UMBC’s Songon An is on a quest to explain how enzymes direct sugar metabolism through research with implications for cancer treatment. Scientists already know a great deal about how individual enzymes work in a test tube, but “once we move into the living cell system, we barely know about the enzymes,” says An, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry. With a new $1.5 million NIH grant, his lab is working to change that.

To explore how enzymes interact and form complex biochemical pathways in the body, An is using various biochemical and imaging techniques from biochemists and biophysicists. New, three-dimensional imaging techniques developed by Minjoung Kyoung, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, will help examine the pathways at work inside living cells. A mathematical model developed by Hye-Won Kang, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, supports the project. Read more 

According to new data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), UMBC undergraduate alumni who identify as African American have gone on to pursue and earn more M.D.-Ph.D.s than alumni from any other institution across the country. In total, 44 UMBC alumni who identify as African American or black earned M.D.-Ph.D.s. M.D.-Ph.D. degrees, which combine scientific and medical education. These degrees are typically of interest to people who want to conduct research in a medical setting, such as at medical schools, universities, and research institutions.

Since the 2000-2001 academic year, a total of 427 African Americans have earned M.D.-Ph.D.s from institutions across the United States. More than 10 percent of those M.D.-Ph.D.s were awarded to UMBC undergraduate alumni who identify as African American.

“The success of our students entering and completing M.D.-Ph.D. programs is made possible by UMBC’s commitment to undergraduate research,” says Keith Harmon, director of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC. “Our students are able to have sustained research experiences at UMBC, making them extremely competitive and attractive applicants.”

UMBC has several programs and initiatives in place that support students who plan to pursue M.D.-Ph.D.s after graduation. The Meyerhoff Scholars Program is nationally recognized as a model for increasing diversity in STEM fields, and for supporting students as they prepare to pursue advanced degrees. Since 1993, over 1100 students have graduated from the program, including nearly 275 alumni who went on to earn a Ph.D. and 49 who completed M.D.-Ph.D.s.

“Many students choose UMBC because they know it is a special place where expectations and standards are high, opportunities abound, and our culture of community and support uplifts and inspires them to pursue their dreams,” explains Harmon.

UMBC’s MARC U*STAR Program also supports undergraduate students from underrepresented groups, who are majoring in the life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and mathematics, and plan to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical research or mathematics. Twenty seven MARC U*STAR alumni have earned M.D.-Ph.D.s, including 13 since 2014.

Harvard University was in a distant second on the list provided by the AAMC, followed by Johns Hopkins University, University of Virginia, Yale University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Duke University.

UMBC is also ranked in the top 10 for producing undergraduate students who earn computer science degrees, based on data from the National Science Foundation’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition to UMBC, the top 10 includes Carnegie Mellon University, University of Washington, Penn State, George Mason University, DePaul University, University of Texas at Dallas, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, and New York University. The NSF data counts computer science and information systems degrees in the rankings.

Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.

Kate Laskowski ’06, biological sciences and chemistry, the recipient of the Outstanding Alumna, Natural and Mathematical Sciences award was introduced by Jeff Leips, professor of biological sciences. Laskowski is a scientist in the department of biology and ecology of fishes at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Germany. She explained that her love of science began during the introductory biology course that focused on ecology and evolution that Leips taught, which she guest taught during her time on campus for the Alumni Awards. “Standing in the front of the classroom telling the students about the research that I now do, in the class that actually excited my interest in research was totally surreal,” she said. “It was one of these things that came full circle.” 
Laskowski stood out in a class of 350 students, recalled Leips. “She stood out as someone who was very engaged. Her curiosity, her need to know really stood out as an undergraduate,” Leips said. Because of this curiosity, Laskowski was one of the first undergraduate students to work in Leips’ lab, and she laid the groundwork for several Ph.D. and master’s students who came after her. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY (UMBC) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level.  Applicants are expected to establish a vigorous and externally funded research program in any sub-discipline of an area broadly defined as analytical chemistry (e.g., technique/instrumentation development, sensor development, bio-analytical, forensic analysis, environmental analysis, etc.). Candidates must have an outstanding record of scientific achievement, demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals. The successful applicant should have a PhD and postdoctoral experience in any of the sub-disciplines listed above, will be expected to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate (PhD and MS) levels with particular emphasis on analytical and instrumental chemistry courses, and should demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to diversity.

 The Department (www.umbc.edu/chem) is a highly cross-disciplinary and interactive group of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students engaged in cutting edge research, working in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in a recently renovated building. The faculty has strong collaborations across all the departments on campus, as well as with the nearby University of Maryland Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy and local federal agencies (Army Research Lab, Naval Research Lab, NIST, NIH, etc.).

