Important FDA-approved drugs to treat HIV and cancer can save lives, but they come with their own risks. Some drugs used clinically are known to cause neurological side effects in up to half of patients, ranging from confusion and memory problems to permanent nerve damage. Kamal Seneviratne, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been studying exactly how these drugs harm the brain, in an effort to mitigate their negative effects. 

Last year, Seneviratne’s lab published the first study to reveal disruptions to brain lipid metabolism in response to the HIV drug efavirenz. The study began to show how the drug throws the brain’s lipid chemistry out of balance in specific brain regions. 

Now, the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) has awarded Seneviratne a $350,000 grant to continue this promising line of work. He and his students will investigate how drugs currently in use such as efavirenz, dolutegravir (another HIV drug), and a common chemotherapy agent (oxaliplatin) can damage brain cells over time.

Nav Phulara, a Ph.D. candidate in Seneviratne’s lab, was first author on the 2024 paper and will again take a leading role in the upcoming work, alongside other UMBC graduate and undergraduate students. The project offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with key techniques for work in this field, including advanced mass spectrometry imaging and human stem cell research. 

From ‘what’ to ‘how’

Work supported by the new grant will take advantage of Seneviratne’s collaboration with neurologist Jinchong Xu at Johns Hopkins University, who works with human neural cells. The research team will run their trials in miniature human “brain organoids”—clusters of human brain cells grown in the lab from stem cells. Organoids mimic the physiology of a human brain far better than animal models ever could.

“Animal studies are useful, but there are major limitations due to species differences. It is extremely difficult to obtain human brain tissues,” Seneviratne says. “That’s why our collaboration with Dr. Xu has been a game-changer. With the organoids, we will finally see how these drugs behave inside human brain tissue.”

A high-resolution approach Seneviratne’s lab employed for their 2024 paper visualizes molecules directly in intact tissues, whereas other methods require grinding up the samples. The technique, a type of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) called MALDI MSI, allows researchers to determine not only how much of various molecule types are present in the brain, but exactly where. 

Seneviratne and his collaborators will be using this technique in combination with proteomics—the large-scale study of all proteins in a cell or tissue—in their MSCRF-funded work to track exactly where the drugs and their breakdown products travel inside the brain organoids and how they disturb the brain’s lipid balance. Lipids are essential for brain cells to communicate and survive, so when their function is impaired, brain cells can die, contributing to long-term neurodegeneration.

“We want to understand the ‘how’ behind the damage,” says Seneviratne. “If we can pinpoint the exact molecular warning signs, clinicians and drug companies could one day screen new medicines early in their development to help avoid these risks.”

A holistic approach

“I’m driven by the scientific questions, not any single technique,” Seneviratne explains. “We’ll use whatever tools—imaging, proteomics, molecular biology, biochemical analyses—best let us answer them.”

By combining high-resolution MALDI MSI and proteomics with human brain organoids that contain the full neighborhood of neural cells, the project offers a highly relevant picture of drug-induced damage—helping bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and patient outcomes.

The grant also opens a path for future impact. Part of the goal of the MSCRF is to encourage technology transfer, meaning discoveries could eventually lead to a startup company and new tools for the pharmaceutical industry.

“This support lets us turn promising science into something that can genuinely help people,” Seneviratne says. “Ultimately, we hope to give clinicians better ways to protect the brain while treating deadly diseases.”

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day immersive learning experience for UMBC undergraduate and graduate students to explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore. Participants will spend much of the week in Baltimore City connecting with local leaders, policymakers, organizations, and community members, to gain a nuanced understanding of the resources and challenges related to their topic areas. The program supports students in linking their knowledge and interests to local contexts, and in identifying pathways for long-term community engagement.

This year's ASB program will take place from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, 2026. Participants spend much of the week in small groups, each co-led by UMBC students trained by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, exploring a specific topic in depth. 

This year's focus areas are:

• Housing Equity and Access
• Justice in Psychiatric Care
• Fostering LGBT+ Belonging in Schools

Complete the ASB 2026 application by TONIGHT at 11:59 p.m. EST. Accepted and waitlisted applicants will be notified via email in late January.

