Pantry Items: High-Nutrient, Low-Cost By Adam Sachs, RDN, Dietician, UMBC Dining


In the context of the global pandemic, the way we have been eating is still a little different. More takeout, less grocery store trips, buying in bulk, increased produce prices, and altered food supply chains. A lot of these factors have made many of us really take a look at our usual pantry items and find some intuitive ways to use typical staple foods. Many shelf-stable foods are given a bad name due to many items having added sugars, sodium, and fats; fortunately there are several pantry items that are full of nutrients and can be a component of a delicious and healthy meal. Here’s just a few options that you should consider keeping on hand that offer a variety of benefits in your overall diet.

Whole grains

Quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley, and bulgur wheat (just to name a few) are all whole grains that can be stored in a pantry for months. Many whole grains offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, but most importantly, they are full of fiber. This is a vital component of a healthy diet, especially with fresh produce becoming less available and more costly during the fall and winter months. All of these grains can be made on the stovetop or with a simple rice-cooker. Some simple and quick recipes include oatmeal, grain pilafs, stir-fry, burrito bowls, and cold grain salads.

Canned fish

Tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies, and some shellfish can all be found in canned varieties. Although some of these can be an acquired taste, they contain plenty of nutrients and are shelf stable sometimes for years. Most canned fish is a great source of lean protein, and all contain a healthy serving of omega-3 fatty acids which help promote heart and brain health. Use these fish as a sandwich filler, or add them to a grain and vegetable stir-fry; you can even have them for breakfast along with eggs and toast.

Nuts and seeds

Peanuts, almonds, cashews, papitas, sunflower, walnuts, pecans, and sesame are just a few examples of nuts and seeds that are available at any typical grocery store. All of these products will store for several months and are a great source of unsaturated fats (the healthy fats) and plant based protein. Add chopped nuts or seeds as a topping to any meal, or just use them as a snack.

Sweet potatoes and winter squash

These products are starting to be fully in season this month. Although these foods are typically served as a starch or carb servings they are packed with enough nutrients to count as a vegetable serving too. Sweet potatoes can store in a dry dark space for a couple months, and whole winter squash like butternut, acorn, or pumpkin can hold in a fridge for up to 6 months! These are great items for soups or stews, but also can be simply cut up and roast for a great side dish

Apples and pears

So these are obviously not a pantry item. However, apples and pears are in season locally for the next few months. This means that they can last for a couple weeks on the counter or even 1-2 months in the fridge. This allows you to still have some fresh items without having to worry too much about their shelf life. 



 ]]> In the context of the global pandemic, the way we have been eating is still a little different. More takeout, less grocery store trips, buying in bulk, increased produce prices, and altered food... https://dineoncampus.com/UMBC/dietitian-blog https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96822/guest@my.umbc.edu/b48965c910eede93af066abb04662b54/api/pixel UMBC Family Connection https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/parents https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/xsmall.png?1340914772 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/original.png?1340914772 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/xxlarge.png?1340914772 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/xlarge.png?1340914772 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/large.png?1340914772 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/medium.png?1340914772 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/small.png?1340914772 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/xsmall.png?1340914772 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/420/30293457191c29e0d0d7a715d26041bd/xxsmall.png?1340914772 UMBC Family Connection 0 0 false Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:45:37 -0400 Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:46:59 -0400 RVAM: Self-Guided Learning Week 3 (Oct 19)

Relationship Violence Awareness Month (RVAM) brings people together to create and generate discussion and skill-building on how to prevent relationship violence in our schools, workplaces, and communities. While providing support and care to survivors of relationship violence is an everyday action, this awareness month also carves out intentional moments to honor and believe survivors’ stories and experiences. As we continue this work throughout the pandemic, it is also critical for us to consider how the intersections of covid-19 and social isolation have exacerbated relationship violence over the past several months.  

Since most of campus remains learning and working remotely, we won’t be able to physically come together this October to do this critical work in person. The Women’s Center and all of our campus partners including the Office of Equity and Inclusion, University Health Services, the Counseling Center, Green Dot, We Believe You, and Retriever Courage, and more will nonetheless continue to promote awareness and prevention this month.

We are now in week 3 of our learning about relationship violence from different perspectives, and this week is about The Matrix of Oppression. We are focusing on how people at different marginalized intersections experience power-based violence. This round-up features resources for Indigenous survivors, LGBTQIA+ survivors, Women of Color, and Black women.

Please take time to click, read, and learn at your own pace.

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center has online resources ranging from brochures to webinars. They even have a webinar on how to safely seek help for survivors with pets.

This presentation on domestic violence from WOC, Inc. pays special attention to the issue within Black/African-American communities, Asian/Pacific Islander communities, Hispanic/Latinx communities, and North American Native communities.

For many survivors, police presence only makes their situation more dangerous and stressful. This is especially true for survivors of color that fear for the life of their abuser. This Huffington Post article provides alternative strategies for bystanders that want to help, but aren’t 100% about dialing 9-1-1.

LGBTQIA+ survivors often have a hard time accessing support when they experience violence due to homophobia, transphobia, and heteronormative beliefs about what abuse looks like. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides stats and framing in this blog post to raise awareness for the gravity of this problem.

This image is of the Power and Control Wheel for the LGBT community. The Power and Control wheel was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project offers a useful tool to understand the dynamics of dating/relationship abuse. Think of the wheel is divided into 8 sections that addresses the tactics that an abusive partner uses to keep their victims in a relationship. The sections include coercision and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimizing/denying/blaming, using children, entitlement, and economic abuse. This wheel addresses how these tactics can look different or uniquely be executed based on the survivor/victims LGBTQ identity. ]]> Relationship Violence Awareness Month (RVAM) brings people together to create and generate discussion and skill-building on how to prevent relationship violence in our schools, workplaces, and... https://womenscenteratumbc.wordpress.com/2020/10/21/rvam-self-guided-learning-week-3-oct-19/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96812/guest@my.umbc.edu/7d92d83cbdc03144af1e8949af90525d/api/pixel issues relationship-violence relationship-violence-awareness-month rvam Women's, Gender, & Equity Center https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/womenscenter https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xsmall.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/original.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xxlarge.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xlarge.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/large.png?1750974263 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/medium.png?1750974263 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/small.png?1750974263 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xsmall.png?1750974263 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/125/78272a4842689b30dbf74672182b78f8/xxsmall.png?1750974263 Women's Center 1 0 false Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:58:36 -0400 Unity Day – Wednesday, October 21, 2020 "Wear orange to recognize Unity Day 10-20-20!
JOIN US as we wear orange to show that we are together against bullying, and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

"Come together in one giant ORANGE message of hope and support, WEAR AND SHARE ORANGE to color our nation, and even the world, visibly showing that our society believes that no one should ever experience bullying." October is National Bullying Prevention Month and has been recognized in the US since 2011. PACER National Bullying Prevention Center https://www.pacer.org/bullying/
]]> JOIN US as we wear orange to show that we are together against bullying, and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. "Come together in one giant ORANGE message of hope and support,... https://www.pacer.org/bullying/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96803/guest@my.umbc.edu/088def12c78f9ccd3aeef97aa567aa9e/api/pixel Office of Student Disability Services https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/sss https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/original.jpg?1544104103 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xlarge.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/large.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/medium.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/small.png?1544104103 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xsmall.png?1544104103 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/045/7bd1d4fb54807870659b6b4042c75b76/xxsmall.png?1544104103 Office of Student Disability Services 3 0 true Tue, 20 Oct 2020 20:59:48 -0400 Tue, 20 Oct 2020 21:17:12 -0400 October 20: Retriever Ready Action Update Combatting Pandemic Fatigue
Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. Questions? Email covid19@umbc.edu.

COVID-19 Health & Safety

  • This CDCs guidance on Halloween activities is helpful to people of all ages! Also, Autumn is a good time to safely get outdoors and engage in healthy activities such as hiking, kite flying, walking, bike riding, and apple picking, just to name a few.
  • If you are showing signs of “Pandemic Fatigue” you are not alone. Here is an article that shares some helpful insights on how to deal with pandemic fatigue and burnout. Keep sticking to the precautions, Retrievers! We can do this!

