CSEE Professor Anupam Joshi has been named an IEEE Fellow, recognized for his for contributions to security, privacy and data management in mobile and pervasive systems. This designation is conferred by the IEEE Board of Directors on individuals with an outstanding record of accomplishments in any of the IEEE fields of interest and is recognized by the technical community as a prestigious honor and an important career achievement. No more than 0.1% of the total IEEE voting membership can be selected in a year.

Dr. Joshi joined UMBC’s faculty in 1998 and currently is the Oros Family Professor of Technology and Director of the UMBC Center for Cybersecurity. He previously held faculty appointments at the University of Missouri, Columbia and Purdue University. He received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University and a B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. While at UMBC he has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in operating systems, mobile computing and security. He developed and teaches an Honors College seminar on “Privacy and Security in a Mobile Social World”. He has mentored nine Ph.D. graduates and a large number of M.S. students.

Joshi has made many contributions to the design, analysis and development of intelligent systems for mobile, social and secure computing. Twenty years ago he was one of a handful of researchers who recognized that mobility introduced new challenges for data management, security and privacy over and above those brought about by wireless connectivity. His key insight was to model mobile and pervasive systems as distributed systems that are both open, in that they do not pre-identify a set of known participants, and dynamic, in that the participants change regularly.

He observe that applications on mobile devices require greater degrees of decision making and autonomy as they become increasingly sophisticated and intelligent and can’t always assume connectivity to central servers. Entities in these pervasive computing systems must exchange information about the data and services offered and sought and their associated security and privacy policies, negotiate for information and resource sharing, be aware of their context, and monitor for and report on suspicious or anomalous behavior. Dr. Joshi has addressed these challenges across the stack, from network protocols to data management to policy controlled interactions between autonomous entities.

Much of his research has been done in collaboration with colleagues in industry such as IBM, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman and Qualcomm. It has been funded by not just them, but also NSF, DARPA, AFOSR, ARL, NIST and other federal agencies. Joshi has published prolifically with more than 200 publications in refereed journals and conferences, many of which are highly cited. He has served as the General or Program Chair of many key conferences including the IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics which will be held in Baltimore in May 2015.

The IEEE is the world’s leading professional association for advancing technology for humanity. Through its 400,000 members in 160 countries, it is a leading authority on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Dedicated to the advancement of technology, the IEEE publishes 30 percent of the world’s literature in the electrical and electronics engineering and computer science fields, and has developed more than 900 active industry standards.

2015 Spring Brand Creative/Video Intern (19511)

Earlier this year, Joakina Stone, then a Res Life colleague and collateral work staff with Student Life's Mosaic Center, along with an amazing group of students, staff and faculty, helped us to co-create our new Mosaic Social Justice discussion series.  We exchanged a bunch of ideas for a title - some basic and others long and academic.  After ruminating far too long, I finally settled on “What’s the Tea?”.  Thankfully, Zach Kosinski and Jasmine Malhotra, our Graduate Coordinators, agreed and our series launched this year on October 1st.  

Everything seemed to be going well with what we are calling our “pilot semester/year” for the series.  It even had what we hope was an effective, context-setting description: 

“We all talk about how diverse UMBC is.  But what does that mean in reality?  How does it show up in how we communicate and interact with each other?  When does celebrating diversity shift into inclusivity that creates positive social change in and outside our campus community?  This new series hopes to help us grapple with these questions.  Join us for a facilitated discussion of these topics.  Voice your opinions and hear those of your fellow community members.”

This description, along with a co-facilitation model, guided questions, and a brief evaluation has helped us to move forward.  Things were going really well, until our November 5th Cultural Appropriation discussion.  During that discussion, our well-intentioned start had an unintentional stop.  In my desire to get the discussion underway, I unintentionally culturally appropriated the name of the series—“What’s the Tea?”—while talking about cultural appropriation as it relates to native, indigenous peoples.  

My blindness as the lead discussion facilitator set into motion what those in the social justice education and activism world would call a concrete example of “intent versus impact”.  Thanks to some generous feedback and calling out by a couple of the discussion attendees, next came my PAN, “Pay Attention Now,” moment.  PAN and PAN-ing is both an acronym and a practice I learned a couple of years ago during my time at the December 2012 Social Justice Training Institute.  

This post is my apology to all the attendees of our Nov. 5th Cultural Appropriation discussion and a thank you to those brave participants for their helpful feedback and “call out”.  Through that experience, and all the hours I’ve spent since replaying and processing that discussion with supportive colleagues and students, I’ve learned that there are hills, valleys, starts and stops in the often times messy yet rewarding work towards social justice.

