The Bahama Oriole (Icterus northropi) is a critically endangered bird found only in Andros, Bahamas. Previous literature on these orioles suggested they mostly nested in developed areas in Coconut Palms (Cocos nucifera). With new knowledge that the Bahama Oriole also nests in pine forests (Pinus caribaea), we hope to make more accurate population estimates. Determining the territory size of the Bahama Oriole is crucial to making reliable population estimates.

Using radio transmitters placed on three different orioles, we triangulated the positions of tagged birds. These positions were used to generate territory maps for the three radio tagged orioles. To assess the validity of our equipment, and ensure the transmitter was still on sampled birds, we also periodically set out to sight the tagged orioles. The resulting home range maps show that the Bahama Oriole has a larger territory size than was previously assumed.  These findings will be crucial in our ongoing efforts to estimate the total number of Bahama Orioles surviving.

We remind all readers that UMBC staff are still here and available for support during this COVID-19 moment. Do not hesitate to reach out for questions, concerns, or care.

On-Campus Resources Available for Virtual Support include: 

• Counseling Center

• Office of Equity and Inclusion (Title IX and more)
  

• University Health Services

• Women’s Center

• Retriever Courage has a full list of campus resources and support to include resources for USG students, faculty, and staff 

• For up-to-date details on how to access these resources during this time of distance learning visit UMBC’s COVID-19 resources page.

To report a complaint of sexual misconduct or discrimination, please submit this online form.

Off-Campus Resources:

• TurnAround, Inc. Helpline (Available 24/7): 443-279-0379; Office: 410-377-8111.  If you are in Maryland and far from UMBC and  are seeking support locally, additional Maryland sexual assault/rape crisis centers are listed here (link). If you are concerned about relationship violence, contact TurnAround or your local center about next steps.  These centers have adapted to COVID-19, and there is a domestic violence exception to the stay-at-home order in Maryland. While procedures are modified for COVID-19, help and support remain available.
  

• MCASA is still open and supporting survivors. Their Fact Sheet on Sexual Assault and People with Disabilities (link) underscores why Accessibility and Disability Services and Student Disability Services take sexual violence and gender-based violence so seriously. Inclusion matters.
  

• The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800-656-HOPE (4673) and through chat.  They can also help you connect with a sexual assault crisis center that is convenient to you.
  

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233 and through chat. 

• Visit Retriever Courage for a more extensive list of off-campus resources and support

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Mentor: Steven McAlpine, Individualized Study

MC Hammerhead: A Kinetic Sculpture Redesign Project 

Originally planned as an interactive exhibit outside of the UC Ballroom, MC Hammerhead will go online for Virtual URCAD 2020! While we are disappointed that you won't be able to "touch this" kinetic sculpture, you will be able to see how the interdisciplinary team of researchers redesigned it to create a functional piece of art. This is the first URCAD kinetic sculpture exhibit in five years; previously the Kraken Upcycle was displayed at URCAD 2015.

Abstract:

UMBC kinetic sculpture team members will present an overview of their redesign efforts during the Fall semester of 2019: adding water propulsion, creating a more durable sharkskin out of recycled materials, and transforming pontoons into functional artwork. These design efforts were part of an interdisciplinary course, INDS 430 Kinetic Sculpture Project, which drew upon methods from sustainable design, project management, and biomimicry to build a new 20 foot shark sculpture named “MC Hammerhead.”

This work was funded, in part, by the Alex Brown Center for Entrepreneurship URA Award.  For information on how to apply for an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) and get up to $1500 to support your research or creative work, go to: ur.umbc.edu/ura