients, joining UMBC’s growing list of students to receive this prestigious research scholarship. Continue Reading UMBC students receive prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for fifth consecutive year

Student holding object that is a part of her research. Student is talking to a visitor of UMBC's Undergraduate Research Day.

Watch: A recap of URCAD 2024

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UMBC’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) returned earlier this month for its 28th year, bringing together more than 400 student presenters and the broader university community for a day filled with posters, performances, demonstrations, and much more.  Continue Reading Watch: A recap of URCAD 2024

a glass vial with fruit flies inside and about a dozen eppendorf flasks on a black countertop; many more vials in a red plastic holder in the background, and more eppendorf flasks in a teal container.

First Roth Research Award recipient broadens horizons after summer research experience

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Inioluwa Oluseyi has wanted to be a neurosurgeon as long as she can remember. She didn’t anticipate how much fly husbandry would play a role in her reaching her goal. Summer research with Fernando Vonhoff, funded by a new scholarship, has given her opportunities to excel. Continue Reading First Roth Research Award recipient broadens horizons after summer research experience

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Mentors help students grow their research skills, from fieldwork in Puerto Rico to labs at UMBC

/ 4 minutes of reading

Ellie Bare completed multiple projects with Kevin Omland’s research group, gaining valuable leadership and research skills that will support her future success. “Dr. Omland encourages that in his undergrads, which is really special,” Bare says. “He’s really supportive of undergrads getting the full research experience.” Continue Reading Mentors help students grow their research skills, from fieldwork in Puerto Rico to labs at UMBC

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