All posts by: UMBC News Staff

Manil Suri, Mathematics, Writes New York Times Op-Ed

On Tuesday, November 4, The New York Times published an op-ed written by Mathematics Professor Manil Suri that urges India’s government to see discrimination as both an economic and moral problem.

ManilSuriHeadShot

In the column, Suri writes about Apple CEO Tim Cook’s coming-out essay in Bloomberg Businessweek and an unidentified 32-year-old engineer for the Indian software company Infosys, who as Suri writes, “faces a much bleaker future,” than Cook. Cook’s essay established him as the first openly gay C.E.O. of a Fortune 500 company. “The announcement generated considerable optimism that with his influence and visibility he would be a force for far-reaching advocacy in years to come,” Suri wrote. The 32-year-old Indian man was arrested under Section 377 of India’s penal code, which makes homosexual conduct punishable by prison.

“If India wants to become a true global powerhouse, its government should begin to see discrimination as an economic problem, as well as a moral one,” Suri writes. “Mr. Cook has characterized writing his essay as laying a brick for justice. Now we need political leaders bold enough to lay the rest of the path, so that millions of others like him can normalize their lives and explore their full potential.”

To read the full column titled “Exposing the ‘Bagalore Techie,'” click here.

Anne Rubin, History, Publishes Through the Heart of Dixie: Sherman’s March and American Memory

Through the Heart of DixieAnne Rubin, an associate professor of history, has been presenting a series of talks throughout the fall while on sabbatical. She has been discussing her new book, Through the Heart of Dixie: Sherman’s March and American Memory (UNC Press 2014). In the book, Rubin analyzes stories and myths about Sherman’s March, one of the most symbolically potent events of the Civil War, as a lens for examining how Americans’ ways of thinking about the Civil War have changed over time.

Rubin is scheduled to appear on WYPR’s Humanities Connection on November 27 to discuss her interactive online storytelling project, “Mapping Memory: Digitizing Sherman’s March to the Sea.” She will also be presenting a Humanities Forum event at UMBC on December 2 discussing her work. For more information, click here. Earlier in the fall, Rubin was quoted in a Washington Post article about Sherman’s March and provided insight on Sherman’s strategy. To read the full article, click here.

A complete list of talks presented by Rubin can be found below:

September
18-21: Flair Symposium in Austin, TX
23: Atlanta History Center

October
12: Southern Festival of the Book
20: Talk at George Mason University
22: Talk at Villanova University

November
1: Reading at Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C.
7: Talk in Augusta, GA
12: Talk in Milledgeville, GA
13-16: Southern Historical Association in Atlanta

December
2: Talk at UMBC
9: Filson Historical Society, Louisville

January
21: Talk at UT Chattanooga

February
16-17: Conference on Sherman in Columbia, SC

Felipe Filomeno, Political Science, Op-Ed in the Council on Hemispheric Affairs

Felipe FilomenoThe Council on Hemispheric Affairs, based in Washington, D.C., recently published an op-ed by Felipe Filomeno, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, about recent events in Brazilian politics.

In the column, Filomeno argues that the tight victory of President Dilma Rousseff in her bid for another term and the election of a more conservative parliament signal the exhaustion of Lulismo as a mode of governing and strategy of national development. He writes that the Workers’ Party (PT) now faces the challenge of forging new connections with the civil society to promote progressive changes in a context of economic difficulties and political polarization.

“Now, either the PT will be able to turn the difficult elections of 2014 into a ‘labor pain’ from which a new social pact for development could emerge, or it will see a revitalized President Rousseff immobilized in the face of stronger conservative forces waiting for a new ‘interrupted construction,’” Filomeno writes.

To read the full column titled “Brazilian Elections: Labor Pain?” click here.

Robert Provine, Psychology, in Vox and on Today.com

In an article published October 31 on Vox.com, Psychology Professor Robert Provine was quoted extensively about his research on hiccups and the evolution of behavior. He discussed how there’s little scientific knowledge about hiccups and how they are difficult to study.

