UMBC’s Lavik and team develop new approach to stop bleeding Excerpt from "UMBC’s Lavik and Bieberich develop new approach to nanoparticles that stop internal bleeding"

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | NOVEMBER 23, 2021 | MEGAN HANKS


When a person experiences a trauma that leads to significant bleeding, the first few minutes are critical. It’s important that they receive intravenous medication quickly to control the bleeding, but delivering the medication at the right rate can prove challenging. Slower infusions can cause fewer negative reactions, but the medication might not work fast enough, particularly in the case of a serious trauma. 

Four UMBC researchers have developed a unique way of modifying the surfaces of nanoparticles within these life-saving medications to provide infusions that can be delivered more quickly, but with a reduced risk of negative reactions. Infusion reactions can cause a range of symptoms, such as rashes and inflammatory responses. This can include anaphylaxis, a life-threatening respiratory failure. Up until this point, the seriousness of these reactions has limited the use of promising nanomedicines, and reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions could be game-changing. 

The core of the issue

In a paper recently published in Nano Letters, Erin Lavik, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering; Chuck Bieberich, professor of biological sciences; Nuzhat Maisha, Ph.D. ‘21, chemical engineering; and Michael Rubenstein, M.S. ‘14, Ph.D. ‘22, biological sciences, discuss their novel approach to the research. They focused on the core material of the nanoparticles delivered to patients. 

“We found that using a polyurethane core reduced the markers associated with infusion reactions,” explains Lavik, who is also the associate dean for research and faculty development in UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology. 

Currently, 7% of people experience infusion reactions, the authors note in their paper. “These reactions…limit the treatments available in a substantial portion of patients,” they explain.

“We, like most of the field, have spent a lot of time trying to modify the surfaces of nanoparticles to modulate the reaction,” says Lavik. She shares that while that approach does help to a degree, going a step further by changing the core material appears to have a greater impact. 

The research conducted by Lavik, Bieberich, and their colleagues lays the groundwork for future testing of preclinical models using nanocapsules to stop internal bleeding. Lavik explains that collaboration was an important element of this work, especially being able to conduct the research in UMBC’s Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building.

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]]> Excerpt from "UMBC’s Lavik and Bieberich develop new approach to nanoparticles that stop internal bleeding" SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | NOVEMBER 23, 2021 | MEGAN HANKS When a person... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/115503/guest@my.umbc.edu/07e7071d36ec8d73ed75442383ba5d28/api/pixel faculty grad lavik research Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering 1 0 true Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:02:12 -0500 Dr. Upal Ghosh gives GRIT-X talk for 2021 UMBC homecoming Saving our environment from the past: chemicals and fish
The annual GRIT-X talks returned for UMBC homecoming as eight UMBC community members, including Dr. Upal Ghosh, Professor, Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering. He joined three other CBEE faculty members and one CBEE alumnus as distinguished presenters at the GRIT-X talks since it’s inception in 2016. 

His talk explored his work in understanding toxic pollutants and how they impact the environment. Even though some of the pollutants were banned from use 50 years ago, these contaminants can still be found in fish and wildlife today. Ghosh’s work also includes creative approaches to removing dangerous pollutants from waterways so they can’t cause further harm.

[view talk]

]]> The annual GRIT-X talks returned for UMBC homecoming as eight UMBC community members, including Dr. Upal Ghosh, Professor, Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering. He joined three... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/113445/guest@my.umbc.edu/9fe82efad61c1f87436c884442d93211/api/pixel faculty fall-2021 ghosh research talk Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering 0 0 true Wed, 20 Oct 2021 10:48:27 -0400 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:46:43 -0400 Inspiration from Mother Nature for cancer therapy Dr. Pan's research explores bee venom Discovery Magazine interviewed Dr. Dipanjan Pan about lab's research on venom as a possible cancer therapy.

Excerpt from All the Buzz About Bee Venom (and More)

"A pioneering breakthrough may come from chemist and bioengineer Dipanjan Pan, who is currently looking into a melittin-based cancer therapy with his lab at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Amid calls for safer, more successful cancer treatments, Pan inspected toad, scorpion and bee venom for answers. “The philosophy of my research is biomimetics, or bringing inspiration from Mother Nature,” he says. 

These animal poisons include toxins like melittin, which is considered a host defense peptide. Most multicellular organisms have these peptides to ward off disease, including humans, but only some creatures weaponize them in the form of powerful venom. Funnily enough, this toxin could end up saving human lives. 