ASB is hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. More information is available on the the Center for Democracy and Civic Life website.

ASB is open for full participation by all undergraduate and graduate students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

UMBC Training Centers will offer a series of online AI courses in early 2026 on 15 different topics, available to anyone through a paid yearly subscription or individually. Most are four hours long and a few are shorter. The courses are offered in the morning, afternoon, or early evening to accommodate different schedules and time zones.

You can find more information about the available AI online courses and their upcoming dates by clicking the links below. Times are ET. Visit the site for possible updates and additions.

• Data Science with AI: 1/12 1pm, 1/20 4pm, 3/3 8am, 4/1 4pm, 5/5 1pm, 6/11 8am

• AI Adoption: 1/13 8am, 2/9 4pm, 3/10 1pm, 4/13 4pm, 5/12 1pm, 6/17 4pm

• Introduction to Agentic AI: 1/14 8am, 2/12 4pm, 2/23 1pm, 3/311pm, 4/28 4pm, 5/13 8am, 6/9 1pm, 6/30 4pm

• AI Essentials: 1/15 8am, 3/11 4pm, 4/16 1pm, 5/14 1pm, 6/15 4pm

• Using AI for Increased Productivity: 1/16 1pm, 1/29 4pm, 2/4 8am, 2/20 4pm, 3/5 1pm, 3/30 4pm, 4/9 8am, 4/22 4pm, 5/7 1pm, 5/29 4pm, 6/4 8am, 6/29 4pm

• Agentic AI in Action: Building and Orchestrating Agents: 1/21 1pm, 3/12 4pm, 5/15 1pm, 6/25 1pm

• AI for Leaders: 1/21 8am, 1/30 4pm, 2/19 1pm, 3/18 4pm, 3/23 8am, 4/21 1pm, 5/18 4pm, 5/26 8am, 6/23 1pm

• Prompt Engineering I: 1/22 8am, 1/26 4pm, 2/17 1pm, 2/25 4pm, 3/17 8am, 3/25 4pm, 4/14 1pm, 4/29 4pm, 5/19 8am, 5/27 4pm, 6/16 1pm, 6/24 4pm

• Prompt Engineering II: 1/23 1pm, 1/28 4pm, 2/18 8am, 2/26 4pm, 3/19 1pm, 3/26 4pm 4/15 8am, 4/30 4pm, 5/20,1pm, 5/28 4pm, 6/18 8am, 6/25 4pm

• AI Governance & Responsible AI: 1/27 1pm, 2/24 4pm, 3/24 8am, 5/21 1pm, 6/22 4pm

• AI Strategy & Governance: Building Human-Centered and Accountable Innovation:  1/29 10am-12pm (2 hours)

• AI for Project Managers: 1/30 8am, 3/6 4pm , 5/8 8am, 6/12 1pm

• Context Engineering: 2/6 1pm, 3/6 8am, 5/1 4pm, 6/5 8qm

• AI for Deep Research: Intelligent Tools and Workflows: 2/6 1pm, 3/20 4pm , 5/22 1pm 6/26 4pm (2.5 hours)

• Cybersecurity in the Age of AI 2/11 4pm, 4/20 4pm, 6/22 4pm

Welcome to the final 2025 edition of the Provost's Perspective. In the four months since I started this newsletter, I have had the privilege of highlighting topics that have touched me both professionally and personally. Today's edition is no different. 

On Monday evening I was invited to speak briefly at Light Up UMBC - A Chanukah Celebration. Being present at the event reminded me of the strength and importance of our campus community. The traditional Jewish festival of lights and its emphasis on the triumph of light over darkness, the preservation of identity, and the courage to dedicate ourselves to our core values is a powerful reminder that while we each have personal challenges and triumphs that shape our lives, it is important to maintain hope as we navigate adversity.

