We are excited to share the astounding success of multiple CBEE teams who competed in intellectual competitions at the AIChE 2024 Mid-Atlantic Student Conference April 6-7, 2024 at UMBC. 

UMBC teams, consisting of chemical engineering majors,placed first place in both the ChemE Jeopardy and Chem-E-Car competitions. Thus, both teams earned a spot in the national competition at the 2024 AIChE Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA in October. 

ChemE Jeopardy 

ChemE Jeopardy is a trivia competition that utilizes questions from Chemical Engineering undergraduate coursework. Teams compete at regional competitions to earn a spot in the national competition held during AIChE’s annual meeting.

Two UMBC teams competed at the AIChE 2024 Mid-Atlantic Student Conference. UMBC Team #1 won first place in the competition. With the first place in by UMBC Team #1, UMBC will compete in the National ChemE Jeopardy competition for the fifth year in a row. 

UMBC Team #2 made it to the semifinals but narrowly missed a spot in the final by 100 points. We are so proud of Team #2 strong showing during their first competition together. 

UMBC Team # 1: 

• Ethan Banks, chemical engineering, traditional track ‘24
• Colin Jones (Jeopardy Chair), chemical engineering, biotechnology and bioengineering track ‘25
• Paul Loberg - chemical engineering, biotechnology and bioengineering track ‘24
• Pavan Umashankar chemical engineering, biotechnology and bioengineering track ‘25

UMBC Team #2:

• Jacob Craft, chemical engineering, environmental engineering track
• Joshua Lewis, chemical engineering, biotechnology and bioengineering track
• Dylan Hildt, chemical engineering, traditional track
• Jonathan Wu, chemical engineering, traditional track

Chem-E-Car

Chem-E-Car is a design and construction competition where teams develop small-scale automobiles that operate by chemical means, along with a poster describing their research. Each aspect of the competition is judged and awarded separately. During the poster presentations the team members explain the chemical engineering principles behind the design and the construction of the team’s car with the use of visualization on the poster. During the competition, teams must drive their car a fixed distance. One hour prior to the beginning of the first run, teams are informed of the specific distance and the payload for the competition. Each team is given two runs for their car. The teams are judged based on the closest to the finish line. 

UMBC’s Chem-E-Car team, VoltsMaxxing, won the Chem-E-Car competition and placed 3rd in the poster presentations. During the Chem-E-Car competition the team’s car stopped 1.3 m away from the target distance of 24.8 m. This is UMBC’s first Chem-E-Car win and only the second year UMBC competed in Chem-E-Car. 

VoltsMaxxing team members: 

• Afrah Ahmed, chemical engineering
• Jacob Craft, chemical engineering, environmental engineering track
• Michael Dinan, environmental engineering 
• Dylan Hildt, chemical engineering, traditional track
• Danny Miranda, chemical engineering, traditional track 
• David Ni, chemical engineering, traditional track
• Jemma Przybocki, chemical engineering, biotechnology and bioengineering track
• Ben Welling (Chem-E-car Captain), chemical engineering, environmental engineering track 
• Jonathan Wu chemical engineering, traditional track

In addition to the amazing achievements of our students, we must also acknowledge the efforts of Dr. Neha Raikar, who worked closely with the teams in preparation for the competitions. 

Congratulations to Nelanne Bolima, ‘24 chemical engineering, biotechnology & bioengineering track, the president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) student chapter and the leadership team of NSBE on receiving the Organization of the Year Award. UMBC’s Office of Student Affairs recognized NSBE during the annual end of the year event, CelebratingOrgs which honors and recognizes student organizations for their valuable work at UMBC. 

Recently, the NSBE chapter at UMBC, under the leadership of Nelanne Bolima and Conference Planning Chair Jean-Thierry Klassou, attended the NSBE50 Annual Convention in Atlanta, GA. During the convention, UMBC actively participated in both the Academic Tech Bowl and the Technical Research Competition. Their exceptional contributions and dedication were recognized with the prestigious R2 Membership Zone Award, highlighting their significant growth, engagement, and impact within the NSBE community.

Organization of the Year Award Description - The Student Organization of the Year award is presented to an organization that has made a significant effort to further its purpose through its contribution to the UMBC community. This award recognizes the student organization that has demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance through its activities and programs. Furthermore, the organization embodies the UMBC spirit through its commitment to leadership development, collaboration among groups, and programmatic efforts to enhance the quality of campus life at UMBC. The Student Organization of the Year is considered a role model for other organizations on our campus.

Read more about NSBE’s success 

Read more about Nelanne’s research in Dr. Mark Marten’s lab: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee/posts/133755

An Dang ’24: A chemical engineer who helped pull off a big student conference

By: Catherine Meyers | Published: May 21, 2024 | UMBC NEWS

An Dang ’24, chemical engineering, an international student from Vietnam, arrived at UMBC in 2021 as a transfer student from Montgomery College. When switching colleges, she also switched majors: from biology to chemical engineering. She quickly became involved in activities in the Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering and this year helped the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) pull together a major student conference for the first time. 