And it isn’t particularly difficult to create synthetic melittin in a lab, Pan says, which is optimal for drug development due to its convenience, quality control, and relative safety compared to crude natural sources. 

The real challenge: designing an effective delivery method that squashes cancer growth but leaves surrounding cells healthy. Chemotherapy, for example, commonly causes patients to lose their hair because it damages follicles in the process. “That has been the key bottleneck in targeted [cancer] therapy,” he adds. “It boils down to: How can we make these venom peptides more selective and targeted to the cancer cell? It’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”

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Photo credit: David Hablützel from Pexels
]]> Discovery Magazine interviewed Dr. Dipanjan Pan about lab's research on venom as a possible cancer therapy. Excerpt from All the Buzz About Bee Venom (and More) "A pioneering breakthrough... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/112477/guest@my.umbc.edu/43944ceb6bfb5dffe508a8949261ebc4/api/pixel faculty fall-2021 pan research Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/112/477/84197cb58253061874fcc43fce417a7c/xxlarge.jpg?1632157956 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/112/477/84197cb58253061874fcc43fce417a7c/xlarge.jpg?1632157956 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/112/477/84197cb58253061874fcc43fce417a7c/large.jpg?1632157956 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/112/477/84197cb58253061874fcc43fce417a7c/medium.jpg?1632157956 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/112/477/84197cb58253061874fcc43fce417a7c/small.jpg?1632157956 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/112/477/84197cb58253061874fcc43fce417a7c/xsmall.jpg?1632157956 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/112/477/84197cb58253061874fcc43fce417a7c/xxsmall.jpg?1632157956 0 0 true Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:16:30 -0400 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:47:15 -0400 USM Board of Regents recognizes Victor Fulda Congratulations to Victor Fulda! The USM Board of Regents awarded him with Staff Award for 'Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit to Which a Person Belongs'. 

During the June 17, 2021 meeting, the Board of Regents officially approved the nominations of the Council of University System Staff (CUSS) for the Regents Staff Awards. The awardees will be recognized during the September 10, 2021 board meeting. 

Non-Exempt Staff 
Victor Fulda, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
A 27-year veteran of UMBC, Victor Fulda is among the most highly respected staff members in the university’s Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering. He is regarded as the expert on all issues related to equipment, chemistry, and processes. He never shies away from a challenge while he supports faculty in the department. The labs he serves are essentially running 24 hours a day, seven days per week. He is readily available to troubleshoot and provide support as needed. As President Freeman Hrabowski observes, Victor is a more than a team member, he is also a mentor, colleague, and teacher—and his contributions have been truly exceptional

USM Press Release July 2021: https://www.usmd.edu/newsroom/news/2176
]]> Congratulations to Victor Fulda! The USM Board of Regents awarded him with Staff Award for 'Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit to Which a Person Belongs'.  During the June... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/102414/guest@my.umbc.edu/5b010aaf1fda349f4394f4d027e449fd/api/pixel award faculty fall-2021 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/102/414/8774bd0a9b5d06474593700d2931e0ac/xxlarge.jpg?1625248424 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/102/414/8774bd0a9b5d06474593700d2931e0ac/xlarge.jpg?1625248424 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/102/414/8774bd0a9b5d06474593700d2931e0ac/large.jpg?1625248424 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/102/414/8774bd0a9b5d06474593700d2931e0ac/medium.jpg?1625248424 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/102/414/8774bd0a9b5d06474593700d2931e0ac/small.jpg?1625248424 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/102/414/8774bd0a9b5d06474593700d2931e0ac/xsmall.jpg?1625248424 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/102/414/8774bd0a9b5d06474593700d2931e0ac/xxsmall.jpg?1625248424 2 0 true Fri, 02 Jul 2021 13:58:03 -0400 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 10:15:05 -0500 UMBC researchers advance accessible COVID-19 testing Collaboration with labs led by Drs. Pan, Rao and Frey
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | JUNE 24, 2021 | MEGAN HANKS

excerpt from UMBC researchers advance accessible COVID-19 testing technologies

Two research teams led by UMBC engineering faculty are transforming COVID-19 testing technologies. Rather than making users choose either the fastest or most affordable COVID-19 test, or the most accurate test, they seek to offer tests that are rapid, accessible, and highly accurate, all in one. 

One of these new innovations focuses on testing individuals for the virus causing COVID-19. The other focuses on collecting air samples in large spaces at risk for enabling COVID-19 transmission. Both teams behind this public impact research hope their innovations will help limit the spread of the disease as many U.S. and international jurisdictions rescind COVID-19 restrictions.

Bringing tech innovation to the public
A group of researchers led by Dipanjan Pan, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering, developed two diagnostic tests that can rapidly, accurately, and affordably detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) in individual patients. 

The nano-amplified colorimetric test does not require RNA extraction, which many other tests rely on, making it much more accessible. Pan’s other testing technology works on the principle of electrochemical detection that can be used even at home by applying a simple hand-held device for the read-out. Both of these technologies were recently licensed by RNA Disease Diagnostics, Inc.

“I’m delighted to know that my lab has received FDA registration and certification as a development site for the electrochemical AntiSENSE COVID-19 Test. A leading global molecular diagnostic company, RNA Disease Diagnostics, Inc. has received a worldwide exclusive license from UMBC and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) to commercialize the test,” explains Pan. He notes that the results of this work have been published in several high-impact journals, including May 2020 and October 2020 articles in ACS Nano and an April 2021 article in Nature Protocol. 

Pan’s multidisciplinary team includes Maha Alafeef, a graduate research assistant at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM); Parikshit Moitra, a UMSOM faculty member; and Ketan Dighe, a faculty research assistant at UMBC. 

“This commercialization is a significant achievement and testament to my team’s hard work and dedication,” Pan adds. “While the high impact publications confirm the quality of our science, the licensing agreement and FDA certification attests the translational value of this technology.” 

Rapid diagnosis with gold nanoparticles
In fall 2020, Pan and his collaborators received two grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve testing to detect SARS-CoV-2, supporting the development of this technology. From there, the research progressed rapidly.

A chief benefit of Pan’s plasmonic technology is that the test results can be detected qualitatively by the naked eye at the point of care, without special technologies. This is made possible due to highly specific antisense oligonucleotides, which are synthetic DNA fragments that bind to RNA molecules from the virus, and aggregate gold nanoparticles. 

“For our electrochemical test the ultimate goal is to develop a tiny handheld device for determining the presence of the viral RNA in the nasal swab or saliva samples. Our early prototype involves a disposable test strip that the meter uses to calculate the viral load and then displays the level,” Pan explains.

Pan has a dual appointment at UMBC and UMB, where he serves as professor of diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine and pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. At UMBC, Pan is also affiliated with the department of computer science and electrical engineering (CSEE). 

Detecting COVID-19 using readily available tools
A second group of interdisciplinary researchers created a simple way to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 is present in the air. This group is led by Govind Rao, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering (CBEE) and director of the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST). The journal Biotechnology and Bioengineering published their findings last month. 

The researchers found that they could collect samples of SARS-CoV-2 by using a simple portable dehumidifier. They successfully tested their collection process in several locations within a hospital, where people reported experiencing flu-like symptoms.

This unique way of identifying SARS-CoV-2 allows hospitals to use readily-available dehumidifiers to detect the virus, rather than buy new scientific equipment to capture air samples for analysis. 

“This technology could find widespread use, as it is analogous to a smoke detector,” says Rao. “Once fully developed, it could potentially be deployed everywhere and empower people by giving them a direct readout of viruses and other biological threats in the air around them.” 

Rao worked alongside Pan, Douglas Frey, Xudong Ge, and Dighe, all CBEE and CAST faculty. Also working on the research are Michael Tolosa, staff member in CAST; Aaron Thole, a graduate student in CBEE; Priyanka Ray, a postdoctoral researcher in CBEE; and Benjamin Punshon Smith, a graduate student in computer science and electrical engineering. Moitra is also contributing to this work. The UMBC team collaborated with Jim Chang, director of the University of Maryland Medical Center’s department of safety and environmental health, who arranged for deployment of the dehumidifiers at various locations in the hospital.

The research team also is developing a rapid and sensitive test for detecting pathogen signatures in minutes, to pair with the dehumidifier.


]]> SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | JUNE 24, 2021 | MEGAN HANKS excerpt from UMBC researchers advance accessible COVID-19 testing technologies Two research teams led by UMBC engineering faculty... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/102306/guest@my.umbc.edu/ca7a26e9804fd153151631bcfc90979c/api/pixel covid covid-19 faculty frey grad pan rao research spring-2021 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering 1 0 true Fri, 25 Jun 2021 09:28:29 -0400 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:47:59 -0400 CBEE students and faculty recognized during 2021 CWIT Awards

We are excited to celebrate our CBEE undergraduate students and faculty who were recognized during the CWIT Award Ceremony that took place via WEBEX on Friday, May 7, 2021 (event recording).

