Happy Tuesday! Take a look at the events that will take place at The Mosaic Center this week: 

Wednesday, 3/25/2026 | Unidos 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Thursday, 3/26/2026 | SistaCare 3 - 4:30 PM 

Friday, 3/27/2026 | Donuts & Dialogue x Women's History Month 12 - 1 PM

We hope to see you at our upcoming events and sponsorships! Questions regarding Mosaic programming can be sent to our email: themosaic@umbc.edu. 

The Mosaic Center and all events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

Name: Krishna Chaitanya

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Geographical Information Systems 

Current Class Level: Masters Student 

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative 

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: GIS Fellow 

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

I am working as a GIS Fellow supporting community organizations in Baltimore. My role is to create GIS StoryMaps that highlight community conditions, environmental issues, and the work these organizations are doing in their neighborhoods. On a daily basis, I collect and organize data such as environmental hazards, vacant properties, community resources, and 311 service requests. I analyze this information and create maps and StoryMaps that clearly show patterns and community needs. I also work closely with the organizations to understand their priorities and present their work and impact through maps that can support community awareness and decision-making.

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

I first heard about the position through Handshake and applied last summer. I joined the organization as an unpaid intern and worked on a few GIS-related projects during that time. After the summer, the organization applied for AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange Cohort and was selected. Following that, I was brought back in October to continue working with the team. Since then, I have been supporting their work by doing spatial analysis, helping with GIS workshops for their staff and stakeholders, and preparing maps and StoryMaps that show community conditions and the impact of their work.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Handshake 

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

What I have enjoyed most about my position is working with data in a way that supports community organizations and residents. I collect, analyze, and present data on maps for the organization and the communities they serve. I enjoy turning data into maps because it makes information easier to understand and supports planning and decision making. I also appreciate being involved in the full process, from planning the work to analyzing the data, creating the maps, and presenting the results. Another meaningful part of this work is that it relates to environmental and climate justice, and the maps and analysis I produce can be useful for the organization and community residents.

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

My work helps turn community data into clear visuals that people can easily understand. By mapping local conditions and resources, I help the organization and community members see what is happening in their neighborhoods and support efforts to improve environmental and community well-being.

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

Be open to learning and take initiative when opportunities come your way. Even small experiences can help you build skills and lead to bigger opportunities later.

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

"I appreciated the support the Career Center provides to students. Through career fairs, networking events, and opportunities shared on Handshake, it becomes easier to connect with organizations and find internships. Their tips on social media, podcasts, and informative videos are also helpful for learning about career paths and preparing for opportunities."

Join us for our end of the year Celebration & Awards! 

6th Annual Black & Latine/x Celebration & Awards

Monday, May 18, 2026

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

University Center, Ballroom 3rd Floor

This celebration is in recognition of the achievements of UMBC's Black and Latina/e/o/x graduating students as well as contributing community members.Black and Latine/x students have made invaluable contributions to the wider UMBC community. This celebration is in recognition of Black and Latine/x graduating students and of all the allied staff, faculty, alumni, and programs that work to support them.

During the gathering, we'll enjoy food together, we'll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who've contributed to their success.

Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance. 

Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 

Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.

If you would like to nominate a community member for one of our Affinity Celebration & Awards, you may nominate them here using the Awards Nomination Form or https://forms.gle/TLH8uDwccy5gBJtj8. You may submit multiple nominations for the same or different individuals. Please submit all nominations by April 20th, 2026. 

For those interested in attending, you can RSVP HERE!  Save the date on your calendars! Graduates that RSVP by Friday, May 1st at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.

If you have any questions, please email us at themosaic@umbc.edu.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy. 

Join us for our end of the year Celebration & Awards! 

Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards

Thursday, May 14, 2026

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

University Center Ballroom 3rd Floor

This celebration commemorates the achievements of graduating UMBC students while celebrating the vast cultural diversity of Asian communities and heritage on our campus. We recognize the difficulty of choosing just one identifier or term to capture the vast diversity of all people with heritage in the Asian continent, representing 49 countries and hundreds of cultures. We seek to honor the breadth of experience of people across Asia - East, South, Southwest, West, and Central Asia. 

During the gathering, we'll enjoy food together, we'll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who've contributed to their success.

Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance. 

Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 

Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.

If you would like to nominate a community member for one of our Affinity Celebration & Awards, you may nominate them here using the Awards Nomination Form or https://forms.gle/TLH8uDwccy5gBJtj8. You may submit multiple nominations for the same or different individuals. Please submit all nominations by April 20th, 2026. 

For those interested in attending, you can RSVP HERE!  Save the date on your calendars! Graduates that RSVP by Thursday, April 30th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.

If you have any questions, please email us at themosaic@umbc.edu.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy. 

Commuter Week was designed to bring students together, build connections, and create a stronger commuter community at UMBC. We hope you had the opportunity to take part.
We would like to hear about your experience.

Your feedback helps us understand what worked well, what can be improved, and how we can make future commuter programs more meaningful and engaging for all students.
Whether you attended one event, several events, or were unable to participate, your input is valuable to us.

Complete the survey:
Access the survey through our Linktree link below:
linktr.ee/umbc_commuters

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and your responses will help us continue improving commuter initiatives at UMBC.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.