The UMBC Ancient Studies Department will conduct its annual study tour on the island of Sicily, March 13-22, 2026. The cost of $3,750 covers all air, water, and land transportation, twin-share accommodation for eight nights in three- and four-star hotels, eight buffet breakfasts, two dinners, two lunches, and entrance to all archaeological sites and museums on the itinerary. Single rooms are available at an additional cost of $440. Ancient Studies majors and minors, UMBC students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their friends and family are invited to join us.

The registration form attached to this post can be downloaded and 

returned to Lydia DeRidder (lderidde@umbc.edu) by Oct. 13, 2025.

A deposit of $750 is due at this time. Ancient Studies majors and minors can download applications for subsidies attached to this post. Please return completed subsidy applications to Dr. David Rosenbloom (dsrose@umbc.edu) by Oct. 13, 2025.

Our tour of Sicily begins with a one-night stay in Rome (and a visit to the Colosseum, if we arrive early enough). The next morning we fly to Palermo, Sicily for a one-night stay. We explore the rich cultural heritages of Carthage, Rome, and the Normans, traveling to Marsala (ancient Lilybaeum, Carthaginian/Roman) on the western edge of Sicily for a two-night stay, stopping on the way at the majestic Monreale Cathedral (Norman), Segesta Archaeological Park, Trapani, and Erice (ancient Eryx, Elymian, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman). The following morning we travel to the Carthaginian island stronghold of Mosia (ancient Motya) and return to visit the Regional Museum of Lilybaeum and Marsala Archaeological Park after lunch.  From Marsala we journey to the Greek colony of Selinunte (ancient Selinous) to explore the Archaeological Park and Antiquarium before spending the night in the stunning coastal town of Sciacca, renowned for its thermal baths. The following day we travel to Greek colony of Agrigento (ancient Acragas) to view the celebrated Valley of the Temples. After we leave Agrigento, we visit the extraordinary fourth-century CE Villa Romana del Casale before arriving in Syracuse (Greek colony) for a two-night stay. After taking in the splendors of the Neapolis Archaeological Park, we spend the afternoon on the island of Ortygia (Temple of Apollo, Duomo). The following morning we return to Rome and from there to Dulles International Airport, where a coach will take us back to UMBC.

The Office of Graduate Student Life (OGSL) is hosting a series of Graduate Student Listening Sessions to hear directly from you—UMBC’s diverse graduate student community. Whether you’re balancing work and school, navigating identity, adjusting to a new environment, or finding your academic path—we’re here to listen.

 Session Themes Include:

• Balancing Life & Learning (Working Professionals & Part-Time Students)

• Global Grad Voices (International Students)

• Inclusive & Intersecting Identities (LGBTQ+ Students, Students of Color, & Students with disabilities)

• STEM & Beyond (STEM and Non-STEM Students)

• Open Sessions (For all graduate students, regardless of background or discipline)

What to Expect:

 Small-group conversations in a supportive space

 In-person & virtual options

 Sessions available during the day and evening

 Light refreshments provided at all in-person sessions

 Why Attend?

Because your experiences help shape the future of graduate student life at UMBC. These sessions inform how OGSL creates community, advocates for resources, and responds to your needs.

 Sessions begin as early as Tuesday, July 15 — so sign up soon!

 https://forms.gle/D3KeKdARz5vTunMGA 

A talented trio of students has earned accolades for their innovative work with Deepak Koirala, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry. Their awards are replicating like the RNA they study, as they unravel the complexities of viral RNA and reveal potential therapeutic targets.

Manju Ojha, Ph.D. candidate in biochemistry, Megan Nguyen, rising senior biochemistry and molecular biology major, and Jason Daniels ’25, biochemistry and psychology, all members of Koirala’s lab, recently received awards for their joint research on RNA.

Ojha received the Robert F. Steiner Award in recognition of her significant research contributions and dedicated mentorship of undergraduate students. The award was established in 1999 by Robert Cotter and Catherine Fenselau, former chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UMBC, in tribute to Steiner, a former UMBC faculty member and pioneer in biophysical chemistry. 

“This award highlights the growing impact of our work on understanding RNA structure, RNA-protein interactions, and viral replication mechanisms—an area that remains central to advancing structural virology and therapeutic development,” Ojha says. “The recognition underscores the importance of tackling complex questions in RNA structure and function using integrative biochemical and structural approaches.”

Students at the center of the lab

Koirala’s group focuses on viruses whose genomes are made of RNA, which include those that cause diseases like polio, the common cold, and more. The group is developing novel techniques to determine the 3D structures of RNA, plus running experiments to figure out how RNA structures in the viruses interact with their host cell’s machinery. Students are deeply involved in all of it.

Nguyen has been studying the structure and function of plant RNAs under Ojha’s mentorship since 2023. Plant viruses are a major challenge for some crops. This spring, Nguyen received the Satterfield-Bell Scholarship, established in 2001, which recognizes an outstanding junior in chemistry who has conducted research. 

“I have learned so many techniques and so much scientific theory from Manju and other lab members,” Nguyen says. “I’m thankful for this amazing experience and to be recognized for it. However, with the mentorship I’ve received over the past three years, I know this award is not only my own, but everyone’s in the Koirala lab.”

Daniels has leveraged his experience in the Koirala lab into a competitive summer research program, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute Summer Scholars Program. His long-term goal is to pursue an M.D. Daniels received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Biochemistry, given to a graduating biochemistry major who displays excellence in the classroom and the laboratory. 

“I can confidently say that the Koirala lab has been transformative in my academic career and future in science,” Daniels says. “This would not have been possible without mentorship from Manju and Dr. Koirala.”