Lockheed Martin Scholarship Recipient

Stacy Villanueva, Chemical Engineering BS


Student Academic Excellence Award

This award recognizes current students who have developed a lifelong love for learning and discovery not only in the classroom, but also through applied learning and co-curricular experiences. Award recipient(s) must also have maintained a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA.

Ouriel Ndalamba, CWIT Scholar


Outstanding Research Partner Award

The Outstanding Research Partner Award is given to an individual or department who has actively collaborated with the Center for Women in Technology toward the CWIT mission and education research goals. 

Dr. Lee Blaney, Associate Professor of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering

Dr. Blaney has been involved in several of the projects run through CWIT, serving as a co-PI and representative of the Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering.

]]> We are excited to celebrate our CBEE undergraduate students and faculty who were recognized during the CWIT Award Ceremony that took place via WEBEX on Friday, May 7, 2021 (event recording).... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/101639/guest@my.umbc.edu/fd83da7cf1b402c94c998c101f75ed4c/api/pixel award cwit faculty spring-2021 ug ug-award ugrad Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/639/bc67bceac14e7fcd8b506df3f4680499/xxlarge.jpg?1620742475 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/639/bc67bceac14e7fcd8b506df3f4680499/xlarge.jpg?1620742475 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/639/bc67bceac14e7fcd8b506df3f4680499/large.jpg?1620742475 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/639/bc67bceac14e7fcd8b506df3f4680499/medium.jpg?1620742475 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/639/bc67bceac14e7fcd8b506df3f4680499/small.jpg?1620742475 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/639/bc67bceac14e7fcd8b506df3f4680499/xsmall.jpg?1620742475 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/639/bc67bceac14e7fcd8b506df3f4680499/xxsmall.jpg?1620742475 0 0 true Tue, 11 May 2021 10:20:10 -0400 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:43:33 -0400 Dr. Upal Ghosh interviewed about low cost PCB remediation Dr. Upal Ghosh was interviewed with collaborator Dr. Hal May by Fox24 News in Charleston. 

Link to interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbdZsLaquL0

Dr. Ghosh recently received his fourth R01 NIH grant. The most recent project is titled " Leveraging the Chemo-Physical Interaction of Halorespiring Bacteria with Solid Surfaces to Enhance Halogenated Organic Compounds Bioremediation." 

NIH highlighted Dr. Ghosh's research translation work which has a strong synergy between engineering science and the technology transition and commercialization.  https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/centers/srp/phi/archives/remediation/sedimite/index.cfm
]]> Dr. Upal Ghosh was interviewed with collaborator Dr. Hal May by Fox24 News in Charleston.  Link to interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbdZsLaquL0 Dr. Ghosh recently received his... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/101257/guest@my.umbc.edu/d8b848e6d44a21f30f2a54f2dcb72fc7/api/pixel collaboration faculty ghosh pcbs research Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/257/e7f3cdf35a158388e5c0f96420e0216c/xxlarge.jpg?1619465806 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/257/e7f3cdf35a158388e5c0f96420e0216c/xlarge.jpg?1619465806 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/257/e7f3cdf35a158388e5c0f96420e0216c/large.jpg?1619465806 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/257/e7f3cdf35a158388e5c0f96420e0216c/medium.jpg?1619465806 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/257/e7f3cdf35a158388e5c0f96420e0216c/small.jpg?1619465806 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/257/e7f3cdf35a158388e5c0f96420e0216c/xsmall.jpg?1619465806 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/101/257/e7f3cdf35a158388e5c0f96420e0216c/xxsmall.jpg?1619465806 0 0 true Mon, 26 Apr 2021 15:50:16 -0400 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:48:27 -0400 CBEE students & faculty highlighted: USM LSAMP annual report

UMBC LSAMP 2019-2020 Annual Report

3rd Annual USM LSAMP Undergraduate Research Symposium - Poster Presentation Award Recipients

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) (Page 21)

Fall 2019 Research Fellowship Program (page 29)

Summer 2020 Research Fellowship Program (pg 31)

Summer 2020 Research Fellowship Program (pg 32)

Students reflect on their LSAMP experiences and its influence on the development of their its influence on the development of their personal, academic, and professional goals. (pg 33)