Protect Yourself with a Seasonal Flu Shot

  • University Health Services (UHS) has a limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine remaining after last week’s campus flu clinic. Flu shots are available by appointment only at UHS on the ground floor of Erickson Hall for students, faculty, and staff approved to be on campus. We strongly encourage this vaccine during the COVID pandemic. Please see this CDC webpage for more information, and call UHS at 410-455-2542 to schedule your appointment. In addition, you can visit the UHS flu shot page for off-campus locations in the Catonsville-Arbutus area offering flu shots. Remember to call ahead to ensure the location you plan to visit has vaccines available.

Students: Participate in the Wake Forest Wellbeing Assessment

  • Although classes and activities at UMBC are mostly held in virtual spaces during these unique times, the wellbeing of our students is more important than ever. UMBC is participating in the Wake Forest Wellbeing Assessment. Students, by completing the assessment you will help us to better understand your needs and how we can be supportive. Check your UMBC email for the survey link. Forty students who complete the assessment will be randomly selected to receive a $25 virtual UMBC Bookstore gift card.

UMBC Together

]]> Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. Questions? Email covid19@umbc.edu. COVID-19 Health & Safety This CDCs guidance on Halloween activities is helpful to... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96800/guest@my.umbc.edu/7a01e098c689902ffb88b15a1eb3568d/api/pixel covid19update UMBC Community News https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 0 0 true Tue, 20 Oct 2020 16:38:04 -0400 Spring 2021 Housing Information Apply today for housing in the Spring!
Students who are interested in living on campus this spring should complete the “Spring-Only Housing Application” online at umbc.edu/go/housing. There is no commitment or cost to completing this interest application. For priority consideration, students need to complete the Spring Interest Application by November 15, 2020.

In early November, our staff will begin making housing offers to students who complete the application. At that time, we will have more information regarding the semester housing dates, costs, and applicable changes from fall to spring expectations.

In the event that demand for housing is greater than capacity, we have identified factors that prioritize student academic success. Residential Life, in collaboration with Academic Affairs, has established criteria for prioritizing on-campus housing offers:

  • Students registered in at least one (1) in-person or hybrid class or a predetermined university affiliation or sponsorship by a university department that requires access to university facilities in order to fulfill academic commitments.
    • This includes but is not limited to research facilities, labs, and athletic training facilities.
  • Participation in first-year academic cohort programs, including but not limited to scholars programs and Living Learning Communities (LLCs).
  • Students’ distance from campus based on permanent address (students with addresses greater than 30 miles from campus will be given stronger consideration) and international students.
  • Students with an approved medical housing accommodation through Student Disability Services (sds.umbc.edu) that requires them to live on campus.
  • Students identified as having exceptional need for housing.
  • Please note that on-campus employment and student club and organization affiliation are not priority factors at this time.
  • All student housing needs are not identified by these categories; therefore, UMBC staff will work to review individual requests for on-campus housing through the Fall Housing Wait List Application. Our priority in these decisions will be based on student need for safe and secure housing or for whom on-campus housing is necessary to fulfill their academic requirements.

For more information and FAQs about Spring Housing please visit our website 

We hope you will consider living on campus next semester!
]]> Students who are interested in living on campus this spring should complete the “Spring-Only Housing Application” online at umbc.edu/go/housing. There is no commitment or cost to completing this... https://reslife.umbc.edu/covid-19-residential-life-updates/covid-19-residential-life-faqs/#subsec2 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96768/guest@my.umbc.edu/97467bb44ec5f78056e1fa2689ff15e9/api/pixel Residential Life https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/reslife https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xsmall.png?1426710501 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/original.PNG?1426710501 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xxlarge.png?1426710501 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xlarge.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/large.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/medium.png?1426710501 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/small.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xsmall.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xxsmall.png?1426710501 Residential Life 0 0 true Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:06:02 -0400 Residential Move-Out Update All communities close Wednesday, November 25 at 8:00 pm

All residential communities close on Wednesday, November 25 at 8 p.m.  Residential students are expected to move all of their belongings before or by closing. (Walker Avenue Residents do not need to vacate at Thanksgiving Break). Due to our efforts to maintain social distancing in the halls as families arrive to assist with move-out, we will not be able to facilitate the move-out of all students on one day.


