Alumni Mentor UMBC Interns in the Workplace

eCity Corporation

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Karen J. Carpenter
President/Artistic Director 
eCity Corporation

“I like providing opportunities for interns to apply classroom and creative knowledge in a real-world environment.”

Year of Graduation: 2002
Major(s)/Degree: Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Culture; area: Visual Literacy
Favorite Course at UMBC: Classes on new media, merging of word and image and multiculturalism

Intern:
Nikki Jahangiri
eCity Corporation 

“The most valuable part of my internship experience was learning how to establish a strong corporate identity to ensure the business success of our clients.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2010
Major: Graphic Design with a Minor in Art History
Favorite Course at UMBC: Foundations in Leadership

Triangle Universities Nuclear Lab at Duke University

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Michael Ronquest
Post-Doctoral Fellow 
Triangle Universities Nuclear Lab

“I love teaching and the chance to pass on what I’ve learned.”

Year of Graduation: 2000
Major(s)/Degree: B.S. in Physics
Other Education: Ph.D.; University of Virginia
Favorite Course at UMBC: Quantum Mechanics

Intern:
Shauna Marquess
Triangle Universities Nuclear Lab 

“I have learned a lot from this internship. Perhaps the most valuable part of my experience has been gaining knowledge of LabVIEW and learning how to write complicated programs in LabVIEW to control the motion of stepper motors.” 

Expected Graduation: 2010
Major: Physics
Favorite Course at UMBC: Modern Physics

CSC, Innovations Center

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Michael Panichello
Senior Systems Administrator
CSC, Innovations Center

“When students have the ability to work in a professional environment prior to graduation, it gives them the opportunity to embark on a successful career.”

Year of Graduation: 2006
Major(s)/Degree: B. S. in Information Systems Management
B. S. in Geography and Environmental Sciences
Certificate, Geographic Information Systems
Favorite Course at UMBC: Business Management

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Michael Tavener
Software Developer II
CSC, Innovations Center

“Interns are always extremely eager to learn. Working alongside an intern means working alongside a highly motivated individual. This, in turn, means that interns are always fun to work with.”

Year of Graduation: 2008
Major(s)/Degree: B. S. in Computer Science
Favorite Course at UMBC: Scripting Languages

Intern:
Scott Barasch
CSC, Innovations Center

“I come to work every day and address dynamic challenges that are unique to the workplace environment as well as the cutting edge of advanced computing and information science methods, practices and theories.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2009
Major: Computer Science
Favorite Course at UMBC: Data Structures

Intern:
Adam M. Kutzko
CSC, Innovations Center

“In addition to gaining work experience, particularly valuable is the opportunity to work with colleagues who understand the intern experience and what it�s like to juggle work, school, family and social lives at the same time.”

Expected Graduation: May 2010
Major: Information Systems
Favorite Course at UMBC: Introduction to Computer Programming

Lockheed Martin
Nanotechnology IRAD (Internal Research and Development)

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Harry Malecki
Mechanical Engineering LDP
Lockheed Martin, Nanotechnology IRAD

“Sometimes when you get so focused on your day-to-day work, it is really easy to narrow your vision and dismiss new ideas. Interns provide extra insights that are not normally considered. These insights challenge conventional points of view and open paths for innovation and creativity. Each of the interns I have been privileged to work with has continually provided this insight, making them an invaluable addition to our team.”

Year of Graduation: 2006
Major(s)/Degree: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Other Education: Currently in UMBC�s Master�s in Mechanical Engineering Program
Favorite Course at UMBC: Machine Design

Intern:
Carla de Castro
Lockheed Martin, Nanotechnology IRAD

“A UMBC alumni mentor is a wealth of knowledge on two legs. I believe that my mentor can truly relate to my experiences, having endured the same difficult engineering courses and participated in similar extracurricular activities. When I was unsure about working part time at Lockheed Martin through the school year, my mentor utilized those insights to advise me accordingly. I feel that those levels of understanding and support are highly beneficial, and I am thankful that I can count on my UMBC alumni mentor to provide them.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2009
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Favorite Course at UMBC: The Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
David Picket
Operations Manager
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

“I like giving someone the opportunity to gain real-world experience, while allowing them to apply what they have learned from UMBC.”

