Kathy Lee Sutphin
Coordinator of Special Projects, Biological Sciences
Regents' Exempt Staff Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Institution

As coordinator of special projects in the Department of Biological Sciences, Kathy Lee Sutphin is a driving force behind the success of many of the undergraduate students participating in research at UMBC. In addition, she coordinates a variety of initiatives that help recruit students to UMBC, encourage students to consider research careers, and provide professional development for Maryland high school teachers.

Sutphin came to UMBC the same year she graduated summa cum laude from the University in 1995 with a B.A. in political science and a certificate in public administration and policy. Her outstanding contributions as a grant writer, program manager and assistant to Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences Lasse Lindahl, have played an important role in UMBC’s success.

“Kathy’s contributions in grants writing and administration have been invaluable to the department and to the University,” says Lindahl. “She has been instrumental for obtaining millions of dollars for the renovation of the Biological Sciences Building and multiple extramurally funded training programs, as well as in executing these programs.”

Sutphin helped to write the first proposal that brought the University the MARC U*STAR Program, targeted to students from underrepresented groups in the sciences and mathematics who plan to pursue doctoral degrees and research careers in the biomedical sciences. She provides valuable support to MARC U*STAR Trainees, as well as those accepted to the prestigious Beckman and Pfizer Scholarship Programs. She is also a member of the planning committee for the Provost’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD). Sutphin also coordinates a 12-month program in modern biology for Maryland teachers and summer undergraduate research programs supported by the NSF and NIDDK.

With Lindahl, Sutphin wrote a National Science Foundation grant that accelerated the renovation of the Biological Sciences Building, one of the oldest buildings on campus, and participated in the planning committee for that renovation to ensure that the building met both current and future needs of both professors and students. A former reporter and newspaper columnist, Sutphin uses her writing skills to publicize department news and programs through a variety of Web sites and newsletters. She enjoys the variety her position offers and the many opportunities it provides to work with faculty, staff and students.