Originally from Silver Spring, MD, Rebecca is a Computer Science major and an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the UMBC MAPLE (Multi-Agent Planning and Learning) Lab.

About Rebecca

When did you become interested in Computer Science? High School.

What area of Computer Science interests you the most? (Truth be told) Job Security; Feeling like a strong independent woman "fighting" for her right to be a Computer Scientist.

What is your dream job? My dream job is being a dancer or a chorus teacher (my retirement plan). My CS dream job is one where I'd be able to write programs that will make a difference in the world (either in health, education, etc.) and be able to interact with people all over the world.

Hobbies? I like to sing when no one's around to hear, dance like no one's watching, and draw.

About being a CS major

What is your favorite professor/course and why? Professor Brian Dunnigan – English 100. Off-beat class, profound wisdom. He's a cool cat. Pro Tip: You get to read graphic novels in his class (my class read V for Vendetta, which is my favorite).

What is the best part about being a CWIT Affiliate? Being exposed to all the opportunities around me. I've had a narrow path set by my family upon graduating. Thanks to CWIT, GraceHopper, and my bosses, I've learned I can do anything with my Computer Science major. Not just sitting in a cubicle, but having jobs that will allow me to travel and interact with other passionate, fun-loving people.

Are you part of any on-campus clubs, organizations, teams, or labs? I'm affiliated with UMBC's Ultimate Frisbee club, Rock Climbing club, Swing Dance club, and UMBC's CWIT (Center for Women in Technology).

Have you done any undergraduate research? I'm an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the UMBC MAPLE (Multi-Agent Planning and Learning) Lab under CE21 (Computing Education for the 21st Century) and CS4HS (Computer Science for High School) projects. We are a planning project with the goal of increasing high school computer science expertise and statewide support in Maryland for computing education. I'm responsible for all aspects of event management, including site selection, contract negotiation, proposal planning, transportation arrangements, housing, and production of meeting materials for professional CS workshops, meetings, and industry dinners.

What advice would you give to incoming students? Procrastination is death. Everyone will tell you this so take the advice: "Start your projects early." Leave the last minute panic to us oldies. Think about it: Finish a project early, eliminate stress, and go out and enjoy your life. You'll definitely be a happier person.

What advice would you give to other females entering the field? You are not alone. Really. Being an affiliate for CWIT and an undergraduate research assistant, I've been able to network with many students and professors. There are professors that truly want to push you on the path of greatness. There are students that share the same mindset and know your pain (or at least understand them). Befriend them. If you see me, say "Hi." I'll be your friend.

About life at UMBC

What is the best part about campus life at UMBC? The quaint serenity of living on a moderately small community campus. UMBC is my home, my work place, and my school. My friends are my neighbors (mainly within walking distance), my coworkers are my colleagues, classmates, and friends, and my professors are my mentors, advisers, and bosses. I have the freedom to do what I want when I want all in one little loop. Props to Campus Police and UMBC's general vicinity for making campus feel safe and cozy.

What is your favorite spot on campus? I would tell you but that would spoil its serenity.

Where can you get the best coffee/lunch/ food or beverage of choice? I'm a big fan of Fresh Fusions, Wild Greens, and Admin for healthy choices. Au Bon Pain and the Library Cafe have some pretty good smoothies. (Order a Strawberry Smoothie with whipped cream. Do it. I dare you.)

UMBC's Division of Professional Studies seeks a graduate assistant to assist its
    marketing department.
    
    Typical Duties:
    - Maintain data files and  facilitate the distribution of mass email distributions;
    - Assist  in maintaining social networks (Twitter, Facebook, myUMBC) in an engaging,
    yet appropriate manner;
    - Distribute flyers across campus;
    - Occasionally designing flyers and hand-outs;
    - Regularly conduct internet research and compile/summarize efforts;
    - Contribute to discussions/brainstorms about marketing content and design;
    - Assist with other day-to-day marketing projects, such as video production and
    participation at in-person events.

Qualifications:
    

- An outgoing and responsible graduate student, or senior who plans to stay at UMBC
    for graduate school;
    - Organized, efficient and able to manage several projects simultaneously;
    - Efficient at using the internet and other resources for research;
    - Capable of compiling and presenting research to marketing team;
    - Capable of writing and communicating clearly;
    - Have a basic understanding of marketing, particularly advertising and social media;
    - Skills in graphic design, video production or past experience in social media
    marketing a plus.
    

