Join leading voices in AI, neuroscience, national security, cybersecurity, public policy, and human-rights for the Privacy and Liberty in the Age of AI and Immersive Technologies (PLAITS) Conference, a free, full-day event hosted at Johns Hopkins University on June 16.
As emerging technologies—from AI (e.g., LLMs, Gen-Art) and algorithmic curation to brain-computer interfaces and smart glasses—become woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, we face urgent questions:
***reposted from SAPH - please register on the original event post***
Wednesday, June 4th | 9:00-10:30am | ILSB 201 or HyFlex
Faculty everywhere are asking: Is AI a threat or an opportunity? Find your own answers in this workshop led by national expert, author, teacher, and AI specialist Mike Kentz. This hands-on session translates AI complexity into powerful, classroom-ready insights and skills. Kentz champions a "teacher-first" approach, positioning educators as central to AI integration as seen in his book, "AI in Education: A Roadmap For Teacher-Led Transformation.” Move beyond the AI hype into your own practical AI toolkit. Flexible attendance—in person or online makes participation simple. We strongly encourage in-person participation to fully engage with your peers and the speaker. Space is limited, register now for your spot.
Webex link: https://umbc.webex.com/umbc/j.php?MTID=m7bdba96105f1b8214e50173be3e91f6d
]]>Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron, blending her Georgian heritage with an American spirit, captivates audiences with daring performances that breathe life into contemporary classical music. Praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Tim Page of The Wall Street Journal as 'smashingly effective,' her latest album with Vesna Duo mesmerized audiences, showcasing her passionate interpretations. Her artistry has graced esteemed venues across the United States and Europe, including iconic stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the New World Center, and the United Nations.
Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of music, Dr. Harron has shared stages with artists across the spectrum—from rock star Steven Tyler to classical virtuosos—thriving on diverse collaborations fueled by her unending artistic curiosity. Whether as a soloist with orchestras like the Shilakadze Chamber Orchestra, the Georgian Television Orchestra, or the Frost Symphony Orchestra, she's continuously championed contemporary compositions.
Lauded for her work with Vesna Duo alongside percussionist Dr. Ksenija Komljenović, their performances at the 2022 Chamber Music America Conference garnered rave reviews. Their interpretation of Igor Stravinsky’s 'The Rite of Spring' for marimba and piano, arranged by Komljenović, continues to captivate audiences and receive accolades from esteemed publications.
An avid recording artist, Dr. Harron’s repertoire spans from contemporary compositions by György Ligeti and Archil Giorgobiani to cherished classics by Hindemith and Respighi. Her versatility shines through modern works by John Adams and Ólafur Arnalds, which she skillfully arranged for piano and Loopstation. Her solo album, 'Light-Year,' is an emotive collection that weaves together intimate pieces from cinematic composers like Jóhann Jóhannsson, Max Richter, Philip Glass, Ólafur Arnalds, and Kris Lennox. And her latest album,’Kartli: Stories of Georgia,’ a collection of 20th-century Georgian classical music, was featured on Billboard Georgia.
The Language, Literacy, and Culture Program is pleased to announce that Chelsea Mays-Williams of LLC Cohort 23 successfully and skillfully presented her dissertation research proposal on May 9, 2025.
Chelsea's project is titled, Black Women Navigating West Baltimore by Homeplace: Methodologies of Homeplace for Resilience.
After her presentation, Chelsea had a substantive discussion with her committee about the next stages of her work. The committee agreed that the project is worthy of doctoral research and helped Elaine consider some key issues as she moves forward into the research and writing.
Many thanks to Chelsea's committee members:
Chair:
Ramon Goings, Language, Literacy, and Culture
Members:
Nicole King, American Studies
Michelle Scott, History
Rebeca Gamez-Djokic, