Students from across the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) spent the summer diving into research—embarking on new projects or deepening their focus. The college celebrated their work in August with a poster session and networking lunch. Students showcased their research on diverse topics including how artificial intelligence can help K-12 teachers monitor student engagement; how best to model environmental phenomena like wildfires and cloud patterns; and how the sex hormone estradiol affects the behavior of blood platelets, which play an essential role in healthy blood clotting.
Julia Chapman, a rising senior in mechanical engineering who conducted research on a mathematical model that replicates aircraft wing flutter, says she was inspired by the curiosity on display at the poster session. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share my summer research and engage in thoughtful conversations,” she says.
“I really enjoyed sharing my work with faculty and fellow students. Since everyone comes from different backgrounds, the variety of questions helped me see my research from multiple perspectives,” says Zahid Hassan Tushar, a Ph.D. candidate in information systems who presented his research studying how machine learning techniques can help predict properties of clouds and aerosols from data gathered by one of NASA’s recently launched Earth-observing satellites.
Many of the participating students were supported through the inaugural COEIT Student Summer Projects (CSSP) awards, which provided stipends to 10 students—both graduate and undergraduate—across all academic departments of the college.
The CSSP-funded students were joined by faculty-nominated members of various labs across COEIT and students from REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) programs—National Science Foundation-funded opportunities that bring undergraduates from around the country to UMBC for summer research. The students’ summer research experience also included attending professional development seminars, in which campus leaders shared their own research journeys and COEIT faculty ran skill-development workshops on topics such as making effective presentations, writing papers, and more.
“The poster session was the culmination of a summer of research exploration for our students, and it was an honor to meet them and learn about their work,” says COEIT Dean Jeanne van Briesen. “Their excitement at the challenges they’d faced and the new ideas they’d generated reminded me of why I love research!”
“It was an honor to celebrate the hard work of these students,” says Vandana Janeja, associate dean for research and faculty development in COEIT. “We look forward to seeing where our students’ curiosity leads us next.”
Dear UMBC Community,
Thank you to all who attended last week’s Fall Opening Meeting, whether in person or virtually. It was a terrific gathering of staff, faculty, students—and even some UMBC family members. What an inspiring way to start the semester!
If you were unable to attend, I invite you to watch the recording of the event. We shared updates on several important topics, including great news about the incoming class, the latest on the impacts of federal actions and orders on UMBC, a budget update, and our work ahead on the strategic plan. We also got a sneak peek of the newly renovated portion of Sherman Hall, and previewed UMBC Arts+, the arts initiative launching this fall—including a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in Linehan Concert Hall on September 17.
As we came together to reflect on how much progress we have made since last year’s Fall Opening Meeting and looked to what is ahead for this academic year, it was particularly meaningful to meet and hear remarks from three students who are beginning their UMBC journeys this fall: First-year students Lexi Malenfant and Andrew Whipple, and Archana Thakkar, a transfer student joining the Honors College from the Community College of Baltimore County. Hearing directly from students—learning about their passions and why they chose UMBC—is the best reminder of why we are here and how important our work is. My thanks to Lexi, Andrew, and Archana for sharing their stories with us, and welcome to UMBC.
I am energized and so proud to be a part of this extraordinary institution. Thank you for all you do for UMBC. Let’s get this semester started!
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Major: Media and Communication Studies
Hometown: South Hampton, PA
High School: Council Rock High School South
Kimmie Herritt, a senior at UMBC majoring in information systems, has made the most of her college years, all while preparing for a career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Her journey is a testament to how students can blend technical training, personal growth, and real-world experience to build a strong foundation for life after graduation.
Kimmie’s path at UMBC reflects a multidisciplinary approach to education. In addition to her major, she earned a certificate in UX web and mobile design, equipping her with tools to create intuitive digital experiences. She also minored in management and entrepreneurship, rounding out her education with business savvy and leadership skills.
This unique combination of tech, design, and management has positioned her as a well-rounded candidate ready to take on challenges in the evolving tech landscape.
Outside the classroom, Kimmie worked as a student desktop support specialist with UMBC’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Her role included troubleshooting computers, managing printer issues, and updating software. These hands-on tasks sharpened her technical skills while teaching her patience, communication, and creative problem-solving.