Year of Graduation: 2007
Major(s)/Degree: B.S. in Financial Economics
Favorite Course at UMBC: Analysis of Derivative Securities

Intern:
David A. Indek
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

“I found gaining real-world experience in a working environment the most valuable aspect of my internship. It also provided me with more insight into what career I will pursue upon graduating.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2009
Major: Financial Economics & Political Science
Favorite Course at UMBC: Money and Capital Markets

ATK Space Systems

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Michael DeIuliis
Program Manager
ATK Space Systems

“Kristin is an excellent worker. She is a quick study, a good problem solver and she makes a genuine contribution to the work we do here at ATK Space Systems. Kristin has engaged herself in our engineering and manufacturing processes in such a way that she alleviates a lot of the every day support tasks that would normally pull me away from my work. We hope to add her to our engineering staff when she graduates next year.”

Year of Graduation: December 2006
Major(s)/Degree: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Favorite Course at UMBC: Elements of Aerospace Engineering and Design

Intern:
Kristin Crizer
ATK Space Systems

“I support product engineers in the manufacturing process of heat pipes. I find the hands-on work to be the most valuable. I get to see heat pipes in different parts of the manufacturing process, watch different procedures and tests, help to solve problems as they arise and support a project from start to finish. Mike is a great hands-on mentor because he spends a lot of time explaining the concepts of heat pipes to me using heat pipes and sketches for clarification.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2009
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Favorite Course at UMBC: The Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials

Second Language Testing, Inc.

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Justin Kelly
Language Aptitude Coordinator
Second Language Testing, Inc.

“I love that interns are eager to learn about my area of specialization and can contribute in important ways to the research mission that is the foundation of our organization.”

Year of Graduation: 2000
Major(s)/Degree: B.A. in Spanish/Applied Linguistics (MLL)
Other Education: M.S., Theoretical Linguistics, Georgetown University, 2006;
Ph.D. Candidate (ABD),
Theoretical Linguistics (Syntax-Semantics Interface), Georgetown University
Favorite Course at UMBC: Don Quijote de la Mancha and Syntax

Intern:
Yujung Son
Second Language Testing, Inc.

“I loved helping produce language tests in various formats throughout the intern experience. Also, creating language aptitude items in Korean allowed me to learn the difference between my native language, Korean, and English, which I found a great asset for my future studies.” 

Expected Graduation: December 2008
Major: Instructional System Development concentration on ESOL/Bilingual
Favorite Course at UMBC: Grammar of American English for ESOL teachers

Intern:
Sunyoung Park
Second Language Testing, Inc.

“By creating Korean version aptitude tests, I am getting keen on my own language in terms of its grammar and standard written structures, which I didn�t really care about that much before. It helps me figure out that teaching a language requires a special training regardless of being a native speaker of the language. Connecting this experience to my career after graduation, I am becoming more confident in teaching English as a qualified language teacher.” 

Expected Graduation: December 2008
Major: Instructional System Development concentration on ESOL/Bilingual
Favorite Course at UMBC: Human Learning and Cognition

Vision Systems & Technology

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Clinton Totten
Software Engineer
Vision Systems & Technology, Inc.

“An intern brings a lot of positive energy to the workplace and new �out-of-the-box� thinking. It gives me a chance to share my ideas and knowledge with a student and work on my own leadership skills. Also, I am able to get a non-biased and fresh perspective on workflow.”

Year of Graduation: 1999
Major(s)/Degree: B.S. in Biological Sciences
Favorite Course at UMBC: Genetics

Intern:
Stephen Kawata
Vision Systems & Technology, Inc.

“With my experience at VSTI, I value the knowledge I�ve gained from the various areas of expertise in the company. I get to learn how IT is used in the real business world. I am able to learn useful information from my mentor as well as other co-workers. I value the opportunity to be part of a team working on a specific project and be part of the VSTI employee team as a whole.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2009
Major: Information Systems
Favorite Course at UMBC: User Interface Design

GE Healthcare

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Bruce Berlage
Mechanical Engineer
GE Healthcare

“I enjoy the enthusiasm interns bring. I also enjoy helping them learn and aiding them in any way that I can. It�s a great chance to help out others in their career development.”

Year of Graduation: 1997
Major(s)/Degree: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Other Education: Enproco Design and Drafting Institute
2-year Mechanical Design and Drafting course
Favorite Course at UMBC: Advanced Material Science

Intern:
Kevin Hooper
GE Healthcare

“I am working on systems that will help premature babies who are sick become well. This is very rewarding. I also value the relationships that I am building with the employees here and the vast positions that they hold. It is a very friendly and open environment.” 

Expected Graduation: December 2008
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Favorite Course at UMBC: Mechanics of Materials

Cera Products, Inc.

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
Charlene Riikonen
(Charlene Dale at UMBC)
President/CEO
Cera Products, Inc.