About the Division of Professional Studies:
    The Division of Professional Studies at UMBC offers a variety of high-quality
    master’s, graduate certificates, special courses and non-degree training programs.
    Building on UMBC’s strength in cutting-edge research and academic excellence,
    these programs provide relevant skills, knowledge and credentials in high-demand
    areas of study.
    

Deadline:
    ASAP, ideally by 5 p.m. October 29, 2012

Send resume and cover letter expressing your interest to:

Julie Gilless" <jgilless@umbc.edu>

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) is seeking applications for its Fiscal and Policy Analyst (FPA) position and summer internship program. This letter provides information on the LAO, the advertised positions, and the application process. Additional information can be found on our website at www.lao.ca.gov

The Legislative Analyst’s Office

The LAO is the nonpartisan fiscal and policy advisor to the California Legislature. Its mission is to reduce the cost of state government and/or to increase its efficiency. Established in 1941, the LAO is the oldest office of its type in the country, and maintains a national reputation for its nonpartisanship and its high-quality staff and analyses. The office maintains a professional, collegial work environment that strives for an appropriate work/life balance.

The office does the following three main types of work for the Legislature:

·         Analyzes the Governor’s annual budget proposal, testifies at legislative hearings, and conducts legislative oversight throughout the year.

·         Responds to requests from Members of the California Legislature on programs and finances.

·         Produces independent, self-generated reports to assist the Legislature in addressing the major fiscal and policy issues facing California. For example, we have recently published reports on (1) the impact of federal health care reform on California, (2) the insolvency of California’s Unemployment Insurance Fund, and (3) using distance education to increase college access and efficiency.

Positions Advertised

Fiscal and Policy Analyst. The FPA’s primary responsibility is to be the LAO’s expert in a specific policy area. Policy areas are: State and Local Finance; Education; Health and Human Services; and Corrections, Transportation, and Environment. A complete description of the FPA position can be found at:

http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/Careers/job_announcements/general_job_info.aspx.

Summer Internships. The LAO operates a 12-week summer internship program that provides a rigorous analytical experience for individuals who (1) have completed the first year of a two-year graduate program that provides both a quantitative and policy analytical curriculum and (2) are interested in becoming a full-time FPA after graduation. The internship pays $2,650 per month. Additional information on the program is available at: www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/Careers/summer_internships.aspx.

Application Process

Interested individuals should e-mail a cover letter, resume, and three references (names, phone numbers, and relationships only, not letters of reference) to lao.employment@lao.ca.gov. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 21, 2012. We will respond to all applicants by January 11, 2013. As part of this year’s recruiting process, we will conduct a limited number of
on-campus interviews in January and February 2013.

We will review the resumes to determine which schools to visit for on-campus, first-round interviews. The decision will be based on the quality and perceived “fit” of the applicants as indicated by the resumes and whether there are enough interested and qualified applicants to warrant a visit. We will also conduct phone or Skype interviews with those selected for interviews from schools that we will not visit this year.

A second round of interviews, if appropriate, will take place in Sacramento in March 2013. Decisions and offers will be made no later than April 2013. Typically, new hires begin work at the LAO in August or September.

The LAO anticipates hiring from six to eight FPAs during the recruiting cycle and three or four summer interns. At this time, we do not know what policy areas will be vacant when new hires report next summer and fall. Consequently, we are not recruiting for specific policy areas. Our assignment process takes into account existing vacancies, the needs of the office, and the interests of the new hires.

I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, please contact me at sarah.kleinberg@lao.ca.gov.

The Public Service Fellows program at the Partnership for Public Service is an opportunity for undergraduate students, graduate students and recent graduates to participate directly in transforming the way government works while developing valuable professional skills.

At the Partnership, fellows are integral to the organization's day-to-day operations, programs and activities. We value the contributions of fellows and work to provide relevant and useful experiences. That's why fellows are assigned substantive and meaningful work to support our wide variety of programs, events, and projects to help revitalize the federal government. Fellows' duties vary across the Partnership, but often include event planning and execution, research, writing and outreach to external partners, such as government agencies and colleges and universities.