Joana Hernandez '22 - Chemical Engineering LSAMP has opened the door to so many LSAMP has opened the door to so many opportunities that I didn't think were possible. opportunities that I didn't think were possible. When I was a senior in high school, I had no When I was a senior in high school, I had no idea that college students could be part of a lab idea that college students could be part of a lab and do undergraduate research. Through and do undergraduate research. Through LSAMP, I was able to join the Vonhoff lab my LSAMP, I was able to join the Vonhoff lab my freshman year, and ever since, I have seen how freshman year, and ever since, I have seen how much progress I have made. The program even much progress I have made. The program even helped me go to California last fall for the helped me go to California last fall for the ABRCMS conference, which was really fun! I'm ABRCMS conference, which was really fun! I'm glad that I was able to be a part of the LSAMP glad that I was able to be a part of the LSAMP community and find a great support system. community and find a great support system.

Ndeh Tadzong '23 - Chemical Engineering I first learned about LSAMP at the USM I first learned about LSAMP at the USM LSAMP Summer Bridging Conference and I am LSAMP Summer Bridging Conference and I am grateful that I did because it set me on a grateful that I did because it set me on a great path. It has helped me stay motivated great path. It has helped me stay motivated with my school work and understand what I with my school work and understand what I want to do with my future. I have learned so want to do with my future. I have learned so much about what continued engagement in much about what continued engagement in Chemical Engineering could look like following Chemical Engineering could look like following graduation. With all this in mind, I can graduation. With all this in mind, I can confidently say I am in a better position to confidently say I am in a better position to succeed with a purpose and passion because of succeed with a purpose and passion because of my engagement with LSAMP. my engagement with LSAMP.

LSAMP Faculty Research Mentors (pg 36)

Name | Title | Department | Research Focus | University

"All in all, my time in the Leach lab has allowed me to further develop and grow my skills as a researcher and engineer. Additionally, I have been able to apply chemical engineering principles that I learned in the classroom into a lab environment which gives me a deeper understanding of the material. I will be able to use these skills in any lab that I join in the future and this opportunity has also allowed me to establish strong connections with a faculty member in the department of my major." - Howard Nicholson '21 -

]]> UMBC LSAMP 2019-2020 Annual Report 3rd Annual USM LSAMP Undergraduate Research Symposium - Poster Presentation Award Recipients Kendal McWilliams, CENG MS '21 (pg 16)  Joana Hernandex, CENG... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/100577/guest@my.umbc.edu/6652f254f492bbbe98b820cb37e32ac0/api/pixel award blaney faculty lavik leach lsamp pan research ug ug-award ug-research undergrad xu Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/577/c8fefa47b7771224fc7b48fed55b7dc0/xxlarge.jpg?1617635220 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/577/c8fefa47b7771224fc7b48fed55b7dc0/xlarge.jpg?1617635220 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/577/c8fefa47b7771224fc7b48fed55b7dc0/large.jpg?1617635220 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/577/c8fefa47b7771224fc7b48fed55b7dc0/medium.jpg?1617635220 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/577/c8fefa47b7771224fc7b48fed55b7dc0/small.jpg?1617635220 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/577/c8fefa47b7771224fc7b48fed55b7dc0/xsmall.jpg?1617635220 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/100/577/c8fefa47b7771224fc7b48fed55b7dc0/xxsmall.jpg?1617635220 1 0 true Mon, 05 Apr 2021 10:56:08 -0400 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:49:25 -0400 Innovative infant incubator successful in clinical trials Developed by Dr. Govind Rao & UMBC Students
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | FEBRUARY 22, 2021 1:16 PM | UMBC NEWS STAFF (excerpt)

Innovative technologies don’t have to be expensive or complicated. 

UMBC’s Govind Rao, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering and director of the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, has been developing a low-cost solution to improve the care of babies born prematurely. 

A standard incubator found in a newborn intensive care unit costs between $1,500 and $35,000—beyond the means of many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. Research initiated by Rao and UMBC students has culminated in the successful clinical trial of an incubator that costs only $200.

“This will be a game-changer,” says Rajeev Seth, managing trustee of BUDS, a nonprofit that advocates for the health and welfare of children in India. 

Student project beginnings
The low-cost incubator traces its roots to a UMBC course on sensors in 2011. There, Rao asked students to come up with solutions for real-world problems. Kevin Tran ’12, chemical engineering, was part of a team that designed a low-cost infant incubator. He continued on the project that summer. 

“As an engineer, [when] you start something, you can’t leave it half-finished,” Tran says. He and his teammates tested out prototypes built with different materials, like wood and PVC. The team ultimately took a trip to India to visit various healthcare settings and receive feedback on their design.

