** Originally published in UMBC's Undergraduate Research Group** 

Meet Garrett Hill, a FOUR-TIME URA Scholar! 

Garrett attended Mount Hebron High School in Howard County, where he had the opportunity to participate in the Biotechnology Career Academy at the Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL) program and conduct research at UMBC during his senior year at Hebron. He is a senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, a Meyerhoff Scholar, and conducts research in the Marten lab.

Research Title: Characterization of the PrkA Protein Kinase in Aspergillus nidulans

Describe your project:

My project aims to investigate the way that mold repairs its cell wall after damage and how the cell organizes structures related to this repair. New understandings gained through this research can contribute to how we use fungi to make drugs and enzymes and may even help others to design new antifungal medications.

Who is your mentor for your project? 

I work with Dr. Mark R. Marten in the Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering. As a high school senior, I was a part of a program that allowed me to participate in research at neighboring institutions, and I came across Dr. Marten and his lab when searching for research I may be interested in. After meeting and talking about the work done in the lab, something that stood out to me was how Dr. Marten stressed the importance of project ownership. Being the “expert” in the lab on a project gives students a unique level of both responsibility and drive, and this is what drew me to joining his lab.

How did you become interested in this project?

Before starting work on this project, I had assisted some graduate students with their projects, and that’s when I learned that I had an interest in both the molecular genetics and the fluorescence microscopy that we do in our lab. This project seemed to combine both interests, so I decided to choose it when looking for a project of my own.

What has been the hardest part about your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher? 

Something that really took getting used to was the number of setbacks I faced in my project. I quickly learned that in research, it takes many tries to get something right, and failure became much more familiar to me throughout my journey as an undergraduate researcher.

What has been the most rewarding part?

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to engage in research at almost every stage a projects life. I started with comprehensive literature reviews, where I then formulated my own hypotheses, and under the guidance of my mentor, I designed experiments to test these hypotheses. I also got experience communicating my science in conferences and presentations, allowing me to get a great view of what research really feels like.

How will you disseminate your research?

I plan to present my research next spring at URCAD and look forward to the prospect of attending conferences to potentially present my work.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?

I think getting involved in research can seem a little daunting at first, so I would recommend that people just take the leap! There is a lot of exciting research being done at UMBC, so I would say to just see what’s out there and if something seems interesting, reach out to the lab to see if you can get involved. Now is the time to experiment and see what you want to do in your career, and there are many mentors here that could help you on that journey.

What are your career goals?

After graduating UMBC, I plan to pursue a PhD in microbiology. The prospect of staying in academia and becoming a mentor for others is exciting to me, but I also look forward to exploring what other career paths I might be able to follow after graduate school.

Read more about UMBC's URA Scholars:

ur.umbc.edu

Danielle Larios,

‘25 Chemical Engineering - traditional track, Ancient Studies Minor

When did you begin your Research?

Spring 2023

Where does your Research take place?

Hennigan Lab, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, UMBC

What is the focus of your Research?

Investigating the effects and properties of Aerosols, such as brown carbons, present in cloud water.

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

I look forward to working together with my fellow research assistants towards a real world, practical goal and continuing to do so throughout the next year.

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

If you are interested in research or internships, then be proactive! Even if nothing comes from it, you can only benefit from creating relationships with your professors and networking with potential companies.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

Student Ambassador for CBEE, Social Coordinator for Tau Beta Pi

What are your goals after graduation?

Pursue a master's degree in environmental engineering

Learn more about Danielle Larios:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-larios-6936a127b/ 

Matthew Quintanilla,

‘27 chemical engineering - biotechnology &  bioengineering track

When did you do your Internship?

I started in June 2022 as a high school student at Broadneck High School and I am continuing the research as I begin my undergraduate studies at UMBC.

Where does your Research take place?

Marten Lab, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, UMBC

What is the focus of your Research?

I primarily focused on screening the entire kinase knockout library to find out more about their respective kinases' involvement with the cell wall biosynthesis and repair.

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

I am looking forward to the 3-D printing aspect of my internship, meeting a lot of new people, and living in a new area of the country.

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

It is crucial for everyone with a future in science to challenge their own thinking; either with in-depth, difficult content, or with unfamiliar content. I implore others to step into areas with the intention to do that.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

I am not yet involved in any clubs or organizations on campus.

What are your goals after graduation?

I would like to attain a PhD in biochemical engineering

Learn more about Matthew Quintanilla:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-quintanilla-101651260/

Carson Wolf, ‘24 Chemical Engineering - traditional track, Economics minor

When did you do your Internship?

Summer 2023 

Where was your Internship?

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA. The Internship is through National Nuclear Security Administration - Minority Serving Institution Internship Program.

What is the focus of your Internship?

Additive manufacturing of liquid crystal elastomers

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

I am looking forward to the 3-D printing aspect of my internship, meeting a lot of new people, and living in a new area of the country.

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

Fill out all of the internship opportunities sent through the advising groups and go to the career fairs.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

Tau Beta Pi, President of Lambda Chi Alpha, and Weightlifting Club

What are your goals after graduation?

Pursue chemical engineering within the defense or aerospace industries

Learn more about Carson Wolf:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carson-wolf-292382144 

Pavan Umashankar, '24 chemical engineering - biotechnology &  bioengineering track

When did you start your Research Experience?

Spring 2022 - ongoing

Where is your Research Experience?

Padmanabhan Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, UMBC

What is the focus of your Research Experience ?

I am studying the molecular pathways that regulate protein stability and turnover of ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15) in ovarian cancer cells. USP15 has been implicated in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis, thus study of USP15's roles in the disease is key to constructing a better understanding of ovarian cancer and to develop more effective therapeutic options.

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

My biggest learning moments have been with regard to understanding and dealing with experimental failure. More often than not, it is likely that your experiment is not going to work as you intended the first time around (at least, this has been the case for me)! I have grown to understand that failure is especially integral to research, where we are constantly trying to explore unknown territory, and that it offers opportunities to learn new skills, knowledge, or even change research directions! This has helped me grow resilient as a scientist and better appreciate the research process.

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

For a young scientist/professional seeking their first experience, it is so much more important to find a supportive environment than finding the "perfect" research/internship topic. Use your network of peers and faculty to check that the program is a good fit for your growth; Your research/professional interests will continue to develop as you gain more experiences.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

Meyerhoff Scholars Program, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Tau Beta Pi, Teaching Fellow for ENCH 215 (Summer & Fall 2022)

What are your goals after graduation?

I plan to continue to pursue my research interests before matriculating into physician-scientist training programs

Learn more about Pavan Umashankar: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavan-umashankar/ 

Daniel Sebrosky,‘24 chemical engineering - environmental engineering & sustainability track

When did you do your Research Experience?

Summer 2023. As part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) https://www.ndsu.edu/cpm/summer_undergraduate_research_experience/

Where was your Research Experience ?

Dr. Andriy Voronov, Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University

What is the focus of your Research?

Nanoparticle synthesis

What are you looking forward to the most about your Research Experience? 

I am excited to see North Dakota and learn more about the research in my field.

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

Use your resources. Don't be afraid to ask your friends or professors if they have any internship recommendations or connections that you can use to your benefit.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

Teaching fellow, CBEE student ambassador, AIChE

What are your goals after graduation?

My goal is to do anything involved with the environment after I graduate.

Learn more about Daniel Sebrosky: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-sebrosky-26b45a255 

Jasmine Ives, '26 chemical engineering - environmental engineering & sustainability track

When did you begin your research experience?

May 2023

Where was your research experience ?

Ghosh Lab at UMBC

What is the focus of your research experience?

The focus of my research is to analyze the organic carbon content in soil samples. This relates to how the soil will adhere to PCBs in water.

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

The best part of my research experience so far has been the willingness of members of the lab to teach me new things as I am starting out. I have also enjoyed learning new concepts as well as getting to see their applications directly in the lab.

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

My advice for students who are interested in getting involved in research would be to reach out to professors who do research you are interested in.

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

I am a member of Society of Women Engineers. I am a part of the C21 cohort of Center for Women in Technology (CWIT). I am hoping to become a peer mentor for CWIT next semester. 

What are your goals after graduation?

My goals for after graduation are to go into industry or continue with research. 

Learn more about Jasmine Ives: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-ives-964a8a23a/ 

Nelanne Bolima,‘24 chemical engineering - biotechnology & bioengineering track

When did you start your Research?

Fall 2021

Where was your Research Experience?

Marten Lab

What is the focus of your Research?

My research focuses on understanding the physical and mechanical properties of mycelial materials, made with the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Our goal is to eventually make mycelial materials that are able to mimic the properties of traditional materials (e.g., plastic) but have greater sustainability.. 

What was the best part of your Research Experience / What was the biggest learning moment of your Research?