Residential Life released a two-minute survey on Friday, September 25, to students and families. This data will assist in our planning as we schedule students to move out leading up to and by November 25.  


Students will receive an email by or on October 25 with further instructions for their move-out.  Thank you for your patience and attention to residential closing processes.  

]]> All residential communities close on Wednesday, November 25 at 8 p.m.  Residential students are expected to move all of their belongings before or by closing. (Walker Avenue Residents do not need... https://reslife.umbc.edu/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96767/guest@my.umbc.edu/2a52242500ee4c67312effd36d2b110f/api/pixel Residential Life https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/reslife https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xsmall.png?1426710501 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/original.PNG?1426710501 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xxlarge.png?1426710501 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xlarge.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/large.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/medium.png?1426710501 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/small.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xsmall.png?1426710501 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/033/f8f656b73252c75518351df0289a43cc/xxsmall.png?1426710501 Residential Life 0 0 true Tue, 20 Oct 2020 10:05:28 -0400 Presidential Teaching & Research Professor Awards Submit nominations for the 2020-2021
President Freeman Hrabowski, and Provost Philip Rous invite all departments to submit nominations for the 2020-2021 Presidential Teaching Professor and Presidential Research Professor Awards.

Presidential Professors receive an award of $2,500 for each of the three years of the award period. The awardee’s department receives $2,500 per semester for the same period.

Email nominations to Vice Provost Patrice McDermott in the Office of the Provost, mcdermot@umbc.edu, by Friday, November 6. Additional detailed information concerning eligibility, criteria, and documentation for these awards can be found here.
]]> President Freeman Hrabowski, and Provost Philip Rous invite all departments to submit nominations for the 2020-2021 Presidential Teaching Professor and Presidential Research Professor Awards.... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96753/guest@my.umbc.edu/5c86583b856b15911e1497f317c71c7b/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 0 0 true Mon, 19 Oct 2020 15:28:47 -0400 Tue, 20 Oct 2020 09:30:43 -0400 Open Enrollment for Health Benefits Begins Today, October 19 Continues Through 5 p.m. on November 13


Dear Faculty and Staff,

We are pleased to announce that all existing health care plans and carriers will remain in place for 2021. After multiple years without increases, the State of Maryland has passed along minimal rate changes that will impact the medical and dental plans in 2021. CareFirst and United Healthcare medical plan rates will increase by 4.5 percent; Kaiser medical plan rates will increase by 5 percent. Dental plan rates will increase between 4.5 ﹘ 5.9 percent, depending on the plan and coverage level. Prescription, AD&D, and life insurance rates will not increase. Open enrollment rates and materials are now posted on the HR website.

Human Resources will host live virtual open enrollment information sessions on October 20, October 27, and November 10. Employees who are unable to attend a live session will be able to view a recording that will be posted on the Virtual Resources page on or around October 23.

Open Enrollment for State of Maryland benefits will continue to be online in the SPS Workday system. The SPS Workday link and login process has changed; employees should visit the HR website for detailed instructions. During open enrollment, employees can enroll in and/or make changes to their health benefits effective January 1, 2021. Employees choosing to make a healthcare or dependent care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) election for 2021 MUST login to SPS Workday prior to 5 p.m. on November 13. Employees who are not making an FSA election or other health benefit changes do not need to take action. Employees will receive important alerts during open enrollment from the State of Maryland via the SPS Workday system (stateofmaryland@myworkday.com). Retirees will have information mailed to their home address directly from the State of Maryland.

Please visit the Virtual Resources page for videos, training links, and additional vendor resources. 

Please email hrbenefits@umbc.edu if you have questions. Thank you!