The students encountered facilities that faced frequent power outages and lacked resources they’d taken for granted in the U.S. One healthcare center had broken incubators that sat unused, Tran says, because they couldn’t be maintained, even if it was a simple fix.

The team was accompanied by Geetha Mohanram, a retired elementary school teacher who acted as a translator. Mohanram now lives in the U.S. but is from Karnataka, one of the areas the team visited. She bridged the gap between the engineers and the nurses and doctors, not only through fluency with the local dialect, but also because of familiarity with the local culture. This helped the UMBC team access the medical staff’s observations and insights.

Feedback gathered during the trip guided updates to the design, such as smaller dimensions and cardboard construction for single use. The design work culminated in a paper published in the Journal of Laboratory Automation in 2014. It provided recommendations for a prototype suited to a clinical trial.

[read entire article]

Banner image: “Happy Foot” by Natesh Ramasamy, Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0.

Article written by Jack J. Lee for UMBC News

]]> SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | FEBRUARY 22, 2021 1:16 PM | UMBC NEWS STAFF (excerpt) Innovative technologies don’t have to be expensive or complicated.  UMBC’s Govind Rao, professor of... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/99515/guest@my.umbc.edu/d8d6516c8c7eddca06b1fd27ee55c31a/api/pixel alumni faculty rao research ug undergrad Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/cbee https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/original.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xlarge.png?1746794587 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/large.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/medium.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/small.png?1746794587 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xsmall.png?1746794587 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/771/b5e579e81b2e3624611890fa3ca2716a/xxsmall.png?1746794587 Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/099/515/0a3348c6acf0927c8ba1d820a7b033d5/xxlarge.jpg?1614038653 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/099/515/0a3348c6acf0927c8ba1d820a7b033d5/xlarge.jpg?1614038653 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/099/515/0a3348c6acf0927c8ba1d820a7b033d5/large.jpg?1614038653 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/099/515/0a3348c6acf0927c8ba1d820a7b033d5/medium.jpg?1614038653 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/099/515/0a3348c6acf0927c8ba1d820a7b033d5/small.jpg?1614038653 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/099/515/0a3348c6acf0927c8ba1d820a7b033d5/xsmall.jpg?1614038653 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/099/515/0a3348c6acf0927c8ba1d820a7b033d5/xxsmall.jpg?1614038653 1 0 true Mon, 22 Feb 2021 19:11:26 -0500 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:49:36 -0400 ESTEEMED Scholars brings engineering into biomedicine

UMBC receives $870K NIH grant to launch ESTEEMED Scholars program that brings engineering into biomedicine


SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | FEBRUARY 12, 2021 | SARAH HANSEN

(excerpt) 

This spring, the first cohort of ESTEEMED Scholars arrives at UMBC on their path to revolutionizing biomedicine. The new program stands for Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Educational Diversity. Funded with a $870,000 grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), ESTEEMED will serve students pursuing a wide range of STEM majors who have an interest in bringing engineering solutions to biomedicine challenges. 

The ESTEEMED program will support first- and second-year students, with the goal of preparing them to apply for advanced honors programs (such as the U-RISE Scholars) in their third and fourth years. Scholars will participate in many of the same activities as UMBC’s Meyerhoff Scholars, such as summer bridge experiences that build community, structure and support to apply for research opportunities, funding for academic conference travel, peer and faculty mentoring, and intensive academic advising. They will also have their own unique experiences.

Building resilience
Among elements that make the ESTEEMED program distinctive are monthly casual gatherings for the scholars and UMBC faculty. These opportunities are “designed to promote the community and STEM identity of the students,” shares Patrice Darby, general associate of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program. “They can mingle with the faculty to see themselves as a ‘we,’ as in, ‘I belong here, I am part of this community.’”

Seminar courses also create opportunities for students to learn about faculty members’ career journeys. “I am particularly excited to lead our seminar series for first-year students,” shares Jennie Leach, associate professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering, and the lead on the grant. “In these seminars,” Leach says, “UMBC faculty and alumni are invited to talk about their research, share their personal story, and provide wisdom that they developed during their path from training to their current career.”

A Second Year Experience course will give the ESTEEMED Scholars the skills and confidence to continue progressing in their degrees. Topics may include science communication skills, leadership training, and habits and practices that can help them thrive through common challenges STEM majors face in their sophomore year.

[ read full article ]
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