On November 7, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) gathered for the college’s second annual CNMS GradFest.  

Prableen Chowdhary, Ph.D. ’24, biological sciences, currently a postdoc with Rachel Brewster, professor of biological sciences, and a member of the student-led planning committee, expressed hope that GradFest would “spark conversations and collaborations across disciplines.”  

CNMS dean William LaCourse offered advice to attendees as the program kicked off. “Whatever you do in life, do it with all your heart. If you’re doing research, do it like you own it,” he said. “Live in the present and seize opportunities. Enjoy every moment, like this moment today. You can’t change yesterday; when I make mistakes, I’m grateful for grace and forgiveness. And you can plan for tomorrow, but you can’t control it.”

Following the introductions, seven students presented “lightning talks,” five-minute presentations describing their research in engaging, accessible terms for those outside their field. The talks featured students in biological sciences, physics, chemistry and biochemistry, marine biotechnology, and mathematics and statistics. They discussed topics like novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer, innovative two-dimensional materials for improved sensors, and previously unobserved plasma jets from black holes.  

GradFest as a stepping stone  

“Part of our goal was to intentionally include graduate students with less presentation experience or early-stage projects,” shared Maria Cambraia, director for research and international affairs in CNMS, and lead staff member on the planning committee. “GradFest gives them a chance to practice in a friendly environment.”  

Following the talks, the ballroom buzzed during two poster sessions, where dozens more students discussed their projects with peers, mentors, and guests. GradFest encouraged presentations of research at all stages of development.  

Muhammad Jalil Ahmad, president of the Mathematics and Statistics Graduate Student Association and a planning committee member, presented a lightning talk and poster on mathematical modeling for complex phenomena like weather or disease spread.  

Ahmad, a fourth-year applied mathematics Ph.D. candidate mentored by Animikh Biswas and Kathleen Hoffman, professors of mathematics, agreed. “Presenting at GradFest is useful before heading to a bigger stage, like a national meeting,” he said.  “Even at a math conference, people are studying different topics, so it’s good to practice communicating with people outside your field.” He added that GradFest offers the opportunity to network with researchers using similar methods for different applications.  

Ian Kirn ’23, physics, a second-year physics Ph.D. student, presented a poster on astroseismology, which investigates earthquake-like phenomena on stars. Kirn chose to pursue his Ph.D. with Eileen Meyer, professor of physics, after doing undergraduate research with her.  “It’s important for different disciplines to talk to each other, because they’re actually all related,” Kirn says. “This event encourages collaboration.”  

Fidelia Asomani, a third-year biological sciences Ph.D. candidate working with Erin Green, associate professor of biological sciences, called GradFest “a good first opportunity to get my feet wet presenting.” Asomani studies yeast, which shares basic functions with complex organisms. “It’s important to invest in studying processes conserved across species,” she says, which can inform human disease treatment.  

The humble heart of a scientist

LaCourse also encouraged embracing humility. “By remembering you won’t always be the best, humility helps you celebrate others’ successes and accept failure—and research involves a lot of failure,” he said. “Humility is a path you walk, not a trait you innately possess, and it leads to learning, growth, and respect.”  

By late afternoon, GradFest had turned strangers into collaborators, boosted first-time presenters’ confidence, and made the ballroom a launchpad for breakthroughs. Attendees left with new contacts and the dean’s words in their hearts—proof that bold discoveries can begin with a humble “hello.”

Learn more about graduate programs in CNMS.

Happy Wednesday! As we prepare for reading day and finals week, we wanted to share the adjusted hours of the Mosaic for December 11 - 17. 

Thursday, December 11: 10 am - 6 pm 

Friday, December 12: 10 am - 5 pm 

Monday, December 15: 10 am - 6 pm 

Tuesday, December 16: 10 am - 6 pm 

Wednesday, December 17: 10 am - 5 pm 

The Mosaic will close at 5pm on Wednesday, December 17 for Winter Break. We will re-open to our regular hours again on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10 am. 