Now, for those of you who’ve been patiently waiting and wondering, here’s what’s up with “What’s the Tea?”:

This phrase is an extended version of “What’s the T?” a phrase originating from Black Gay Ball culture.  Urban Dictionary, Answers.com and Wikipedia all offer solid definitions and/or historical information on the term and it’s origins.  

“What's the T? - It means like "Whats up?", "Whats going on?".  It's commonly used in the LGBT Community and is commonly used for gossiping.” Source: Urban Dictionary

“A term originated in Black Gay culture circa 1970-1989 that indicated some one was the "T"alk of the "T"own, hence the "T". The term was often used by female impersonators to describe a fellow impersonator that did an exceptionally good job on stage in a live lip syncipated performance which was talked about in the gay circles for long periods of time. The term grew to define any memorable person whose actions were or would soon be largely talked about in the gay circles. Also a person who was popular in the gay community would be talked about may have been referred to as The "T" 

It has lasted throughout the decades and can really refer to any person, place or thing. 

Mary, did you see Miss thing's Patty Labelle performance last night? She P'd on stage! She was the "T" last night! 

Girlfriend, that party you threw was fabulous, the way you have your new apartment decorated is the deal and that new husband of yours is to die for! You are the T!

It mean what’s the deal! it basically mean what’s up!

It can also refer to one's own personal business and daily dealings. 

Ex.

Q: Hey girl what's T (what's the T)? 

A: No T, girl. I'm just at home answering a question on Wikianswers.”

Source: Answers.com, http://www.answers.com/Q/What_does_what's_the_T_mean

By replacing "T" with "Tea", we hope to reframe the definition to one that can apply to the social justice-based topics in the series.  So, "Tea" represents the social justice awareness, knowledge and cross-cultural communication skills that we're "spilling" like tea into the community - one small group at a time.  To help illuminate this more intentionally through imagery, we're considering re-branding the series next semester. 

Hopefully, this post has been helpful and informative. Please join us on December 3rd as we make a fresh start and continue the series by exploring the topic: Holiday Traditions.  We hope to see you there.  In the meantime, have a safe and restful holiday break.  

There have been so many blog posts written within the past three months since Michael Brown’s murder and especially within the past 48 hours documenting the anger, the sadness, the rage in the aftermath of what has (and is) taking place in Ferguson (read this or this or this just for starters).  There is nothing that I can say to the internet world that hasn’t already been said and more importantly, as a white woman in this post-non-indictment America, this is my time to listen and not take up so much space.

So, I wake up and fall asleep to Twitter. I’m listening to the black and brown voices impacted by Michael Brown’s death, the events in Ferguson, and systemic racism. The words of former and future Critical Social Justice keynote speakers repeatedly show up in my feed. For Jay Smooth and Reina Gossett, they have continued voicing the message of questioning power and privilege that they left with us when they visited UMBC. For Franchesca, she is telling us an important story about creating brave spaces in the face of injustice which I know she’ll continue to share when she is here on campus. Here is some of what they’re saying:

As they waited for the outcome of the Grand Jury:

(he then followed up with this great video
about this specific tweet, riots, and human limits)

When they heard the news: 

Ways they were engaging in difficult dialogues:

And creating brave spaces for truth to be heard:

Reminders about self-care:

These are just a sampling of the conversations our Critical Social Justice keynote speakers of past and present are having online. I encourage you to follow them, learn from them, and reflect on their words. For white folks, like myself, thinking about their role in conversations related to Michael Brown, Ferguson, racism, and anti-blackness… know you do have one that includes examining your white privilege, understanding we operate within a white supremacy, and being an ally in dismantling racism. And on that last part of being an ally, here are five tips for being an ally from Franchesca.

Ask any of my friends who know that I’m an avid fan of NBC’s Parks and Recreation and they will tell you that I live by the motto “Treat yo’self!” Not only do I use it as an excuse to splurge on that extra pairs of shoes that I definitely don’t need or to snack on a large side of fries, but this phrase that has become such a buzzword (buzzphrase?) urges me to practice essential self-care that results in the preservation of my physical, mental, and emotional health. Although despite what some may think, it isn’t always easy. Because we live in a fast-paced society that pushes for hard work and productivity, self-care can sometimes be viewed as lazy or selfish. As college students, many of us probably feel guilty when we abandon our textbooks for even an hour to catch up on our favorite Netflix series. (I know I do!) But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s required for our survival. When we become so involved in our classes and our work and our various time commitments, it’s easy for us to become drained and unmotivated. Self-care is what refreshes us when we need it most. It’s like a fresh glass of lemonade on a hot day; it replenishes our bodies and minds and renews our ability to interact in the world around us.