Robert Provine

“We still don’t know what hiccups do, and our cure for them hasn’t improved since Plato,” said Provine. “You can’t just go into the lab and ask someone to hiccup for you.”

Provine also discussed holding breath as a possible cure for intractable hiccups. “You’re blocking the motor pattern as well as leading to a buildup of carbon dioxide,” he said.

In an article published on Today.com discussing a recent episode of “The Tonight Show” in which Bradley Cooper and Jimmy Fallon couldn’t control their laughter throughout a ten-minute interview, Provine was quoted from a 2010 interview he participated in with NBC News.

“All laughter is unconscious,” he said. “You do not choose to laugh the way you choose to speak.” The article also cites Provine by stating: “And laughter and humor aren’t as closely tied as people might think. Babies laugh without understanding a joke or that knowing that pratfalls are hilarious, according to Provine.”

To read full versions of both articles, click below:
The mysterious science of hiccups: Why we get them and how to stop them (Vox)
This is why Jimmy Fallon and Bradley Cooper couldn’t stop giggling (Today.com)

Alums in the News: Bailey, Walker

Here at UMBC, we take pride in what our alums accomplish after graduation. Take a moment to see which Retrievers have been on the move and making news!

bailey

Baltimore’s Fort McHenry recently celebrated the 200th- anniversary of the “Star Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key in September 1814. Jim Bailey ’03 and ’08 M.A., history, took part in the festivity by portraying Major George Armistead, the fort’s commanding officer. Dressed in uniform, Bailey played his role and told history’s story, patrolling around the fort with thousands of children watching. Read the full article.

Brittany-Walker

Brittany Walker ’12, sociology, was one of the first to train as a peer leader for Upward Bound at UMBC, a program which helps high school students with low-income families to prepare for college. Working as a mentor gives the mentor leadership skills and proves the younger students someone who can give them guidance. Walker now works there as a full-time academic advisor. Upward Bound is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. See the complete story.

Have a story of your own to share? Submit a class note.

UMBC Political Science and Public Policy Faculty Provide National, State, and Local Election Analysis

Several UMBC faculty have been in the news providing 2014 midterm election analysis.

Tom Schaller

Thomas Schaller, Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department, appeared on MSNBC’s “All in with Chris Hayes,” to analyze the election results and discuss how Republican control in Congress could affect legislation in the future. In addition, Schaller co-wrote a column for Politico Magazine before the election in which he discussed pre-election polls of Latino voters and how they could have an affect in predicting the outcome in Colorado’s Senate race. Schaller was quoted in a Washington Post story before the election discussing how the Maryland gubernatorial race turned unexpectedly close in the days leading up to Election Day.

Political Science Professor and Chair Thomas Schaller wrote a column in the Baltimore Sun in which he analyzed the results in Maryland’s gubernatorial election. He noted that Governor-Elect Larry Hogans’s victory was, “less about turnout than a conversion of the Maryland electorate.” Schaller discussed his column on WYPR’s “Midday with Dan Rodricks” (begins at 23:40) and WBAL’s “The C4 Show.”

Race had a role in Hogan’s win (Baltimore Sun op-ed) 
Midday with Dan Rodricks (WYPR)
The C4 Show (WBAL- audio not posted)

Roy Meyers (UMBC)

Donald Norris, Professor and Chair of Public Policy, provided live election night analysis on WJZ-TV. To watch a clip of Norris discussing the Maryland governor’s race and candidate campaign strategy, click here. The day before the election, Norris also appeared on WJZ discussing how voter turnout could affect the race. Norris was interviewed by the Washington Post and commented on how political attitudes nationwide could have affected the election outcome in Maryland. He also discussed gerrymandering and its affect on Maryland congressional races. In the Baltimore Sun, Norris commented on the importance of Baltimore County in the election. In Politico Magazine, Norris talked about campaign strategies in the governor’s race.

Public Policy Professor and Chair Donald Norris was interviewed for a Washington Post article in which he commented on how the Congressional elections will affect Maryland: “’It’s going to be a really ugly two years’ for Maryland, said Norris. In particular, he said, federal funding for the Chesapeake Bay cleanup will likely be at risk. Republicans may also do their best to blunt federal regulations governing the bay environment.”

