Yasmine Kotturi, an assistant professor of human-centered computing, was selected by the Computing Research Association (CRA) to be part of the inaugural cohort of Trustworthy AI Research Fellows. The fellowship program, sponsored by Microsoft, supports researchers working to integrate ethical and societal considerations into computing research, particularly in the field of AI. The nine inaugural fellows hail from institutions across the U.S. and bring expertise in the social sciences together with computing knowledge. 

“I’m most excited about building connections with fellow scholars who are reimagining what trustworthy AI looks like—especially across institutions and disciplines—to fundamentally shift how we teach and practice computing,” says Kotturi, whose research focuses on designing and building sociotechnical systems that support worker resilience, especially among those navigating precarious employment and entrepreneurship. “At a time when civic participation feels increasingly urgent, I see this work as essential to preparing technologists to engage with both the technical and social realities of their practice,” she says. 

The researchers began their work with a virtual kick-off meeting in July and will attend a four-day, in-person field school in August. Over the course of the 15-month fellowship, they will engage in collaborative research, contribute to the development of a national trustworthy AI lexicon and framework, and help lead initiatives at CRA partner institutions.

“This inaugural cohort brings a remarkable range of expertise, insight, and passion to the challenges of building more trustworthy AI,” says Mary L. Gray, senior principal researcher at Microsoft Research and the chair of the CRA Trustworthy AI Fellowship Advisory Committee, in an announcement of the cohort selection. “I can’t wait to get started and see what they accomplish together.”

Are you ready to be the voice of your fellow graduate students?
This is your chance to make a real impact on the UMBC campus.

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is now accepting nominations for College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) Graduate Senator positions — an opportunity to represent over 2,500 graduate students and shape the future of student life at UMBC.

There will be an open vote by CNMS Graduate Students of the shortlisted candidates.

You can nominate yourself or another eligible graduate student. You or your nomination must be from the CNMS college.

Why Should You Run?

• Gain standout leadership and professional experience

• Influence real decisions that affect the graduate student body

• Collaborate with a passionate and supportive GSA team

• Receive a stipend for your service

Available Positions:

• 4x CNMS Graduate Senators
  Represent your college and advocate for your peers within the GSA Senate.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to all CNMS graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.)

• Must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher)

• Must be graduating in Spring 2026 or later
  (Senate term ends June 30, 2026)

Senator Responsibilities:

• Represent the concerns and opinions of CNMS graduate students

• Report on Senate proceedings to your constituents

• Attend all Senate Meetings
  Location: In-person, second Wednesday of each month, 1:00–3:00 PM

• Host at least three Town Halls per academic year

• Join and remain active on at least one university committee

• Report back with updates from your assigned committee

How to Nominate:

Submit your nomination (for yourself or someone else) by August 8, 2025

Nomination Form

For any questions or further information, please contact Aminah Amjad at gsapresident@umbc.edu

Starting on October 12, 2025, the European Union will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES)—an automated border control system for all travelers from non-EU countries, including the United States.

What is EES?

• Replaces manual passport stamping at EU external borders

• Electronically records traveler’s name, passport details, biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), and dates of entry and exit

• Aims to enhance border security and accurately monitor the length of stays within the Schengen Area

• No application or fee required

• Travelers may experience longer wait times during initial rollout

Looking Ahead: ETIAS Authorization
In the last quarter of 2026, the European Union will introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This system will require eligible travelers to apply online for authorization prior to entering most EU countries.

• ETIAS is not a visa, but a pre-travel authorization

• More information is available at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

Additional Resources:
For more information about EES, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees

If you have questions or plan to travel to Europe for university-related purposes after October 2025, please contact travelservicesap@umbc.edu.

Meet Dann Malihom ’10, M.A. ’16. Dann has spent most of his adult life at UMBC. He is a double alum (with plans to be a triple alum one day), earning both his degrees in sociology. He is a UMBC staff member, serving as the event specialist in the Office of Institutional Advancement. He is an adjunct faculty member in the sociology, anthropology, and public health department. And Dann also serves as the vice president of engagement on the UMBC Alumni Association Board of Directors. Talk about a lifelong Retriever! Take it away, Dann!

Q: What is your WHY? What brought you to UMBC?

A: UMBC was appealing to me because of its authenticity. It felt different from “traditional” colleges, not because it was trying and failing or trying to be intentionally counter-culture. It just was. I immediately felt welcomed and embraced for who I was, academically and personally. In an age when everything feels marketed or insincere, UMBC tells you up front that we are not just aiming for excellence, but inclusive excellence.

Q: Who is someone in the UMBC community who has inspired you or supported you?

A: Christine Mair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health. She was my mentor during my thesis for my master’s in applied sociology. She was the reason I was able to get a position as an adjunct with UMBC in 2017, and was a fantastic support as I learned the ropes of being a professor. She showed immediate faith in me and has always been a valuable resource for me to turn to whenever I need a suggestion, direction, or even just confirmation that I was making the right choices with my teaching pedagogy.

Q: What do you love about sociology?

A: I love teaching in the sociology, anthropology, and public health department. By definition, all of us are connected to sociology due to the fact that we live, learn, and interact with society. The little “ah ha!” moments when students begin to make connections to things that have influenced them never get old. While the course material can sometimes get heavy as we talk about topics like racism, gender inequality, and social stratification, the students always show deep reflection and recognition of these social issues. Even more promising, they take these recognitions of the problems as their first steps toward correcting them.

Q: Tell us about your current job. What do you like most about it?

A: I have worked at UMBC full-time since 2012. I started out as a facilities coordinator in Campus Life Operations before transitioning into my current role as the event specialist in the Office of Institutional Advancement in 2024. I enjoy getting to support milestone events that bring the students, faculty, staff, and UMBC community together in a shared place of belonging. Commencement is a whirlwind of an event that means so much to so many people, such as first-generation students, international students, and non-traditional students. Being able to be a part of that as these individuals walk across stage is so rewarding.

Q: What would you tell someone who is considering a career at UMBC? 

A: UMBC is a special place. This is reflected in the number of alumni who are now staff members. It may not be for everyone, but for many, it is truly a place they love and are welcomed fully.

Q: Where have you found support in the UMBC community?

A: The shared governance aspect of UMBC is a wonderful thing. UMBC truly strives to include all voices and perspectives in decisions, and it shows. Whether it’s through groups like the Exempt Staff Senate or just the accessibility of administration, it is easy to share your opinion and, perhaps more importantly, feel like you’ve actually been heard.

Q: How have you stayed connected with the UMBC alumni community?

A: I have been a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2019. I initially joined at the recommendation of the current president, Nate Dissmeyer ’07, and became a part of the Strategic Initiatives committee. Last year, I was able to become the chair of that committee, and starting this year, I am the vice president of engagement for the board. My positions have afforded me the opportunity to meet and connect with alumni not just from my cohort, but as far back as the Founding Four (alumni from UMBC’s first four graduating classes). 

Q: What drives you to support UMBC?

A: My teaching philosophy that I inherited from my high school philosophy teacher is “You can count the number of seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the number of apples in a seed.” Every year, I give to the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center, and the Alumni Endowment Scholarship Fund. Some of the recipients have been students I’ve taught directly. Regardless of whether I know them or not, I know UMBC is developing engaged, empathetic, global citizens, and many of them will go on to change the world. 

Pictured right: Malihom and his son Miles, who are both obsessed with space, got to check out the telescope at the UMBC Observatory as part of the Homecoming celebration.

* * * * *

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

The house is located right by the UMBC Bus Stop (CATONSVILLE ROUTE).

You will be renting a fully furnished basement room with a shared bathroom. 

Rent includes all utilities, washer/dryer, internet, alarm system and shared kitchen and living room. 

Separate entry is also available. I also have a friendly dog (golden doodle). 

No smoking or drugs.

The UMBC bus stop is less than a minute from our home. We look forward to hosting a safe place for you while you continue your education to succeed. 

DETAILS

Monthly Rent: $650.00

Rental Term: 12 month Lease

Availability: 8/1/2025

Deposit: First Month Rent

Furnished: YES

If Interested, contact at - (757) 636-8271 or (774) 437-0654

Hello is anyone looking to rent a private room starting spring 2026?