Researcher of the Week: Ellen Gulian Insights from URA Scholar: Develop a researcher's intuition
Ellen Gulian is a senior, with a double major in physics and mathematics, and a minor in computer science. She is a Meyerhoff Scholar (M29), two-time URA Scholar, and LSAMP Scholar.

What research experiences have you had?
In addition to my URA project and my work at UMBC, I have participated in three physics REU programs: one at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (2018), one at Texas A&M University’s Cyclotron Institute (2019), and one at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2020).  

Title of your URA research project: 
Studying 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides using Density Functional Theory.

Describe your project: 
2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a class of materials whose electronic and optical properties make them promising materials for devices like optical detectors and solar cells, and they can even have potential applications in quantum computing. In my project, I aim to use density functional theory, a quantum-mechanical computational tool, to study how these materials interact with their environment. Since these are 2D materials, they are exposed to their environment on all sides, and understanding the effects of this interaction can be vital when it comes to determining how we can use these materials in various devices. In particular, I will be using the Vienna Ab-initio Software Package (VASP) to investigate how introducing defects to monolayer TMDs, modifying the dielectric environment of the TMD, and placing various molecules on top of the monolayer changes the properties of the system.

Who is your mentor for your project?
Dr. Michael Hayden, Department of Physics. During my first semester at UMBC, Dr. Hayden invited me to attend his lab meetings, and I found that I was very interested in the research that his group was working on. I also found Dr. Hayden to be very friendly and outgoing, and I enjoyed the culture of his lab group a lot. I joined Dr. Hayden’s research group during my second semester at UMBC. 

How did you become interested in this project?
When I first started in Dr. Hayden’s lab, my work was primarily experimental. I learned how to prepare thin-film samples of electro-optic polymers, make non-linear optical measurements, and also contributed to a joint research effort with the Army Research Lab that involved developing a sensor to detect defects in armor coating. Though I learned much through these projects, my interests and skills in physics evolved over time, and at the end of my sophomore year, I realized that what I wanted most was to work on a more theoretical research project that allowed me to synthesize my skills in physics, mathematics, and computer science. Dr. Hayden, in collaboration with Dr. Can Ataca’s research group, was able to come up with a project for me that was computational in nature but still relevant to the objectives of his lab group, and I started working on that project in my junior year. 

What have been the hardest parts about your research? One of the hardest parts of my research, and I think research in general, is developing intuition. In my research, sometimes a calculation will crash or terminate with some error code, and you need to be able to figure out what went wrong and determine how to fix the problem. In addition, depending on what type of calculation you want to do and what level of theory you are trying to use, you need to know the proper parameters to input to the computer, and when you’re examining the results of your calculations, you need to be able to determine when something looks “off” or when something cannot be physically correct. All of this requires some level of intuition regarding the physics of the problem you are considering, as well as a good understanding of how the software works. 

What was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher? I think the most unexpected thing about being a researcher, and perhaps something that’s a little uncomfortable at first, is that you can’t be completely prepared for your projects. From my work with Dr. Hayden and my work at various summer REU programs, I’ve learned that doing research means you pick up concepts as you go; it’s simply not realistic to think that you can learn all the prerequisites before starting a project. You’ll always encounter something that you haven’t seen before, and you need to learn how to deal with that in an efficient and effective way. 

What have been the most rewarding and exciting parts of the research?
A lot of the time, computational work can feel like a black box - you use the tools and the software, but you don’t completely understand why or how it works. Personally, I’ve found that a strong understanding of the tools and methods used in a project gives me a greater appreciation of the research. Thus, I spent much of my time learning the fundamentals of density functional theory by reading papers and learning about the software through documentation, which has been a very rewarding experience. In addition, my project this year allows me to collaborate with a graduate student in our lab (Jon Gustafson), who is currently observing possible effects of air reacting with sulfur vacancies in monolayer MoS2 (a TMD). Having computational results from my DFT calculations will help us better determine possible mechanisms for these reactions, and I think it’s exciting to see how theory and experiment complement one another.