But for Kimmie, the experience went far beyond the work. She describes the office environment as “super fun,” full of laughter, shared stories, and collaboration. She credits her boss, Courtney Burkett, and her coworkers with creating an inclusive, welcoming space that made every shift enjoyable.
One of Kimmie’s favorite parts of the job? The people. From swapping stories in the office to the team’s annual sushi outings, the relationships she built were just as important as the skills she gained. These connections gave her a sense of community, especially valuable as she balanced work and a lighter course load in her final semester.
Kimmie is headed to Philadelphia after graduation, where she’ll work as a digital assurance and transparency associate at PWC. Her time at UMBC, especially her experience at DoIT, played a key role in preparing her for this next step.
Major: Media and Communication Studies
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
High School: Arlington Baptist High School
For Kyle Taylor, college has been more than just lectures and assignments; it’s been about finding purpose, building community, and discovering new opportunities. While he once dreamed of playing college basketball, Kyle found a different way to stay connected to the game behind the scenes.
Basketball shaped much of Kyle’s early aspirations, but when the path to becoming a collegiate athlete didn’t unfold, he pivoted. Through UMBC’s New Media Studio in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), Kyle found a new role in the world of sports by helping produce live broadcasts for Division I games, including basketball, lacrosse, and soccer.
Working in the sound booth or behind a camera gave Kyle a unique perspective on the game. “It was surreal,” he shares. Being part of the production team that brings games to life let him reconnect with his passion from an entirely new perspective.
Kyle’s work in the New Media Studio became a training ground where theory and practice converged. Whether he was operating equipment, managing live feeds, or troubleshooting technical issues, the fast-paced environment honed skills in communication, adaptability, and creative thinking.
A commuter student, Kyle was on the hunt for community and he found it through the studio, blending professionalism with camaraderie. The relationships he built through shared responsibilities and creative work became one of the most rewarding parts of his UMBC experience.
Reflecting on his time in the studio, Kyle offers two key pieces of advice to future media interns and students: Enjoy the process and connect with people around you.
It’s easy to focus on outcomes, but Kyle emphasizes the importance of having fun and being present. Every live show or project brings a new learning opportunity, and staying open to growth makes the journey more meaningful.
Whether it’s fellow students, staff, or faculty, Kyle encourages others to take the time to build relationships.
““You never know who might teach you something unexpected,” he says. Those connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and even lifelong friendships.”
Kyle leaves UMBC with a portfolio of professional experiences and a clearer sense of purpose. His journey proves that passions can evolve—and sometimes, stepping behind the camera is the best way to move forward.
Major: Visual Arts (Cinematic Arts)
Minors: Photography
Hometown: Baltimore City, MD
High School: Baltimore School for the Arts
Jonathan Veale, a visual arts major at UMBC with a concentration in cinematic arts and a minor in photography, is turning his passion for storytelling into a promising creative career. A graduate of Baltimore School for the Arts, Jonathan has spent four years honing his craft through UMBC’s Linehan Artist Scholars Program and engaging deeply with the campus art community.
Jonathan’s academic journey culminated with a standout project through UMBC’s Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) program. His short film, showcased at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD), highlights his talent as a director and storyteller.
He shares, “This project pushed me to do a lot of things that I was not particularly comfortable doing. Being thrust into a position of complete control and basically being a producer and director at the same time was challenging yet exciting.”
Though Jonathan managed multiple roles, he emphasizes the team effort behind the film’s success. “Most successful films have a team to handle all of these different producer and director roles—or at least assistants—but for this piece, I had to take charge,” he explains. “My actors and costume designers stepped up when they were needed and were with me every step of the process. They provided feedback and stepped up when they were available. This was a team effort, and I am proud of our ability to come together and create such an engaging piece with the wonderful group of students and professionals we had.”
Jonathan’s experience as a student artist at UMBC has been about more than technical skills. Living in the Visual and Performing Arts Living Learning Community (VPAC) and serving as a resident assistant helped him grow personally and professionally.
““The best part of my UMBC experience was the friends and connections that I made here on campus,” he says. “As a part of the Linehan Artist program and a member of the VAPC floor, I was able to click with my fellow students and artists.”
He adds, “College is about more than just learning your craft. It’s also about creating those connections with others that will outlast even some of the academic knowledge you may gain on campus.”