With new Congress, D.C. Region is Losing Clout (Washington Post)

Donald Norris UMBC

Political Science Professor Roy Meyers was quoted in Grist and discussed Maryland’s stormwater management fee. He stated, “there’s no way to reduce your tax burden if you come up with ways of mitigating stormwater runoff at your home.” Meaning, for example, if you install equipment in your roof that captures the rain, preventing runoff, you still have to pay the stormwater fee.

Was the shocking outcome of Maryland’s gubernatorial race about rain, or something else? (Grist)

Tyson King-Meadows

Tyson King-Meadows, Chair of the Africana Studies Department and Associate Professor of Political Science, was quoted in a Salt Lake Tribune article and discussed a political study in Utah that he conducted with colleagues at Brigham Young University on racial attitudes and campaign messaging.

Mia Love: Utahns care little about race (Salt Lake Tribune)”>Political Science Professor and Chair Thomas Schaller wrote a column in the Baltimore Sun in which he analyzed the results in Maryland’s gubernatorial election. He noted that Governor-Elect Larry Hogans’s victory was, “less about turnout than a conversion of the Maryland electorate.” Schaller discussed his column on WYPR’s “Midday with Dan Rodricks” (begins at 23:40) and WBAL’s “The C4 Show.”

Events to Be Thankful For

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims! And excellent UMBC events happening in November.

Victoria-Gastro2

CYA Happy Hour Fundraiser
November 19,6 – 8 p.m.
Victoria Gastro Pub
8201 Snowden River Pkwy Columbia, MD 21045

The Chapter of Young Alumni (CYA) will be hosting a happy hour fundraiser at Victoria Gastro Pub on November 19! 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the 10th Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, a prestigious event benefiting the UMBC Alumni Association Scholarship. Please make sure to print and bring this flier with you!

Bus Trip to the Professional ISSA
November 19, 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to network with professionals and learn about cryptology! The bus will depart from UMBC Lot 4 at 5 p.m. and arrive at Parsons where you will have the opportunity to give your resume to over 30 local professionals looking for employees. There will also be a speaker, Katrice Lewis, who will discuss networking. This event focuses on job opportunities for those in the IS or Computer Science fields. Register now!

john kador

Webinar: Master the Art and Science of Interviewing December 3, 8 – 9 p.m.

Studies show the average job seeker will go through 16 interviews before getting a job offer! Join John Kador, author of 301 Best Questions to ASK on Your Interview, to learn how you can improve your chance of landing a job. This webinar will allow you to walk away with the confidence needed to secure a job by gaining control of the interview process. You will learn:

  • How to impressively answer the question, “Is there anything you’d like to ask us?”
  • The behaviors hiring managers are looking for in candidates.
  • Dozens of helpful tips you can use at an interview to make you more memorable than your competitors.

To participate, please register here.

Check out our full calendar of alumni events.

The Hilltop Institute Celebrates 20 Years of Service

Hilltop_Institute2014-0746

On October 23, The Hilltop Institute celebrated 20 years of service with “A Look Ahead: the Next 20 Years in Federal and State Health Policy,” an event featuring talks by national and regional health policy experts and a well-attended reception.

Hilltop_Institute2014-0603

Keynote speaker Bruce Vladeck drew on his experiences as the Senior Advisor for Nexera and former Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to provide an overview of how the next 20 years of health policy could impact the nation.

David Salkever, public policy, spoke about the availability of information and how it could impact consumer choice and physician recommendations, while Judah Ronch, Erickson School, discussed the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the health care delivery system. Jonathan Weiner, professor of health policy and management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and professor of health informatics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, examined the use of electronic health records and how health information technology can improve care and efficiency.

Click here to read more about the event and watch a video of the program.

UMBC: TEDxUMBC Takes Flight

TEDxUMBC Takes Flight

Community voices inform and inspire UMBC through first TEDx event on campus.

