Name: Aureliane Tchamdja

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025

Major: Computer Science 

Current Class Level: Junior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Research experience

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): University of Nebraska-Lincoln Summer Research Program

Location of the Organization (City, State): Lincoln, Nebraska

Title of position: Research Scholar

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities: 

I worked with Dr. Wissam Kontar and Mohammad Elayan on our project, "Autonomous Ground and Air Systems for Last-Mile Mobility: A Case Study on the Agriculture System". This research allowed me to explore the logistics of last-mile delivery and learn how to solve route optimization problems using autonomous vehicles and drones in rural, agricultural settings. I had the opportunity to present my research as a poster at both UNL's 2025 Engineering Summer Research Fair hosted by the College of Engineering, and UNL's 2025 Summer Research Symposium hosted by the Office of Graduate Studies. Other than my poster, other deliverables that I had completed by the end of the program were a 10+ page scientific paper on my project and an oral presentation in front of my peers and faculty in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. I was also able to attend workshops and panels that have better prepared me for graduate school and strengthened my skills as a scientist/researcher.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I heard of the Nebraska Summer Research Program through emails that were sent to me during the Fall 2024 semester. I applied and submitted my application to the program in January.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Student Organizations/Scholar Groups, University website 

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

I enjoyed being able to explore the sustainability/transportation research field, especially being able to look at the use of autonomous technology. I also found the workshops and panels that the program provided to be very valuable. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

Although my work was more so in a preliminary stage, I believe that it is still a great contribution to the scientific community because it will help start conversations on how to better address transportation gaps in agriculture and in rural areas as a whole.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Advice that I would give to another student seeking an internship is to not be afraid to apply to any and as many programs/experiences as they desire. The more you open yourself up to these opportunities, the more likely you are to get them.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

What I liked most about my research experience was being able to explore a research field that I may not have been able to otherwise, as well as being able to learn more about graduate school and what to expect as a student who wants to pursue a PhD degree.

Retriever Support Services, in partnership with the Maryland Pro Bono Resource Center, is offering free 30-minute legal consultations for UMBC students and staff who need legal advice regarding their leases.

Event Details:

• October 10: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• October 14: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Format: In-person or virtual

To book your slot, please email ocss@umbc.edu.
For questions, contact Dr. Flores at gflores2@umbc.edu.

The job search can be an exciting time — but it can also feel discouraging when applications go unanswered or interviews don't lead to offers. In a competitive market, rejection is normal, but that doesn't make it easy. The good news? You can learn to navigate setbacks, stay motivated, and keep moving forward, with the help of these tips:

1. Reframe Rejection as Redirection

Remember: every "no" brings you closer to the right "yes." Instead of seeing rejection as failure, view it as feedback. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience — maybe it's refining your resume, expanding your network, or exploring a different industry. Book a Search Strategies appointment with a Career Center Advisor to get even more ideas on how to improve.

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

A long job search can feel endless, but there are ways to make it feel more manageable. Break the search down into steps you can accomplish each week, like updating one section of your resume, applying to three jobs, or reaching out to two networking contacts. Small wins can add up — and help you build momentum.

3. Lean on Your Support System

You don't have to go through this process alone. Share your pitfalls and wins with friends, mentors, or career advisors at the Career Center or beyond. They can offer encouragement, perspective, and even new job leads. The more you let others know that you're on the hunt, the more eyes there will be out there seeking viable opportunities. Maybe it would be helpful to meet with a friend outside of career events and apply for job positions together. It's ok to ask for help, accountability, and support.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Stress can easily build up during a long search. Make time for activities that recharge you — whether that's exercise, hobbies, or simply taking a day off from applications. Maybe making a curated playlist while you submit applications can help you stay motivated, or maybe you need to engage in breathwork and affirmations before starting each day. A clear mind helps you stay confident and focused. 

5. Keep Building Skills While You Search

If you're waiting on responses, invest in your professional growth. Take an online course, volunteer for a nonprofit you're interested in, or start a personal project. Sign up for a micro-internship at Parker Dewey or a job simulation at The Forage. Check out offerings from the UMBC Training Centers and watch the Paws & Pivot Webinar Series. Adding new experiences and skills to your resume shows employers that you are staying active and adaptable.

Strategize Your Next Steps

Setbacks don't define your career — they guide it. For more ways to stay resilient and turn challenges into opportunities, join us at our online workshop, Mindset & Momentum: Staying Resilient in the Job Hunt, at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, September 30. This supportive session will share practical strategies to help you stay motivated and keep your search moving forward.

Join the Office of Health Promotion for their Fall 2025 Sex in the Dark event! 

Wednesday, October 1

1 PM - 3 PM 

The Mosaic Center, 2B23 The Commons

We'll talk all things sexual health, play a fun card game and enjoy snacks and drinks! RSVP on OHP's MyUMBC page!

To learn more and RSVP, see the original post here. 

Monday, October 13, 2025 · 12 - 1 PM

Retriever Integrated Health invites all UMBC students, faculty, and staff to participate in a Free Community Acupuncture event. A licensed acupuncturist will provide sessions, answer questions, and share information about this ancient healing practice.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: Center for Well-Being, Room 118
• Open to: All students, faculty, and staff
• Cost: Free. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

Light refreshments and wellness giveaways will be available.

For more information, please contact Retriever Integrated Health at (410) 455-2542 or visit https://health.umbc.edu.

The Language, Literacy, and Culture Program just announced that Zareen Taj of LLC Cohort 22 successfully and skillfully presented her dissertation research proposal on September 12, 2025.

Zareen's project is titled, Hazara Women's Resistance and Resilience: An Autoethnographic Study.

After her presentation, Zareen had a substantive discussion with her committee about the next stages of her work. The committee agreed that the project is worthy of doctoral research and helped Zareen consider some key issues as she moves forward into the research and writing.

Many thanks to Zareen's committee members:

Co-Chairs:

Tania Lizarazo, MA/Global Studies

Joby Taylor, Shriver Center

Members:

Tanya Saunders, Language, Literacy, and Culture

Sally Scott, Shriver Center

Melissa Skye Kerr Chiovenda, George Mason University 

Shriver Center friends and colleagues are so proud of Zareen!