| From industry to
the academy, UMBC’s Biological Sciences alumni are
making their mark on a regional and national level. Our focus
on providing opportunities for undergraduate students includes
the department’s Minority Access to Research Careers
Undergraduate Training in Academic Research (MARC
U*STAR) Program. Alumni of our bachelor’s programs
consistently go on to some of the most selective graduate
programs, including Harvard University, the University of
Wisconsin and Stanford University.
Alumni of our graduate programs are participating in postdoctoral
training in laboratories across the country and are moving
into careers in academia and research. The intensive training
they receive at UMBC in close collaboration with our dedicated
research faculty instills the skills necessary for them to
continue to grow as scientists.
Listed below are just a few examples of what our alumni
are accomplishing. If you are a UMBC Biological Sciences
alumnus/a – we would like to hear from you. Visit the Share
Your Information page and send us an update.
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Alumni Spotlight |
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Paul Behrens PhD Biological Sciences 1983, MS Biological Sciences 1980
After receiving his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, Paul Behrens arrived began working in the lab of Dr. Tom Marsho, investigating photorespiration and its role in affecting photosynthesis. Part of his research was done using a home-made mass spectrometer that occupied an entire room; today these instruments are desk-top sized. Upon completing his doctoral studies, Behrens began working for Martin Marrietta Laboratories in its plant biology group. He then formed a fledgling biotechnology company, Martek Biosciences, with five co-workers with the goal of using microalgae to produce high-value products. Today, Behrens continues his work at Martek while teaching plant biology at UMBC on a voluntary basis – a task he has undertaken with enthusiasm for the past 17 years.
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