We wish you all the best as you begin your finals! 

*Please note that space hours might shift based on staff availability, reservations, and event times. For more information, check out our myUMBC pages for each space below:

• The Mosaic Center for Cultural Diversity 
• The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity 
• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being

Happy Friday! As we prepare for the upcoming extended weekend, we wanted to share the adjusted hours of the Mosaic for November 24- 28.

Monday, November 24: 10 am - 6 pm 

Tuesday, November 25: 10 am - 6 pm 

Wednesday, November 26: CLOSED

Thursday, November 27: CLOSED

Friday, November 28: CLOSED

The Mosaic will re-open to our regular hours again on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10 am. 

As a reminder regular Fall hours will end the day before Study Day, Wednesday, 12/10. Final's Week (December 11-17/20) Hours will be posted by December 3. 

*Please note that space hours might shift based on staff availability, reservations, and event times. For more information, check out our myUMBC pages for each space below:

• The Mosaic Center for Cultural Diversity 
• The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity 
• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being 

UMBC CBEE professor Tyler Josephson was selected as a 2025 Pivot Fellow by the Simons Foundation.  At UMBC, Prof. Josephson leads the AI & Theory-Oriented Molecular Science Lab (ATOMS), which develops computational methods for molecular simulation and automated discovery of scientific theories. 

Techniques used in the ATOMS Lab include quantum chemistry, Monte Carlo, symbolic regression, and formal theorem proving using Lean. His research is currently supported by the NSF and the DoD, including an NSF CAREER Award for "Automated Reasoning to Advance Chemical Theory" and an Army HBCU/MSI Early Career Award for "Simulation methods for reactive adsorption of emerging water pollutants."

The Simons Foundation Pivot Fellowship is open to faculty in the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, data science, and computer science at academic institutions or equivalent positions elsewhere. Fellows receive salary support, as well as funding for research, travel, and professional development. At the end of their fellowship year, they are invited to apply for a research award of up to $1.5 million over three years. Read more about the 2025 Pivot Fellows.

Happy Friday and welcome to the Provost's Perspective. 

With cold temperatures hitting Baltimore in recent days I was interested in an article this week in the Baltimore Banner that featured insights from Dr. Jeff Halverson (Department of Geography and Environmental Systems) about the impending winter season in Maryland. Mention of a La Nina weather pattern and an ongoing "snow drought" brought to mind the poem, "Dust of Snow," by Robert Frost. I find this short verse (a mere 34 words) about a bird, a tree, and a change of heart to be a wonderful reminder to find joy in the simple 'dust of snow' that may come upon you in unexpected ways.   

I encourage you to find your own dust of snow this week that changes your outlook for the better or brings a smile to your face. It is sometimes the small things in life that make a big difference. 

Without further ado …

Apply by November 17

Become a Faculty Affiliate of the Public Health Research Center UMBC/CAHSS

The new Public Health Research Center (PHRC) of CAHSS invites UMBC faculty from ALL UMBC departments to apply for Faculty Affiliate status – a three-year renewable term for scholars whose research aligns with the PHRC's interdisciplinary mission advancing public health through collaboration. PHRC Faculty Affiliates gain:

• Involvement in a vibrant community of health scholars 

• Recognition on PHRC's website, annual report, and communications

• Priority access to PHRC grant services (grant reviews, Gen AI assistance, etc.)

• Curated, timely funding updates & research networking opportunities

See the website for full information. Apply by Nov. 17, 2025.

Questions: John G. Schumacher, Ph.D., PHRC Director-email: PHRC@umbc.edu

Last Call for Faculty Proposals: IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship

I recently announced the IDEA Initiative & CAP Fellowship as part of my goal to foster innovative and interdisciplinary curricular efforts and provide faculty with the resources to create and innovate. Applications for the programs close November 20. 

Learn more and apply today!

CGE International Education Week