While staying at a hotel during a conference in 2007, Kimberly Moffitt came across a key card with a phrase on it that caught her eye: “Walk in like you own the place.” The words struck her so much that she requested another key card with the same phrase on it to take home to her two children.

Seven years later, Moffitt, an associate professor of American studies, points to the phrase as inspiration for founding a charter school for boys in Baltimore and used it as the basis for her talk at TEDxUMBC.

Sondheim Scholar Rebecca Behnke ’15, dance and social work, and Niranjani Chidamber ’15, political science, brought TEDx to UMBC for the first time this fall. TEDx events are local, self-organized programs built on the TED vision of sharing “Ideas Worth Spreading” through informative and inspiring talks.

After applying for and receiving a TED license in October 2013, Chidamber and Behnke teamed up with the Honors College and Interdisciplinary Studies Department to develop a theme — “Reaching New Heights” — and solicited speakers for the event. As the process moved forward, the organizers gained support from the Graduate Student Association, BreakingGround, the Social Work Program and the Alex Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.

“TED has a large global presence and UMBC is up-and-coming and has so many innovative faculty and students,” says Chidamber. “I think it was a good platform to showcase the university, the people and ideas that are around campus.”

Clearly, UMBC was ready for TEDx. Tickets sold out in a single day, prompting the organizers to plan a livecast in a second location.

Selected from dozens of applicants, ten speakers representing UMBC faculty, staff, students, and the local community participated in TEDxUMBC. They discussed topics ranging from a visual representation of Baltimore circa 1815 to finding mathematical ideas in unlikely places.

Moffitt discussed her involvement in founding the Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys, a public charter school opening next year to serve boys in grades 4 through 12. The school will provide academic programs and a full host of support services to students and families, including social workers, school psychologists, and a collegiate fellows program to connect students with mentors.

During her talk, Moffitt explained that she became involved in the school not as an educator or a researcher, but as a parent concerned with her son’s classroom experiences as he moved beyond the early elementary years. She sees the school as an opportunity to cultivate a supportive educational space for her child and other young boys across Baltimore City.

After her presentation, Moffitt shared how powerful it was for her to discuss the charter school in the context of TEDxUMBC’s theme. “So many people at UMBC are taking on projects and connecting to Baltimore City because they are attempting to ‘Reach New Heights,’” she observes. “It affirms so much of what we are already doing.”

Speakers interpreted this theme —“Reaching New Heights”— in many different ways. Lee Blaney, assistant professor of chemical and biochemical engineering, described a water sanitation project in Kenya, and how engaging American and Kenyan students in this work is what will make it have a broad, lasting impact. Yoo-Jin Kang ’15, modern languages and linguistics and interdisciplinary studies, advocated for improving education about relationship violence to make sure our community is one that fulfills the promise of effectively supporting all students. UMBC’s first environmental sustainability coordinator, Tanvi Gadhia ’09, geography and environmental systems, spoke about empowering ourselves and others to live more sustainably in a world that faces serious challenges.

“So much of what we do at UMBC that makes us successful bubbles up,” Moffitt reflects. “It’s not coming from the top down. It generally is faculty, staff, and students who are thinking about how to do things differently, to make things better, and to impact change. And then they decide to start working on it.”

See the UMBC Facebook page for photos of TEDxUMBC.

(11/3/2014)

UMBC Undergraduate Research Conference a Success

UMBC held its 17th annual undergraduate research symposium on October 25.
This event was open to students from outside UMBC, with participants coming from Maryland universities and colleges, as well as participants coming from as far away as Massachusetts and Alabama.
The conference was by all accounts a tremendous success with 500 participants from 16 states.

Penny Rheingans on Tech Firms Offering Egg Freezing as a Benefit

Penny Rheingans, a professor in computer science and electrical engineering, talks with the BBC about the benefit that some tech companies are now offering women — paying for female employees to freeze eggs.

Rheingans tell the BBC, “my initial reaction is negative.”

She says that the companies are suggesting that, “their culture and work expectations might be incompatible with raising a family.”

Furthermore, she says, “they’re saying to women that they should wait to have those babies until the company is done with their technically productive years.”

Listen to the complete interview

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