Request Purpose

Name: Krishna Chaitanya

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Spring 2026

Major: Geographical Information Systems 

Current Class Level: Masters Student 

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative 

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, Maryland

Title of position: GIS Fellow 

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

I am working as a GIS Fellow supporting community organizations in Baltimore. My role is to create GIS StoryMaps that highlight community conditions, environmental issues, and the work these organizations are doing in their neighborhoods. On a daily basis, I collect and organize data such as environmental hazards, vacant properties, community resources, and 311 service requests. I analyze this information and create maps and StoryMaps that clearly show patterns and community needs. I also work closely with the organizations to understand their priorities and present their work and impact through maps that can support community awareness and decision-making.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I first heard about the position through Handshake and applied last summer. I joined the organization as an unpaid intern and worked on a few GIS-related projects during that time. After the summer, the organization applied for AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange Cohort and was selected. Following that, I was brought back in October to continue working with the team. Since then, I have been supporting their work by doing spatial analysis, helping with GIS workshops for their staff and stakeholders, and preparing maps and StoryMaps that show community conditions and the impact of their work.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Handshake 

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I have enjoyed most about my position is working with data in a way that supports community organizations and residents. I collect, analyze, and present data on maps for the organization and the communities they serve. I enjoy turning data into maps because it makes information easier to understand and supports planning and decision making. I also appreciate being involved in the full process, from planning the work to analyzing the data, creating the maps, and presenting the results. Another meaningful part of this work is that it relates to environmental and climate justice, and the maps and analysis I produce can be useful for the organization and community residents.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

My work helps turn community data into clear visuals that people can easily understand. By mapping local conditions and resources, I help the organization and community members see what is happening in their neighborhoods and support efforts to improve environmental and community well-being.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Be open to learning and take initiative when opportunities come your way. Even small experiences can help you build skills and lead to bigger opportunities later.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

"I appreciated the support the Career Center provides to students. Through career fairs, networking events, and opportunities shared on Handshake, it becomes easier to connect with organizations and find internships. Their tips on social media, podcasts, and informative videos are also helpful for learning about career paths and preparing for opportunities."

Save the date for UMBC BookFest '26! Celebrate all things books--making them, reading them, preserving them, donating them, advocating for them--across campus during National Library Week on April 21 & 23. Events will include BookMarkIt on the Library Plaza, featuring letterpress printing, zinemaking and swaps, a book drive, giveaways, and more!

• April 21 from 11am to 1pm: BookMarkIt on the Library Plaza - an outdoor market dedicated to bookishness
• April 21 from 5 to 6:30pm: One Maryland, One Book - In collaboration with Maryland Humanities' One Maryland, One Book program, we'll welcome Lawrence Burney, author of the 2026 OMOB selection No Sense in Wishing.
• April 23 from 5 to 6:30pm: Freedom to Read: Libraries and Our Democracy - In partnership with the Maryland State Library Agency, we’ll learn from the Maryland state librarian, Morgan Miller, how to protect the freedom to read. 

The Office of Sponsored Programs Training Team presents our new series OSP Monthly: Did you know? In this series we will explore a basic topic of research administration. Please feel free to follow up with questions on the post or reach out to the OSP staff at OSPA@umbc.edu.

Who is responsible for the formal submission of Proposals? Who/What is an AOR?
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is responsible for the formal submission of institutional proposals to Sponsors. Per UMBC signature policy, the OSP Director, Assistant Director and Managers are UMBC's designated Authorized Official Representatives (AOR). They are the only individuals authorized to represent, commit, and legally bind the University on applications and proposals submitted to sponsors. OSP submits proposals and is responsible for negotiating and executing/signing any award document (if applicable).
Additional information can be found HERE. 

Link to the original post:  https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/themosaic/posts/157623

Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards

Thursday, May 14, 2026

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

University Center Ballroom 3rd Floor

This celebration commemorates the achievements of graduating UMBC students while celebrating the vast cultural diversity of Asian communities and heritage on our campus. We recognize the difficulty of choosing just one identifier or term to capture the vast diversity of all people with heritage in the Asian continent, representing 49 countries and hundreds of cultures. We seek to honor the breadth of experience of people across Asia - East, South, Southwest, West, and Central Asia. 

During the gathering, we'll enjoy food together, we'll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who've contributed to their success.

Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance. 

Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. 

Dress code: We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.

If you would like to nominate a community member for one of our Affinity Celebration & Awards, you may nominate them here using the Awards Nomination Form or https://forms.gle/TLH8uDwccy5gBJtj8. You may submit multiple nominations for the same or different individuals. Please submit all nominations by April 20th, 2026. 

For those interested in attending, you can RSVP HERE!  Save the date on your calendars! Graduates that RSVP by Thursday, April 30th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.

If you have any questions, please email us at themosaic@umbc.edu.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals 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.