While we have made a lot of progress this year, for some, the year has been very challenging. Many in our community face uncertainty, including their visa status and long-term career options. Federal work order stoppages, changes to the federal grant environment, changes to immigration policies, targeting individuals for their identity, and attacks on diversity, inclusion, and equality efforts are just a few of the major challenges facing members of our community. Different people in our community (and their family members) may have been impacted in many different ways. Compassion and care for each other is now more important than ever.

As we continue to navigate these challenges, I often remind myself of the importance of showing up for one another. Earlier this semester, I was struck by a comment about connection during a conversation with members of our LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association. Someone shared that they felt adrift because no one had asked the simple but essential question, "How are you doing?" – four small words, but ones that speak directly to care and belonging. It was a powerful reminder for me, and for those of us in the Office of the Provost, that everything begins with genuine connection and concern.

Through life's ups and downs, I encourage you to find and lean into your community, and to support one another. At UMBC, this may be a faculty and staff affinity group, a colleague who shares a passion outside of the classroom or office, or a friend who joins you for a couple of minutes of connection as you walk around Hilltop Circle. No matter how and where you find this connection, I encourage you to nurture it, celebrate it, and spread it to your friends and colleagues. 

Thank You for the Feedback

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback this semester. The Provost's Perspective is a work in progress and will continue to evolve to more fully serve you, UMBC's faculty and academic staff. If there is a subject or topic that you feel should be covered (or have general feedback on the content), drop me a note here. Your feedback and input matters! 

Guidelines for AI Use in the Classroom

If you missed Anupam Joshi's announcement concerning university guidelines for AI use in the classroom, check it out here. The guidelines were developed through broad consultation between faculty and staff and reflect emerging best practices and examples from peer institutions. They feature a "traffic light" model to help instructors articulate permissible, limited, or prohibited uses of AI tools.

Mark your calendar

The AI-Assisted Educator: A Course Design Sprint

Walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies

Friday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to noon, ILSB 116A

Need a nudge to refresh your spring course(s)? Curious about how Generative AI tools might help spark new ideas in the classroom? In this hands-on, in-person workshop, we'll revisit basic course design principles while exploring practical ways to use Gen AI to sharpen your own course objectives, brainstorm assessments, reexamine learning materials/activities, and streamline class prep — while grounding in your own academic voice and creativity. Bring your laptop and course materials to walk away with fresh inspiration and actionable strategies for the spring semester. Join John Schumacher (USM GenAI Pedagogy Fellow & SAPH) and Kerrie Kephart (FDC) for this session. Space is limited.

Sponsored by the Faculty Development Center. 

Register: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/calt/events/148774

New Faculty Spotlights

Each week we feature the newest faculty members of our community.

DuEwa Frazier, Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor, English

Areas of Research/Interest: DuEwa's non-fiction writing focuses on contemporary education issues in education, arts and culture, social justice, hip-hop culture, women's interest, and opinion. Her creative writing focuses on poetry, children's, and other genres. As an innovator, she has produced work in multiple areas in the arts, digital media, and publishing.

Fun Fact About DuEwa: I'm a poet, podcaster, and TEDx speaker alum.

Jungwon Yeo, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Emergency and Disaster Health Systems

Areas of Research/Interest: Cross-Sector Collaboration/over 50 Publications (peer-reviewed journals, book, book chapters, etc.)

Fun Fact About Jungwon: Double black diamond skier. Animal painter.

Are you a new faculty member? Please take two minutes to fill out the form and submit your bio if you have not already done so.

New Staff Spotlights (Coming Early 2026)

Thank you to all of the new staff members that have reached out about being highlighted. We will be starting the spotlights in the first 2026 edition. If you haven't done so already and you are a staff member who joined UMBC in the last year, email Aaron Burnett, director of provost communications, to be featured in an upcoming edition of the Provost's Perspective. 

Help Make this Newsletter Better

The goal each week of this message is to deepen our connection to UMBC, whether that is learning about an upcoming event, a divisional accomplishment, an innovative program, or an  update from the Office of the Provost. If you know of a program or event that should be highlighted, please share it here.

Until 2026, 

Manfred van Dulmen