“Interns bring new ideas, energy and fresh approaches to ways we have been accustomed to presenting our image to the world. For example, our visual art interns have taken our old art and re-shaped it so that our products look fresher and more timely. Our production engineer, who was an intern for several months before coming on full time, is coming up with ways to streamline steps in manufacturing, which should help us produce more efficiently and possibly save money in the process. This is a win-win approach, where the interns learn but we do, too!”

Year of Graduation: 1980
Major(s)/Degree: B.A. in American Studies
Other Education:Some master�s work in business; various technical courses in manufacturing and production
Favorite Course at UMBC: Southern American Literature and Photography

UMBC Mentor/Alumnus:
David Dunn
Production Engineer
Cera Products, Inc.

“I like being able to guide the interns when I can and learn from them”

Year of Graduation: 2008
Major(s)/Degree: B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Favorite Course at UMBC: Chemical Engineering

Intern:
Jennifer Hong
Cera Products, Inc.

“This internship provided real-world, practical experience in my field. Also, I was fortunate to be working in such a close environment, where the president of CERA was available right down the hallway. This made it easier for me to stay in close contact with her in case any problems or issues came up.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2009
Major: Graphic Design with a Minor in Art History
Favorite Course at UMBC: Introduction to Art and Media Studies

Intern:
Matthew Curtin
Cera Products, Inc.

“Gaining real world experiences and working with clients has been a very valuable experience for me.” 

Expected Graduation: May 2009
Major: Visual Arts – Graphic Design and Media Communications
Favorite Course at UMBC: Introduction to Art and Media Studies

(9/2/08)

© 2007-08 University of Maryland, Baltimore County � 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 � 410-455-1000 �

UMBC Physics Professor Co-Authors Science Paper on Human Impact on Clouds, Climate

Researchers at UMBC, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center and the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel have found evidence that the connection between human impact and climate change may be in the clouds.

Aerosols – the tiny particles that make up dust, soot, smoke and ocean spray – play an important but puzzling role in cloud formation and rainfall. Aerosol-rich clouds are more spread out by wind, last longer and trap more solar heat in the atmosphere, all of which makes cloud growth and rain less likely. But aerosols’ impact is inconsistent, causing more cloud cover over the Atlantic Ocean while reducing clouds in the Amazon basin.

In a study published in the Aug. 15 issue of the journal Science, the international research team, including UMBC associate professor of physics Vanderlei Martins, may have found an answer. The team used NASA’s Terra satellite to focus on the 2005 dry season in the Amazon region, a good test case since the only aerosols being released at the time were caused by brushfires on the ground.

The end result of the research was a mathematical and analytical model that should help better understand how aerosols impact weather and climate across the globe.

“As we’d expected in applying our model, increased smoke from the fires created clouds rich with human-caused aerosols that absorbed sunlight, warmed the local atmosphere, and blocked evaporation. This led to reduced cloud cover over the Amazon,” said Martins in a NASA press release. “It’s encouraging to know the science behind our model should stand no matter the region.”

8/19/2008

© 2007-08 University of Maryland, Baltimore County � 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 � 410-455-1000 �

UMBC Workshop to Teach Builders, Planners
About ‘Green Concrete’ in Classroom, With Cement Truck

Can a Wal-Mart parking lot be good for the Bay?

The answer could be yes, if it’s made of pervious concrete, a ‘green’ building material that is the subject of a how-to workshop hosted by UMBC's Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE) on Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 8 to 11 a.m.

Pervious concrete allows stormwater to slowly drain through it like a sponge. This prevents the rapid runoff of rainwater from traditional concrete that erodes waterways and carries pollution into the Chesapeake Bay. Voids left in the mix give pervious concrete a bumpy texture and allow water to soak through.

Experts from UMBC and Cleveland State University will give contractors, tradesmen, architects and municipal planners a classroom session on best practices for working with the material and for navigating Maryland's recent changes in development laws, such as the Maryland Stormwater Management Act of 2007, which calls for “environmental site design” for new construction and development.

At 10 a.m. a concrete mixer truck will arrive for a hands-on lesson in the proper pouring and installation of the material. Several test beds of pervious concrete will be installed outside of the CUERE facilities.

The test beds will be equipped with scientific instruments to give UMBC researchers long-term data on pervious concrete's effectiveness both as a building material and as a tool for environmental stewardship. Gwen Stanko, a doctoral student in CUERE's prestigious IGERT program, and other UMBC students will help monitor the test beds.