How will you disseminate your research?
I will be presenting my research at URCAD this April, and will also be looking to present at specialized (virtual) conferences throughout the year. From our preliminary results, we are also expecting a journal publication in the upcoming months.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research? Don’t be shy about reaching out to potential research mentors early, even if you’re a freshman. You don’t have to make any commitments right away – you can just go to their lab meetings and see what the group is like and whether you’re really interested in the work. Also, look into summer research programs that you can apply for at other universities. 

What are your career goals?
I’m applying to graduate programs in physics this fall. My goal is to earn my Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics, and I’m especially interested in quantum materials and superconductivity. After getting my PhD, I plan on becoming a professor at a research university, where I can teach courses and start my own research group! 
]]> Ellen Gulian is a senior, with a double major in physics and mathematics, and a minor in computer science. She is a Meyerhoff Scholar (M29), two-time URA Scholar, and LSAMP Scholar. What... http://ur.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95287/guest@my.umbc.edu/347a5b2b0b630c9f96cc523217a6cade/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/287/3adcfda4efd28a64fdc7c6dffec4d8c1/xxlarge.jpg?1598882695 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/287/3adcfda4efd28a64fdc7c6dffec4d8c1/xlarge.jpg?1598882695 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/287/3adcfda4efd28a64fdc7c6dffec4d8c1/large.jpg?1598882695 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/287/3adcfda4efd28a64fdc7c6dffec4d8c1/medium.jpg?1598882695 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/287/3adcfda4efd28a64fdc7c6dffec4d8c1/small.jpg?1598882695 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/287/3adcfda4efd28a64fdc7c6dffec4d8c1/xsmall.jpg?1598882695 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/287/3adcfda4efd28a64fdc7c6dffec4d8c1/xxsmall.jpg?1598882695 13 4 true Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:13:24 -0400 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 12:51:34 -0400 Welcome Back Retrievers! Follow us on instagram!
Welcome back Retrievers! This week we are highlighting the various services and tools to get you #careerready! Our staff is taking over instagram to introduce themselves and let you know we are here for you! Although we are virtual, we have so many exciting things planned this fall so check us out on Instagram @umbccareers for all things career center related. 

#UMBCwelcome#UMBCtogether

]]> Welcome back Retrievers! This week we are highlighting the various services and tools to get you #careerready! Our staff is taking over instagram to introduce themselves and let you know we are... http://careers.umbc.edu https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95275/guest@my.umbc.edu/9849a3cef37ac906dce5bea4293619e9/api/pixel career careercenter remote-and-ready umbc Career Center https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xsmall.png?1411655278 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/original.jpg?1411655278 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xxlarge.png?1411655278 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xlarge.png?1411655278 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/large.png?1411655278 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/medium.png?1411655278 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/small.png?1411655278 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xsmall.png?1411655278 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/018/729f2c7eeeab66f50f4ab3677539a585/xxsmall.png?1411655278 Career Center https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/275/adc94733dd4f96f1e64ac4874e909215/xxlarge.jpg?1598808495 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/275/adc94733dd4f96f1e64ac4874e909215/xlarge.jpg?1598808495 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/275/adc94733dd4f96f1e64ac4874e909215/large.jpg?1598808495 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/275/adc94733dd4f96f1e64ac4874e909215/medium.jpg?1598808495 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/275/adc94733dd4f96f1e64ac4874e909215/small.jpg?1598808495 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/275/adc94733dd4f96f1e64ac4874e909215/xsmall.jpg?1598808495 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/275/adc94733dd4f96f1e64ac4874e909215/xxsmall.jpg?1598808495 4 0 true Sun, 30 Aug 2020 13:29:51 -0400 Bingo Postponed Residential Students Only For tonight’s programming, bingo is being postponed to a later date. There were some safety precautions needed in the tent that are not able to be prepared in time. However, we invite you to visit the Miss Twist ice cream truck on Erickson Field beginning at 6pm, and enjoy a Netflix party with (seb). Stay tuned for a new bingo date! ]]> For tonight’s programming, bingo is being postponed to a later date. There were some safety precautions needed in the tent that are not able to be prepared in time. However, we invite you to visit... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95252/guest@my.umbc.edu/0c45f2a702d5d4bbe015628c5fc60265/api/pixel (seb) Student Events Board https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/seb https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/xsmall.png?1774744307 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/original.png?1774744307 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/xxlarge.png?1774744307 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/xlarge.png?1774744307 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/large.png?1774744307 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/medium.png?1774744307 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/small.png?1774744307 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/xsmall.png?1774744307 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/007/67e379556f744137a89e2370eb9dc2d7/xxsmall.png?1774744307 (seb) Student Events Board 0 0 true Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:07:51 -0400 August 27: Retriever Ready Action Update Welcome Back, Retrievers! + COVID-19 Requirements
Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. We encourage you to bookmark this site for the most current information on UMBC’s COVID-19 response, online learning this fall, and more. Questions? Please email covid19@umbc.edu.

Update on COVID-19 Testing Requirements

  • UMBC worked within University System of Maryland testing guidelines to connect faculty, staff, and students with COVID-19 testing options off campus in early August and on campus August 21-26. In order to provide UMBC community members approved to be on campus this fall with the greatest possible access to testing, we extended the on-campus testing period until the day before the start of the semester on August 27 and are accepting the results of off-campus tests conducted through August 26. If you are approved to be on campus and have not yet gotten a COVID-19 test, you should make arrangements to do so as soon as possible at an off-campus location.
  • We understand that some faculty, staff, and students who are approved to be physically present on campus and who have undergone testing very recently might not have been informed of their test results yet. If you have been tested but have not yet received your results, you may return to campus provided you follow all other health and safety requirements, including daily symptom tracking and COVID-19 health and safety training. If you have not been tested, do not physically come to campus until you have a negative test result.

Campus Access

  • We now have a process for faculty, staff, and students who believe they no longer need campus access during the Fall 2020 semester and would like to request removal from the access list. Please refer to UMBC’s new campus access opt-out form for details.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures

  • Testing is a point-in-time measure and just one of several important public health precautions UMBC is requiring and promoting to detect COVID-19 cases and reduce disease spread. All faculty, staff, and students who will be on campus this semester are required to perform daily symptom tracking and are expected to practice good public health behaviors on and off campus. These include limiting exposure to others, staying physically distant, wearing masks, and washing hands often. 
  • Most important, community members who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, who have come in contact with a person experiencing symptoms, tested positive for COVID-19, or come in contact with someone who has tested positive should not come to campus.
  • Residential Students: To keep you and your living unit safe, residential students are strongly encouraged to not travel off campus. If you do travel off campus, please practice good public health behaviors: wear masks, stay physically distant, wash hands often, and limit your contacts with others.
  • Students Commuting to Campus for In-Person Classes: To help keep our community safe, commuting students should enter only those buildings in which their in-person classes are being held. Should you need WiFi access between classes, please park in the Commons Drive or Administration garages and access the WiFi that has been installed there from your car.

COVID-19 Mandatory Training

Online Learning Resources

UMBC Bookstore

UMBC Together

]]> Please see the latest updates on UMBC’s Retriever Ready website. We encourage you to bookmark this site for the most current information on UMBC’s COVID-19 response, online learning this fall, and... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95242/guest@my.umbc.edu/17a42ac17b94fe2e1faf74ad6d6507a1/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 Fri, 28 Aug 2020 11:18:48 -0400 Understanding R R is a powerful open source software system for statistical computing. It has become immensely popular due to its intuitive programming language, built-in support for statistical procedures, and ability to produce beautiful graphics. R is extensible through a package system, and numerous contributions from its user community are freely available. R is available on Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms.  The Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Consulting (CIRC) has created the following videos to get you familiar with R. Click the link below for demo videos and associated files. ]]> R is a powerful open source software system for statistical computing. It has become immensely popular due to its intuitive programming language, built-in support for statistical procedures, and... https://circ.umbc.edu/projects/software-demos/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95234/guest@my.umbc.edu/922272f7c5ee536a22e55af568a234d2/api/pixel Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/library https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/original.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/large.png?1279120404 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/medium.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/small.png?1279120404 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxsmall.png?1279120404 Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery, CIRC https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/234/adef9718b7e401da349567d981617d18/xxlarge.jpg?1598561230 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/234/adef9718b7e401da349567d981617d18/xlarge.jpg?1598561230 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/234/adef9718b7e401da349567d981617d18/large.jpg?1598561230 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/234/adef9718b7e401da349567d981617d18/medium.jpg?1598561230 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/234/adef9718b7e401da349567d981617d18/small.jpg?1598561230 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/234/adef9718b7e401da349567d981617d18/xsmall.jpg?1598561230 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/234/adef9718b7e401da349567d981617d18/xxsmall.jpg?1598561230 3 0 true Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:48:38 -0400 Understanding MATLAB MATLAB is a popular mathematical software package that combines efficient linear algebra operations and powerful graphics with an intuitive, interactive user interface. MATLAB can be useful for a wide range of applications from basic matrix and vector manipulations to full-color 2-D and 3-D visualization. The Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Consulting (CIRC) has created the following videos to get you familiar with MATLAB. Click the link below for demo videos and associated files. ]]> MATLAB is a popular mathematical software package that combines efficient linear algebra operations and powerful graphics with an intuitive, interactive user interface. MATLAB can be useful for a... https://circ.umbc.edu/projects/software-demos/ https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95233/guest@my.umbc.edu/f6682cfc507c6254f42ffd95e3b9ba11/api/pixel Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/library https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/original.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/large.png?1279120404 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/medium.png?1279120404 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/small.png?1279120404 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxsmall.png?1279120404 Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery, CIRC https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/233/440effbb63549f43a873fcd23a6919e0/xxlarge.jpg?1598560965 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/233/440effbb63549f43a873fcd23a6919e0/xlarge.jpg?1598560965 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/233/440effbb63549f43a873fcd23a6919e0/large.jpg?1598560965 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/233/440effbb63549f43a873fcd23a6919e0/medium.jpg?1598560965 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/233/440effbb63549f43a873fcd23a6919e0/small.jpg?1598560965 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/233/440effbb63549f43a873fcd23a6919e0/xsmall.jpg?1598560965 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/233/440effbb63549f43a873fcd23a6919e0/xxsmall.jpg?1598560965 1 0 true Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:43:32 -0400 OEI Welcomes New and Returning Retrievers!

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) would like to extend a warm welcome to the new and returning UMBC Retrievers today, at the start of the Fall 2020 semester!


OEI is open and fully operational, with staff working remotely. Please visit the OEI website to learn more about the team. 

The diversity of UMBC’s community and our commitment to inclusive excellence are among our greatest strengths. We are committed improving equity and inclusion at UMBC.

OEI is responsible for promoting and coordinating the University’s core values of inclusive excellence and equity, and has primary responsibility for managing UMBC’s efforts related to Title IX as well as other civil rights issues, including discrimination, harassment, hate and bias. If you are experiencing discrimination, you can report it using OEI’s online reporting form.

Also you can reach out to our office directly:
410-455-1717

We want to offer our support and wish you success this semester!

The OEI Team


]]> The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) would like to extend a warm welcome to the new and returning UMBC Retrievers today, at the start of the Fall 2020 semester! OEI is open and fully... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95226/guest@my.umbc.edu/dbfe5b76357022c0f91aeba626b72d55/api/pixel Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/equityandinclusion https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xsmall.png?1738780980 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/original.png?1738780980 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xxlarge.png?1738780980 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xlarge.png?1738780980 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/large.png?1738780980 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/medium.png?1738780980 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/small.png?1738780980 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xsmall.png?1738780980 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/748/fb9bcb0b0d640942127ad89c71893675/xxsmall.png?1738780980 Office of Equity and Inclusion 0 0 true Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:38:21 -0400 Happy First Day of Classes UMBC!

Happy First Day of Classes UMBC!

Today is August 27th, 2020 and we celebrate our first day of classes at UMBC. The Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (I3B) would like to take this moment to welcome all of our new students, faculty and staff and say welcome back to those of us that are returning to this new and virtual environment.

This year has indeed presented us with many challenges. As global citizens, we have all experienced numerous and tremendous losses. Many of us are still processing complex emotions mixed with the anxiety and fears of not knowing exactly what is to come.

Even in the most difficult of moments, there is still so much to celebrate. UMBC is quite literally a community of people from all walks of life with varied experiences and interests. We are a growing community of students, faculty, staff, administrators, instructors, scientists, activists, carpenters, economists, advocates, researchers, athletes, mathematicians, artists, musicians, electricians, community organizers, techies, archivists, curators, veterans, counselors, maintenance staff, engineers, gamers, public safety officers, cooks, servers, managers, educators, librarians, magicians (yes, magicians), healthcare practitioners, cashiers, entertainers, lawyers, and so much more.

We know that this is not the first day that any of us imagined. We know that (in this very moment) there are more things that are wrong with 2020, than are right. We recognize that we are all juggling complex emotions and very difficult realities. However, if there is anything you get from this message, it's that we are ALL in this together. You are not alone in this. We hear you. We see you. We welcome you. 

Happy First Day of Classes Retrievers!


]]> Happy First Day of Classes UMBC! Today is August 27th, 2020 and we celebrate our first day of classes at UMBC. The Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (I3B) would like to take this... https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95225/guest@my.umbc.edu/b99bf9c706537f4c95e8f4ca94f0cc7a/api/pixel umbcdiversityandinclusion umbci3b umbctogether The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/themosaic https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/xsmall.png?1755890395 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/original.png?1755890395 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/xxlarge.png?1755890395 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/xlarge.png?1755890395 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/large.png?1755890395 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/medium.png?1755890395 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/small.png?1755890395 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/xsmall.png?1755890395 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/079/8da8369525d899e6fa49decd5a80b73f/xxsmall.png?1755890395 Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging (I3B) https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/225/3d9636a7d2fe6df44eca21e18c8e8c5d/xxlarge.jpg?1598553781 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/225/3d9636a7d2fe6df44eca21e18c8e8c5d/xlarge.jpg?1598553781 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/225/3d9636a7d2fe6df44eca21e18c8e8c5d/large.jpg?1598553781 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/225/3d9636a7d2fe6df44eca21e18c8e8c5d/medium.jpg?1598553781 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/225/3d9636a7d2fe6df44eca21e18c8e8c5d/small.jpg?1598553781 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/225/3d9636a7d2fe6df44eca21e18c8e8c5d/xsmall.jpg?1598553781 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/095/225/3d9636a7d2fe6df44eca21e18c8e8c5d/xxsmall.jpg?1598553781 6 1 true Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:50:57 -0400 UMBC Transit Fall 2020 Operations UPDATE Please follow the link below for the most updated information

https://www.umbc.edu/transit/fall2020.php



]]> Please follow the link below for the most updated information https://www.umbc.edu/transit/fall2020.php https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95208/guest@my.umbc.edu/c5f36d0ea89b0ecf0933a1c6a9ad1670/api/pixel Commuter Connections https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/ocss https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xsmall.png?1770828767 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/original.png?1770828767 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xxlarge.png?1770828767 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xlarge.png?1770828767 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/large.png?1770828767 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/medium.png?1770828767 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/small.png?1770828767 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xsmall.png?1770828767 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/369/e9220286d22558b24422af119b418d0c/xxsmall.png?1770828767 Off-Campus Student Services 1 0 true Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:51:53 -0400 Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:52:19 -0400 REPOST: Change Makers Dinner (RSVP Required) Meet local leaders addressing women's political empowerment

Cross-promotion from this original event link. The Women's Center is excited to be a co-sponsor of this event!


Change Makers Dinner: Wednesday, Sept 9th, 6-8pm 

UMBC students, faculty, staff, and alumni: Join a conversation about voting rights and the political empowerment of women, recognizing that this year is the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution but there is much work left to do. 

Meet local leaders and learn about their work, aspirations, and challenges, and how you can get involved. You will have the opportunity to hear from several change makers and spend time in small groups interacting with them and other participants.

Among the change makers will be: 


Space is limited. Click here to RSVP.

Because we cannot meet in person, this is a bring-your-own dinner event.

This event is hosted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with UMBC’s Women’s Center and Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and will take place on September 9th from 6-8pm.

]]> Cross-promotion from this original event link. The Women's Center is excited to be a co-sponsor of this event! Change Makers Dinner: Wednesday, Sept 9th, 6-8pm  UMBC students, faculty, staff,... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife/events/84363?mobile=off https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/95207/guest@my.umbc.edu/9eeca94e0c4587fe59770015e6e0c77f/api/pixel diversityandinclusion 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 Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:47:36 -0400