The UMBC Human Resources Benefits Team
]]> Dear Faculty and Staff, We are pleased to announce that all existing health care plans and carriers will remain in place for 2021. After multiple years without increases, the State of Maryland... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/96734/guest@my.umbc.edu/bf0275dacbc4dad1ebcbaae034c1fbf4/api/pixel UMBC Community News https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 0 0 true Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:01:12 -0400 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:06:59 -0400 Featured Employer Partner: NSA New content every day this week
All this week the UMBC Career Center is excited to feature one of our top employer partners, the National Security Agency!

Events this Week:

Wednesday, Oct. 21 is NSA’s UMBC Connects day in which they will hold 3 sessions on:

11:00-11:45 AM – Exploring Future Pathways
In depth review of the Internship and Entry Level Opportunities available at the NSA and an overview of the application process.

12:00-12:45 PM – Intern & Recent Hire Panel Discussion
Hear firsthand what a day in the life is like at the National Security Agency.

1:00-1:45 PM – Where to Go From Here
This is your chance to ask specific questions and speak with technical recruiters regarding opportunities of interest to you.

About NSA:

The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) leads the U.S. Government in cryptology that encompasses both Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Information Assurance (IA) products and services, and enables Computer Network Operations (CNO) in order to gain a decision advantage for the Nation and our allies under all circumstances.

NSA is committed to creating a workforce that has a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and points of view. To provide and protect national security, we must capitalize on the rich diversity of knowledge, skills, abilities, backgrounds and perspectives of our workforce. National security and diversity go hand-in-hand as essential partners in the interest of global peace. Learn more about our diversity programs.
 

Featured Content:

Monday, 10/19
Never Stop Learning at NSA
 
Tuesday, 10/20
The NSA Experience
 
Why Work @ NSA
 
Did you know that over 1,100 NSA employees are UMBC alumni?

Read the full UMBC News article
 
Wednesday, 10/21
Recorded sessions from NSA's UMBC Connects day can be viewed here:
Thursday, 10/22
Life at National Security Agency:
Cryptanalysis @ NSA
 
Business Careers @ NSA
 
Cyber Pros Wanted
 
Friday, 10/23
Student Programs
Search opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Careers @ NSA
Browse career fields and learn how your degree matches our needs.

Intelligence Careers
View career options available in all U.S. intelligence agencies.
 
--
Check back here each day this week for added content, recorded interviews and information sessions. Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter to get these updates automatically.
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Title of your research project: Characterizing the effects of ferritin on ovarian cell migration in Drosophila melanogaster. 


Describe your project:

My research focuses on the roles of  Ferritin  in cell migration of migratory cells known as border cells in drosophila melanogaster. Ferritin helps to store iron in a non-toxic form in cells and my project focuses on investigating how the ferritin protein complex affects cell migration as well as exploring what transcription factor binding sites are present within the ferritin genes locus to understand how it may be regulated in fruit flies. 

Who is your mentor(s) for your project?

My mentor is Dr. Michelle Starz-Gaiano from the Biological sciences department. I found my mentor while I was taking her class (cell biology) and I chose to work with her because I was fascinated and interested in cell and developmental biology processes and I believed I would be able to learn a lot by working in her lab which I am.  

How did you become interested in this project?

I became interested in this project because I was curious about cell migration and underlying biological processes that regulate it, and the role of ferritin was unique and fascinating to me and to  learn about in cell migration. 

What has been the hardest part of your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher? 

The most unexpected thing about being a researcher would be being able to think  and work independently. The hardest part of my research would be being able to interpret and expand on results that were not expected and also to be able to improve the way I come up with questions to explore. 

What has been the most rewarding part?

The most rewarding part is when everything comes together nicely and I understand how it relates to the bigger picture. There is a sense of accomplishment that  motivates me to take on more tasks with my project. 

How will you disseminate your research?

I will be presenting at URCAD in April. I will also be presenting at the USM conference as well as ABRCMS this year. 

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? 

Be open, passionate, and actively involved in your project. Also if you have difficulties finding a mentor, keep trying, and stay open to opportunities. 

What are your career goals?

My career goal is to become a biomedical scientist. 

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