Photo Caption: Stu Schwartz (right) and UMBC Ph.D. student Gwen Stanko with pervious concrete samples near a future test site.

The event was organized by Stu Schwartz, a senior research scientist at UMBC CUERE with over 15 years of experience in land use and water quality issues.

Schwartz says the workshop’s goal is to improve understanding of pervious concrete. While there are differences in how to mix, pour and maintain pervious versus traditional, when properly installed and maintained, it is effective for light-traffic parking lots, roads and sidewalks.

“In the past, people have promoted pervious concrete as a magic pavement that makes all your water problems go away," said Schwartz. "There's no such thing as a magic bullet like that. Many of the negative stereotypes associated with the material have been caused by improper design and installation. So we want to provide information for contractors, engineers and planners to know when and how to use it effectively.”

According to Schwartz, industry is starting to invest more in pervious concrete as both a way to comply with environmental rules and as a boost to the bottom line. He noted a Wal-Mart parking lot in Denver, Co., made of pervious concrete and a seven-acre paved storage yard and parking lot by Shelter Systems, a Westminster, Md., roofing truss company.

“Pervious concrete allowed Shelter Systems to use their entire seven-acre site instead of losing an acre or acre and a half to stormwater ponds, saving the cost of a $400,000 stormwater management system,” said Schwartz.

The workshop and research effort is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, part of the organization's new Pioneer Grant Program, which focuses on larger, higher-impact grants to improve the health of the Bay.

Photo Caption: Stanko demonstrates how a pervious concrete sample lets water flow through.

UMBC Physics Professor Co-Authors Science Paper on How Aerosols Impact Cloud Formation, Climate

Researchers at UMBC, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center and the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel studying the connection between the burning of vegetation and cloud cover in the Amazon region have found a clearer picture of how aerosols – the tiny particles that make up dust, soot, smoke and ocean spray – may impact cloud formation and climate change on a global scale. The study was published in the Aug. 15 issue of the journal Science.

Scientists have long known that aerosols play a role in cloud formation, but were puzzled by the fact that aerosols’ impact was inconsistent, causing more cloud cover over the Atlantic Ocean while causing less in South America’s Amazon basin.

Aerosol particles are carried by the wind into the atmosphere, where they become encased by water to form rain droplets that cluster into clouds. Aerosol-rich clouds are more spread out by wind, last longer and produce less rain. Aerosol-rich clouds also trap heat in the atmosphere, making cloud growth and rain less likely.

The research team focused on the Amazon region as a test area, using NASA’s Terra satellite to study cloud and aerosol data. “During the (2005) dry season in the Amazon, the only aerosols of any magnitude are from smoke emerging from human-initiated fires,” said study co-author Lorraine Remer, a physical scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, in a NASA press release.

The end result of the research was an analytical model that should work across the globe.

“As we’d expected in applying our model, increased smoke from the fires created clouds rife with a more pronounced radiative effect -- rich with human-caused aerosols that absorbed sunlight, warmed the local atmosphere, and blocked evaporation. This led to reduced cloud cover over the Amazon,” study co-author Vanderlei Martins, associate professor of physics at UMBC, said in the NASA press release. “And it’s encouraging to know the science behind our model should stand no matter the region.”

The paper, “Smoke Invigoration Versus Inhibition of Clouds over the Amazon,” can be found in the Aug. 15 issue of Science.

A Science podcast featuring the Amazon aerosol research is available at:

http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/321/5891/981b

UMBC's long-standing partnership with NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center to monitor global air quality is in the media spotlight today, as the world's attention focuses on the start of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China and the effects of the city's air pollution on athletes and spectators.

Simon Carn, an assistant research scientist at UMBC's Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET), was quoted in an Aug. 6 New York Times "Dot Earth" blog post. "Dot Earth" is a blog about the earth, the environment and sustainability by noted science writer Andrew Revkin.

Revkin's post looked at comparisons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in the U.S., Europe and China. SO2, the pollutant that contributes to acid rain, has been banned for years in the U.S. and Europe.

Carn and colleagues in the SO2 Monitoring Group of UMBC JCET/Goddard Space Flight Center studied how satellite images and analysis of the SO2 levels in the air over the three continents showed how China's emphasis on economic growth and lack of expensive, Euro/U.S.-style "smokestack scrubbing" technology for coal-burning power plants and anti-SO2 regulations have left China with backwards-in-time air quality compared to the West.

UMBC/NASA also partner on the "Smog Blog," a daily look at U.S. and global air quality using NASA satellite data. The Smog Blog has also been keeping a close eye on Beijing's air.