Now accepting applications for spring 2013- all majors and backgrounds are welcome! For more information

The Diversity Summer Internship Program (DSIP) at the Bloomberg School of Public Health is a 10-week summer program that provides undergraduates with a graduate-level, independent research project in the biomedical or public health field.

Students work under the direct mentoring of accomplished Johns Hopkins researchers, gaining valuable experience in a collaborative, challenging and fun environment.

The Diversity Summer Internship Program welcomes applicants from all over the United States, including underrepresented and economically disadvantaged areas. Starting November 1, 2012, visit the Diversity Summer Internship Program’s online application page to begin filling out an application.

World Trade Center Institute Internships are available in the following areas. For more information go: https://www.wtci.org/partner-job-postings/internship/.

Accounting and Finance

Assist in finance related activities such as accounts payable/receivable; Assist in the preparation of quarterly expenses analysis and weekly financial reports; Assist in IT related activities as needed; Attend WTCI networking events; Perform other miscellaneous duties

Business Non-Profit Management – Operations

Research and learn about Maryland’s top international companies and industries; Maintain client services database; Assist in Board of Directors meetings preparation and reports (including financials); Perform Business Development research and other research projects as needed; Communicate with WTCI clients and partnering embassies; Attend WTCI networking events; Other miscellaneous duties.

International Visitors Program & Client Services

Help the IVP team design professional and cultural programming for visiting delegations of foreign professionals; Escort visiting foreign delegations to meetings with local experts; Get acquainted with various government and private sector resources in MD; Maintain and update database and website content; prepare welcome packets for visitors; Perform research projects as needed; Attend WTCI networking events; Perform other miscellaneous duties in the internship program field, event planning, or office management.

Marketing, Communications and Events

Assist in Marketing, Communications and Event Planning activities including: Assist in development and design of marketing materials and advertising; Research various companies and countries to assist in developing marketing language; Use Google Analytics to increase web traffic; Update WTCI’s Social Media and strategize best practices; Participate in event preparation, management and logistics; Perform website updates; Attend all WTCI networking events

Strategic Planning and Business Development

Research and learn about Maryland’s top international companies and industries; Assist in new business ideas; Research strategic alliances and potential new sources of revenue building; Learn to maintain Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software; Prepare New Members Welcome Packets; Attend WTCI networking events; Perform other miscellaneous duties.

The Application Process:

Intern Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by email or mail. The International Visitors Program applicants need to submit a writing sample of up to one page. There is no requirement for the topic. Among other things, the cover letter should indicate information on the semester for which the applicant is applying; an approximate start date if selected; the position(s) for which the applicant is applying.  Note - You will not be interviewed unless you clearly specify your preference of up to three positions.

Spring (end of January to end of May) Application Deadline: November 15th.

Please send applications to:

The World Trade Center Institute

Internship Program – c/o Janine Downey

401 E. Pratt Street, Suite 232

Baltimore, MD 21202

CSEE Colloquium

Modeling the dynamics of pulsed optical fiber lasers that rely on nonlinear polarization rotation

Brian Marks
Research Scientist
UMBC Computational Photonics Laboratory

1 pm Friday, 2 November 2012, ITE 227, UMBC

Ultrashort pulse lasers are important tools in time and frequency metrology, atomic spectroscopy, and medical applications. Passively modelocked fiber lasers are short pulse lasers that have many advantages over non-fiber alternatives — particularly size, weight, and cost. However, fiber lasers can drift due to environmental changes and changes in fiber properties, making robustness a problem. Although fiber modelocked lasers have been studied for decades, until recently modeling these devices has primarily been phenomenological. In this talk, I will discuss how passively modelocked fiber lasers work, improvements in the modeling effort in recent years, challenges for their robustness, and possible improvements for robustness based on our modeling work.

Brian Marks is a research scientist in the computational photonics laboratory at UMBC. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University, and B.S.'s in Math and Physics from N. C. State University. He was at UMBC from 2000–2005 in the computational photonics lab, then taught math and statistics at Indiana University in Bloomington for several years, and is now back at UMBC. His research interests include modeling and simulation of photonics and communications systems.