Because it has been about six months since my last blog post on self-care, I have been reflecting on how self-care has changed over the past year in my own life. Since the start of the new school year, I have been extremely busy trying to balance my time between a full class schedule, two part time jobs, an internship as a student teacher at a local elementary school, and some sort of resemblance of a social life. As much as I enjoy all of my commitments, I have to admit that I’ve felt pretty burnt out and unmotivated at several points throughout the semester. My need for self-care has been at an all-time high. If this year has taught me anything, it’s that self-care is more than just a form of stress relief. While stress relief is meant to lessen the burden of our physical and emotional tension after it has already hit us, self-care is meant to prevent burn-out. It’s an act that should be practiced before we are feeling like we’re at the end of our ropes. My experiences this semester have turned me into a firm believer that self-care should be practiced in some capacity at least every day, even if just for a couple minutes. For those who work in helping professions, taking care of yourself is an essential first step in being able to help others. As a student teacher who happens to fairly introverted, I find myself needing to practice self-care every day in order to just keep up genuine interactions with others. Although I usually get less than twenty minutes for lunch every day, I try to spend that time reading while I eat to clear my mind. Even though it may not be an extensive amount of time, it’s important to sprinkle in a little self-care whenever you get the chance.

In honor of practicing self-care in preparation for finals week, here are some of my favorite ways to unwind and appreciate all that I do for myself:

• I’m a huge fan of hiking and unwinding in nature. If this form of self-care appeals to you too, Maryland State Parks have some great trails of hikers of all levels.
• Who isn’t obsessed with youtube videos of adorable lemon beagles doing adorable things?
• Reading is one of my favorite forms of self-care because it allows me to escape from my busy mind. Here are some free books that you can read online.
• On Dealing with negativity
• 33 Quotes to Inspire Self-Care
• Making a Comfort Box
• The Quiet Place Project

Want to learn more about self-care? Stop by the Women’s Center between 10am and 5pm on Tuesday, December 9th through Thursday, December 10th to practice the “art” of self-care through open-house events focused on DIY self-care.

The Women's Center presents: Self-Care Week 2014

In collaboration with SGA's Stress Free Zone events

Overwhelmed from end-of-the-semester stress? Need to unwind before finals week? Stop by the Center between 10am and 5pm on Tuesday, December 9th through Thursday, December 11th to learn about and practice body positivity and self-care through three open-house events. 

Each day we'll have different activities, games, and craft projects that you won't want to miss! 

Love Your Body Day 

Self-Care Fair 

Pajama Play Day 

Julie Vogt

Role at the UMBC Career Center: I am a receptionist at the UMBC Career Center. I take calls and schedule appointments for students and alumni. You can come up to the Career Center reception desk to ask me any questions regarding jobs, internships, or events that are hosted by the Career Center! I decided to work at the Career Center because it is convenient to take shifts between classes, and it is very close to my home. The staff is also wonderful, friendly, and very helpful!

What are your major(s)/minor(s)?

I am an English major, Psychology minor.

How did you choose your major?

I chose my major because I decided to follow what I love doing- reading. I also think being an English major helps you become a better communicator. I am minoring in psychology because I love studying the way people think, and how I can communicate with and help people of all walks of life.

Tell me about the the job and internship process. Were you able to find job/internship positions that are related to your major or your career interests?

Since I am currently a sophomore, I am looking into applying for internships for summer 2015. I am interested in applying for any jobs and internships that involve writing and communication.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best piece of advice I have ever received is something my mother always tells me: "Be the best you can be, because you can't be anything better than your best self."

Finally, talk about the Career Center and what it has to offer? What has been most beneficial to you?

The Career Center at UMBC is an extremely helpful resource for students. We typically have resume review "drop-ins" every Monday-Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. During these sessions, students can have their resumes looked over, and corrected if needed. Students can also meet with counselors according to their major(s) to talk about searching for internships and jobs. The Career Center also offers mock interviews, where students can schedule a practice interview (it can even be recorded as a video, and saved onto the student's flash drive). The counselor can also help the student decide what they need to do in order to better themselves for an actual interview with a company. The most beneficial thing to me at the Career Center so far, is finding out about great internship opportunities, as well as better understanding how to use UMBCworks (a very helpful resource for internship/job opportunities).