Q: What drew you to UMBC?

A: I talked to Mark Marten, the chair of the Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering (CBEE), and I got the sense that the department is small and they really support their students. That caring environment is what I wanted. It’s also, honestly, an affordable option.

Q: Who were some of your mentors?

A: I’m working in the lab of Lee Blaney, one of the environmental engineering professors. He’s my research advisor and really helped me navigate the process of applying to grad school. In the fall, I’m going to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to pursue my Ph.D. And Neha Raikar, a senior lecturer in the department, devotes so much of her time to making sure students are supported. She’s like a motherly figure for a lot of us.

Q: What clubs and activities were you involved in?

A: I was a CBEE student ambassador. We went to high schools and community colleges to advertise the department and answer student questions. I’m also involved in the AIChE student chapter. At first I was the service chair and I mostly helped with planning K-12 outreach events. This year, we hosted the AIChE Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference and I was on the planning committee. I was in charge of corporate and university relations—I helped secure sponsors for the conference, and made sure we had funding.

Q: What were some of the skills you developed serving in these roles?

A: I’m not an extrovert, and being in these roles forced me to go out of my comfort zone. I learned how to speak professionally with people in higher positions, so they take me seriously, and maybe even want to give us money. The other big thing I realized is that no matter how well I prepare, sometimes things will go wrong, and that’s okay. We all need to give ourselves grace.

Q: How did it feel to host a big conference?

A: It was a lot of hard work! The student organizers spent a lot of time together, and we really got to know each other well and develop close relationships. There are only 28 people from the department in my graduating class, and many of them are in AIChE. When the conference went well, it felt great!

Q: What other places did you find community at UMBC?

A: I am an international student, and I worked for International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). I got to know some of the staff in the office really well. One problem that I ran into while I was here is that I lost my social security card. I had a lot of challenges getting a new one because there was a mix-up in the social security office with my middle and first name. ISSS helped me write a very good letter to justify my case, and I finally got my card. I’m very grateful that I got that help from them because it’s an important piece of documentation.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I’m continuing in chemical engineering and plan to go to grad school to study catalysis engineering, which is studying how to speed up chemical reactions. I’d like to work in industry, particularly in the field of renewable energy. Anything that helps with the environment—that’s what I want to focus on.

Photo credit: An Dang (Marlayna Demond '11/UMBC)

Congratulations to the AIChE Student Chapter on receiving the Event of the Year Winner during UMBC Office of Student Affairs annual end of the year event, CelebratingOrgs which honors and recognizes student organizations for their valuable work at UMBC. 

Event of the Year Winner - AIChE Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

Event of the Year Award Description - While events are made to better the UMBC community and celebrate our grit and greatness as a campus, the events made by student organizations are like no other. Student organization events celebrate the diversity of our cultures and beliefs, educate the community, and provide a space to unwind from the stress of the school year. This award recognizes the student organization for the Event of the Year. 

AIChE Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference details - As the premier chemical engineering student conference in the region, this event brought over 350 attendees from 30+ different universities and industry sponsors to the UMBC campus. While the conference is geared toward undergraduate students, the conference hosted several graduate students, post-docs, faculty and staff, and industry professionals. The conference was a hub for extensive student networking, professional development opportunities, and friendly competition. Specifically, the event included a career fair alongside several industry-sponsored workshops and keynote addresses which helped attendees build their networks and shape their careers. A committee of 13 undergraduate students planned the event, which allowed numerous students to gain invaluable leadership and project management experience. These students worked tirelessly to connect with and coordinate the efforts of numerous UMBC departments and services including the CBEE Department (Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering), COEIT College of Engineering and Information Technology), OIA (Office of Institutional Advancement), Career Center, UMBC Graduate School, and ECS (Event and Conference Services). Through these efforts, over $60,000 in total was raised. 

Committee Members: 

Sponsorship & Funding Sub-Chair                      Raey Hunde

Corporate & University Relations Sub-Chair      An Dang

Corporate & University Relations Sub-Chair      Danny Sebrosky

ChemE Car Sub-Chair                                         Afrah Ahmed

ChemE Car Sub-Chair                                         Ahmed Al-Anesi

ChemE Car Sub-Chair                                         Jacob Craft

ChemE Jeopardy Sub-Chair                               Anh Bui

Workshops Sub-Chair                                         Nelanne Bolima

Workshops Sub-Chair                                         Meredith Morse

Research Presentations Sub-Chair                   Sarah Yoda

Logistics Sub-Chair                                            John Velkey

Communications Sub-Chair                               Terra Miley

Committee Chair                                                 Pavan Umashankar

Congratulations to Nathaniel Glover, ’25 chemical engineering, biotechnology and bioengineering track on receiving the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship! Nathaniel's dedication to research and innovation shines through in his work on developing a dual-phase steel to combat hydrogen embrittlement. As a Meyerhoff Scholar, Nathaniel exemplifies UMBC's commitment to fostering excellence in STEM fields.