 The university is strategically situated on a suburban campus in the intellectually and culturally vibrant Baltimore-Washington corridor, providing unique opportunities afforded by its diversity, intermediate size and world-class infrastructure.  UMBC is known for its commitment to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff, and student body (http://facultydiversity.umbc.edu/). Interested candidates should submit their applications electronically using the following interfolio link: http://apply.interfolio.com/44579 The application should include curriculum vitae, description of research plans, and statement of teaching philosophy. When applying, candidates will be prompted to provide the names and contact information of three professionals in the field who will submit letters of recommendation in interfolio to support their application.  Review of applications will begin October 16, 2017 and continue until the position is filled, with the appointment commencing in August 2018. Only full applications including all required documents and three letters of recommendation will be considered. For inquiries, please email chemsearch@umbc.edu.

UMBC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and other traditionally under-represented groups in the sciences are especially encouraged. 

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) invites applications for the Natural Sciences Professoriate-Track Faculty Research Fellowship.  The purpose of the fellowship is to support promising scholars who are committed to diversity in academia and prepare them for a possible tenure track appointment at UMBC. The Department welcomes applications from candidates with research and teaching interests in all areas of Chemistry or Biochemistry, and with diverse experiences, including candidates from industry, academia, or government laboratories.  We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the STEM professoriate.

UMBC is a national model for diversity and inclusive excellence in STEM through its Meyerhoff Scholars (http://meyerhoff.umbc.edu/) and Graduate Fellows programs (http://meyerhoffgrad.umbc.edu/), two of the most innovative and successful programs in promoting diversity and preparing students from underrepresented groups for careers in STEM. With many of the Meyerhoff scholars pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry, our faculty play a leading role in mentoring and developing the next generation of diverse professional workforce in STEM.  The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is a premier research-intensive department with thriving graduate and undergraduate programs (http://chemistry.umbc.edu/). Our faculty are engaged in innovative research at the molecular level, which attracts major federal, state, and private funding.

The fellow will be appointed as a Professoriate-Track Research Fellow for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2018, with the ultimate goal of preparing candidates to be competitive for tenure-track academic faculty positions. The fellow will receive a starting stipend commensurate with experience, health benefits, $5,000 for conference travel and preparation of scholarly work, up to $5,000 in instrument services, up to $10,000 for supplies /consumables, lab space, office space with computer, library access, and other privileges at the university.  During the two-year term of appointment, most the fellow’s time will be devoted to pursuing research, first with close mentoring by a senior faculty member in the department, and then independently. In addition, the fellow will teach one course (one semester only) per year. Highly experienced research and teaching mentors will meet with the fellow regularly to provide guidance on developing a pedagogically sound teaching philosophy and plan, and improving the skills needed to pursue an academic research career, including proposal and manuscript writing, and technical presentation skills. The fellow will also benefit from professional development opportunities across the campus.

Fields: Applications in any area of Chemistry or Biochemistry are welcome.

Eligibility: Candidates who will hold PhD degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields at the time of appointment are eligible to apply. Degrees must be conferred before the time of appointment.  Candidates with PhD degrees, with or without postdoctoral experience, are also eligible to apply.

Application Instructions: Applications must be submitted at http://apply.interfolio.com/44601

Deadline: Review of completed applications will begin on October 15, 2017.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
A complete submission will consist of:

1)      Cover Letter

2)      Curriculum Vitae

3)      Three Letters of Reference, which will be requested by the applicant and submitted by the referees through Interfolio

4)      Statement of Proposed Research Plan (3-6 pages)

5)      Personal Statement that details the candidate’s demonstrated commitment to diversity efforts and the mission of UMBC, and why the applicant should be selected for this position (1-3 pages)

6)      Teaching Statement (1-2 pages)

Inquiries about the program may be addressed to: Chemfellowshipsearch@umbc.edu

UMBC is an EOE/AA.

The Baltimore Sun has honored Mike Summers as the “Best Academic” in the region for 2017. Summers, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Robert E. Meyerhoff Chair for Excellence in Research and Mentoring, is internationally known for his HIV research. By increasing understanding of the virus’ structure, members of Summers’ lab hope to discover novel ways of inhibiting its activity. Summers was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences on April 29, after being elected last year. Membership in the NAS is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive.

“For the Academy to recognize someone who tries to do quality research, but does it in an environment that is inclusive and involves undergraduates makes it so much more special to me,” said Summers.

Summers is deeply committed to supporting students from all backgrounds. One of Summers’ mentees, Heather Frank ‘17, biochemistry and molecular biology, is featured as an exemplar of the UMBC Class of 2017. “The amazing mentorship I have received at UMBC has brought me the courage and confidence I needed to apply to competitive graduate programs and pursue my Ph.D.,” Frank says. “The environment here provided me all the opportunities so I could become my best self.” Frank will pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry at Harvard.

“Being at UMBC opened my eyes not only to existing disparities in science research and education, but also to possibilities for effecting change,” Summers reflects. “The satisfaction that goes with helping our students achieve their dreams, and showing colleagues elsewhere new ways that they can approach and support their own students, is a reward without measure.”

Best of Baltimore 2017 Best Academic: Michael Summers, UMBC

Image: Mike Summers (center) with UMBC students. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.