What is your favorite aspect about UMBC?

My favorite aspect about UMBC is the diversity. I love going to campus everyday and seeing people from all over the world, getting along and helping each other out. It is so interesting to learn about other cultures and people. It helps give you a new perspective on life.

What is one item on your bucket list?

One place that is on my bucket list is Ōkunoshima, Japan, also known as "bunny island."

What is one aspect of the DC/Baltimore area that you often explore?

I love the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. I actually really like learning, and the Natural History Museum is one of my favorite places to go in D.C.

Have questions? Want to connect with the Career Center team? Call our office at 410-455-2216 or check out our page here: careers.umbc.edu/index

Make sure to follow the Career Center on Facebook, Twitter, and the myumbc group for career events and announcements!

This week multiple internship positions have been posted to UMBCworks for engineering and math majors. Check out these new positions today:
As you browse the positions below, you must be logged into UMBCworks to access these links.

NASA Journalism and Multimedia Internship (9270210)
Application Deadline: December 23, 2014
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - Greenbelt, MD

NASA invites students working towards degrees in journalism, communications, media relations, science writing, interactive journalism, or broadcast journalism, to participate in our science storytelling program - before you graduate. You'll gain on the job experience as you work with a leading team of writers and multimedia producers to create and share content from some of NASA's most exciting missions: mind-blowing results from the Hubble Space Telescope; breaking solar storm imagery and the emerging field of space weather; new views of the moon from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter; and stories of our changing planet from NASA's Earth observing fleet of satellites. Our internships are designed to give students broad exposure to the many moving parts of the our busy newsroom. Students wishing to explore the intersection between print, web, broadcast journalism and social media environments are particularly encouraged to apply.

Exhibitions Internship (9270193)
Applications Accepted Until: December 12, 2014
Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts - Baltimore, MD

The School 33 and Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts Exhibitions Internship is a part-time unpaid practicum. Projects include but are not limited to:

Assisting the BOPA Exhibitions Manager with various aspects of the BOPA Gallery Exhibition Program, which encompasses School 33 Art Center, The Bromo-Selzer Arts Tower, Top of the World Gallery at The World Trade Center, and BOPA headquarters at 10 East Baltimore Street.

    Duties will include:
            Assisting the Exhibitions Manager in the installation and lighting of exhibitions,
            Help in organizing for open calls for submissions,
            Posting various exhibition announcements and calls for entry online,
            Working on press releases,
            Compiling information for exhibition catalogs,
            Assisting at receptions and events, and
            Helping to document receptions and exhibitions.

...and more!

Spring 2015 - Assistant Proposal Coordinator (9252440)
Application Deadline: March 05, 2015
Ross Technologies, Inc. (RTGX)
Baltimore (on-campus), MD

RTGX is seeking to add to its proposal team a part time resource with excellent writing and organizational skills. The candidate must have excellent skills with Microsoft Office and must be able to follow and execute detailed instructions associated with complex Government request for proposals. Skills with graphic software and ability to develop spreadsheets needed to support various mathematical scenarios would be helpful.

Winter/Spring 2015 - Design Intern
Application Deadline: February 02, 2015
DLR Marketing Inc. - Towson, MD

dlr | marketing, inc. is a hands-on resource for businesses and organizations in need of strategic marketing services. Drawing upon 25+ years experience in consumer, b2b, retail, institutional and tourism marketing, our purpose is to help clients navigate the ever-changing marketplace with a targeted plan and smart, powerful communications. We use our core areas of expertise including strategic planning, action plan and budget development, market research, brand building, integrated multi-platform marketing to include traditional and digital media, traditional public relations and social media, event marketing, and sponsorship/partnership development to help a wide range of clients.

Spring 2015 - Music Mastering / Rock Band Video Game Encoding
Application Deadline: March 05, 2015
Distrophonix - Baltimore, MD

The Intern will not only get real world experience with mastering music, but they will also learn how to encode music for video games like Rock Bank. The interns will be responsible for game testing rock band tracks by playing the game.

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To access these positions, login to your UMBCworks account (via the link in the Jobs & Internships topic in myUMBC) and find details and
application instructions as well as hundreds of other job postings!  

Please note you MUST have an approved resume and be released by a CSC Staff Member to apply to internships. To schedule an appointment, click on 
"Request a Counseling Appointment" from the UMBCworks homepage or call 
(410) 455-2216.