UMBC's remarkable streak of producing Goldwater Scholars for the fifth consecutive year reflects the university's unwavering support for student success. With 31 Goldwater Scholars since 2005, UMBC continues to stand out as a leader in undergraduate research and scholarship.

Nathaniel's experience in the lab of C. Cem Taşan at MIT, coupled with mentorship from Dr. Kyung-Shik Kim, has undoubtedly shaped his journey and prepared him for future endeavors. We're thrilled to see Nathaniel's passion and hard work recognized with this prestigious scholarship, which will undoubtedly propel him towards a bright future in academia and beyond.

Here's to Nathaniel Glover and UMBC's continued tradition of excellence in research and scholarship! 

Nelanne Bolima, ‘24 chemical engineering, biotechnology & bioengineering track was honored as the Black Undergraduate Student of the Year award by the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO). This recognition emphasizes Nelanne's dedication to excellence and her significant contributions to the community.

In her gratitude, Nelanne extends heartfelt thanks to her peers, mentors, and the BGSO and NSBE community for their unwavering support and inspiration. Motivated by this honor, Nelanne pledges to continue striving for excellence and making positive impacts.

Read more about Nelanne’s research in Dr. Mark Marten’s lab: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee/posts/133755

Watch: A recap of URCAD 2024

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. 

With excitement and energy in the air of the University Center, undergraduate students—many accompanied by faculty mentors—presented a broad range of research and creative projects to peers, family, friends, and inquiring minds of all kinds. The day included a film festival, interactive video game demonstrations, musical performances, a photography and painting exhibition, as well as poster board and oral presentations from students across colleges. 

Among this year’s group of presenters was Chiad Onyeje ’24, chemical engineering, who explained the research he’s worked on for nearly three years to develop “spherical shells that we can use as internal Band-Aids” he said in this URCAD 2024 recap video. 

“URCAD is different from any other presentations that I’ve been able to give on my research thus far. It really felt like a celebration in comparison,” said Onyeje. “I could go in, have a good time, talk about my research to interested parties, and share why I love this project so much—because it can help people.”

Congratulations to all CBEE students who participated in the URCAD 2024!

Read more about all CBEE participants: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee/posts/141053

Ariel Wilson-Gray, ‘26 chemical engineering - biotechnology & bioengineering track, 

When did you do your Internship?

Summer 2023

Where was your Internship?

Purdue University with Dr. Tamara Kinzer-Ursem

What is the focus of your Internship?

Optimizing Antibody Conjugation using F-C Specific Oligonucleotides

What are you looking forward to the most about your Internship? 

Before I started, I was most excited to step foot in a real lab and work on projects on my own.

What was the best part of your Internship OR What was the biggest learning moment of your Internship ?

As this was my first internship, the graduate student I worked with was very accommodating and I was able to learn a lot of new techniques including gel-electrophoresis, western blot, and NanoDrop.

What advice do you have for students who are interested in getting involved in research or an internship?

Go for it! Even if the topic is not exactly what you’re interested in, the experience can help hone your interest and maybe introduce a new one.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

NOBCChE, ChewMBC, NSBE, AIChE

What are your goals after graduation?

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Learn more about Ariel Wilson-Gray: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-wilson-gray-428646236/

The UMBC LSAMP 2022-2023 Annual Report highlights involvement in the UMBC LOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION (LSAMP) program. LSAMP participants have access to individualized advising, campus workshops, funded research experiences, and national and international conferences to strengthen their STEM identity and promote entry into top graduate programs. 

We want to specifically celebrate the achievements of those pursuing their bachelors of science in chemical engineering and the departmental faculty supporting their efforts. 

ANNUAL BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE FOR MINORITIZED STUDENTS (ABRCMS) (Page 11)

Name| Major| Topic | Faculty Advisor

Evalynn Ellison | Chemical Engineering | Molecular Biotechnology | Dr. Brandon DeKosky

Ariel Wilson-Gray | Chemical Engineering | Bioengineering | Dr. Tamara Kinzer-Ursem 

SUMMER 2023 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (Page 27)

Name and Class | Major |Topic| Faculty Mentor | University

Nhyira Ghunney ‘24 | Biological Sciences | Tissue Engineering | Dr. Erin Lavik | UMBC 

Amaya Johnson ‘25 | Biological Sciences | Tissue Engineering | Dr. Erin Lavik | UMBC

CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATING FELLOWS AND POST-GRADUATION PLANS (Page 34-35)

Joana Hernandez Chemical Engineering Prospective Graduate Student

Diego Iglesias Vega Chemical Engineering Graduate Student at MIT

Rachel Myers Chemical Engineering PhD Student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology