Up for Science and Politics: Understanding Data Centers

8:30-10 am Tuesday, March 24, UMBC University Center 312

Data centers power everything from traffic predictions and fraud detection on credit cards. At UMBC, researchers are developing AI-powered treatments for stomach disorders and AI tools that help students learn and thrive, among other projects. Data centers also have implications for public health, the environment, and energy capacity. Yet even as Maryland is poised to be the next major data center hub, many residents don't know what they are, how they work, and what they power.

Join us for a conversation with Maryland policymakers and UMBC experts as they unpack the science behind data centers, key policy and ethical debates surrounding their construction, and how leaders can effectively communicate the costs and benefits of data centers to the public.

Moderator

Dr. Anupam Joshi, Vice Provost, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer

Panelists

Jack Suess, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, UMBC
Del. Brian Crosby, District 29B
Del. Chao Wu, District 9A
Dr. Tim Finin, Research Prof., UMBC Dept. of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Dr. Ida Ngambeki, Assistant Professor,  UMBC Depart. of Information Systems
Dr. Karen Chen, Assistant Professor, UMBC Department of Information Systems
David Lapp, People's Counsel, Maryland Office of People's Counsel

More information

Register here

The SPIE Defense + Security symposium is happening in the National Harbour. This is a big event for sensors, imaging, and photonics technologies. It is a fantastic opportunity to see the latest industry instrumentation and network with professionals while going with your fellow students. 

Attendees can expect many technical presentations, expert-led training courses, and a vibrant exhibition featuring top suppliers showcasing cutting-edge innovations, from infrared and laser systems to AI-assisted sensing and autonomous platforms. Whether you're seeking collaboration, funding opportunities, or the latest breakthroughs, this is where the future of defense and security meets photonics.

The Details:

• Dates: April 28, 2026 

• Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

• Cost: Walking the exhibition floor is FREE if you register in advance. Full conference access is also discounted for SPIE student members.

We are setting up carpooling to make getting there as easy as possible. We know everyone's schedules are totally different, so don't worry about the exact timing just yet. Once we know who wants to go, we will work out the time slots, coordinate drivers, and group everyone up based on availability.

Chapter Lunch Meetup - between the exhibition floor and the sessions, we're planning to coordinate a group lunch to get everyone together and to catch-up.

Action Required: If you are interested in attending for a single day or multiple days, please fill out the form below by April 20th.

https://forms.gle/6S2meJf18ZMdTrNE7

The Building Attendant (BA) is the key staff person on duty during weekday evenings and on weekends. As the BA, you act as the representative of the Howard County Arts Council (HoCo Arts) and may be the first and only contact with a visitor to the Center. It is essential to greet each and every person entering the building and make them feel welcome. Your appearance and workstation should be kept neat and tidy.