The best part about my research experience in the intrinsic mentorship that comes with being in a research lab. My graduate student mentor and PI provide such a warm and supportive environment. 

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

Just try it! Research seems very intimidating as there is no clear solution for the problem you want to solve. But even performing research for one semester will give you invaluable skills such as communication, presenting, and even critical thinking. 

Are you a member of any clubs/campus organizations?

UMBC National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) President, CBEE 225L Teaching Fellow, AiChE, Meyerhoff/U-RISE

What are your goals after graduation?

I hope to pursue an MD-PhD in predictive medicine. Long-term I plan to entire academia and ideally become a professor teaching future scientists. 

Learn more about Nelanne Bolima: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelannebolima/

Catherine Wraback, '23 chemical engineering, traditional track and AIChE co-president 

Meet Catherine Wraback, a senior in the chemical engineering traditional track, President of the AIChE student organization, and a CWIT (Center for Women in Technology) Scholar. Catherine was also the President of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) ChemE Jeopardy team which won first place at the 2022 national competition. She will be heading to GE Aerospace to become a part of the Edison Engineering Development Program. Take it away, Catherine! 

Catherine Wraback, chemical engineering '23, poses in the GE Aerospace office after accepting the Edison Engineering Development Program offer. Image courtesy of Wraback.

Q: Why did you choose UMBC?

The Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering (CBEE) department at UMBC has a strong sense of community, which I experienced firsthand during a campus tour. I was impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the department, and it was clear that the faculty and students form a close-knit group. One of the main reasons why I was attracted to UMBC is the family-like environment within the CBEE department, where professors and staff not only care about the academic success of their students, but also their personal well-being. This dynamic ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

Q: Tell us about someone in the department who has inspired you or supported you & how did they do it?

Dr. Raikar and Dr. Castellanos are remarkable professors at UMBC, who go above and beyond to support their students. Dr. Raikar is known for her open-door policy, which makes her approachable to all students, and she is always willing to lend an ear and provide guidance on any topic. Her classes are not only inspiring, but also challenging and intellectually stimulating, which keeps students engaged and motivated.

Dr. Castellanos is an advocate for the needs of her students and encourages them to approach problem-solving from a holistic perspective, considering the broader impact on society. Her passion for thermodynamics is contagious and inspires her students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 

Both Dr. Raikar and Dr. Castellanos are instrumental in running the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChe) at UMBC. Their guidance and support ensure that the student organization runs smoothly and provides a valuable platform for students to develop their leadership skills, network with peers and professionals, and participate in various academic and social events.

Q: What do you love about your academic program?

The chemical engineering bachelor's program at UMBC offers a variety of tracks, which allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. One of the most beneficial aspects of the program is the ability to choose elective courses, which provides students with the flexibility to customize their curriculum and explore various topics in depth. I particularly appreciated the ample opportunities to take labs, which provided me with hands-on experience and helped me develop my practical skills. Additionally, the program encourages students to design their own projects, which fosters creativity and innovation, and provides a platform to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Q: What clubs and orgs are you a part of and why? How was that experience?

I have had the privilege of serving as the President of the AIChE chapter at UMBC, as well as being a part of the Jeopardy Team, which has won at both the regional and national level. I am on the women's ultimate frisbee team at UMBC and attend practice twice a week. Being involved in these extracurricular activities has taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. Through these experiences, I have learned to approach disagreements with empathy and respect for diverse perspectives, while also managing multiple responsibilities and growing as a leader.

Moreover, being part of these teams has given me the opportunity to have fun and connect with my peers outside of the classroom. I have formed close personal connections with my teammates and learned a lot from their unique perspectives and experiences. These extracurricular activities have also taught me the importance of compassion and understanding towards others, and the value of taking time to enjoy the company of friends.

Q: What would you tell others who are in your shoes at UMBC?

I strongly encourage everyone to get involved in extracurricular activities and events on campus. Don't hesitate to attend office hours, ask questions, and engage with your professors, as they are a valuable resource and can provide guidance and support beyond the classroom. Additionally, attending student organization meetings and other events is an excellent way to meet new people, build connections, and broaden your horizons. Getting involved in extracurricular activities can help you build a well-rounded skill set that will serve you in your future endeavors.

2022 AIChE ChemE Jeopardy National Championship team and their advisor (l-r): Max Bobbin, Catherine Wraback, Dr. Neha Raikar, Colin Jones, and Pavan Umashankar. Image courtesy of Wraback