While Jonathan is still deciding where his artistic path will lead, he leaves UMBC with strong creative work, professional experience, and a tight-knit network of peers and mentors.
Major: Psychology
Minors: Entrepreneurship, Social Welfare
Hometown: Baltimore County, MD
High School: Perry Hall High School
Mary Rose Khamfong, a psychology major at UMBC with minors in entrepreneurship and social welfare, is determined to make well-being science accessible to all. Born in Baltimore County and a graduate of Perry Hall High School, she’s building a future grounded in education, digital storytelling, and purpose-driven content creation.
Her goal? To become a digital content creator who creates meaningful, accessible resources that help people grow, heal, and thrive.
During her time at UMBC, Mary served as a McNair teaching fellow and a writing fellow for the psychology department and the Writing Center. In these roles, she mentored first-generation and underrepresented students in academic writing, professional development, and graduate school preparation. She also led workshops on personal branding and reflective writing, thoughtfully incorporating principles of positive psychology and well-being throughout her work.
“These roles allowed me to support students from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to achieve their goals,” she reflects. “Helping others build confidence, refine their narratives, and take ownership of their futures reaffirmed my calling—to uplift others by supporting their holistic well-being.”
Mary’s academic journey took her beyond the classroom. At Brown University, she participated in a prestigious summer research program, conducting a review of long-term services in the veteran healthcare system. At UMBC, she collaborated on a civic storytelling curriculum for Latinx youth through the Interdisciplinary CoLab.
In both roles, she applied psychology to address social inequities, sharpen her communication skills, and deliver impactful presentations at national research conferences.
She earned national recognition through the APIA Scholars Community Service & Leadership Award, a competitive $10,000 scholarship honoring her dedication to service and educational equity.
Mary’s college experience was as much about relationships as it was about academics. Living on campus gave her the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and form deep connections with fellow students, mentors, and faculty.
““The best part of my UMBC experience has been the blend of adventure, building relationships, and having the space to grow,” she says. “These connections will outlast even some of the academic knowledge I’ve gained.”
Mary is now focused on creating digital platforms that promote holistic well-being across physical, emotional, financial, relational, and cultural dimensions. By combining evidence-based research with authentic storytelling, she aims to give others the tools they need to build better, more fulfilling lives.
“I don’t just want to create content—I want it to have a purpose and to work,” she says. “There’s science that answers how to live a good life. That knowledge needs to be shared, and I want to be the one who shares it.”
Carlos Jensen and Sophia Sotilleo will join the University of Maryland, Baltimore County provost leadership team beginning August 1. Jensen will serve as vice provost for student success and dean for the division of undergraduate academic affairs and Sotilleo will serve as vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery.
Jensen and Sotilleo fill out a provost leadership team that has been reimagined to meet UMBC’s unique needs in an evolving educational landscape. In his role as vice provost for student success and dean of undergraduate academic affairs, Jensen will oversee undergraduate academic programs and services while fostering an environment of inclusive excellence. As vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Sotilleo will lead the library in its vital efforts to support the teaching and research needs of an R1 institution.
Jensen comes to UMBC from the University of California, San Diego where he has served the last five years as the associate vice chancellor for educational innovation. Sotilleo joins UMBC from its USM sister institution, Bowie State University, where she has served as the dean of the Thurgood Marshall Library since 2022.
Sotilleo’s academic interests center on embedded librarianship, particularly its intersections with access, advocacy, and leadership in higher education. At Bowie State, she led transformative initiatives in digital access, research support, and campus-wide library engagement. She served as previous chair of the Council of Library Deans and Directors for the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions, where she led efforts to improve system-wide digital access, research support, and inter-campus collaboration. Sotilleo is a dedicated academic librarian and higher education leader with a career rooted in intellectual freedom, student-centered service, and inclusive access to information. She brings a collaborative and visionary approach to librarianship, championing innovation, advocacy, and engagement across academic and community contexts.
While at UC San Diego, Jensen provided strategic leadership to advance education and innovation, including the implementation and improvement of curricular analytics to help departments close equity gaps and help all students progress toward their degrees. He oversaw instructional development for educators and comprehensive academic support for students and played a key leadership role in the academic affairs response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
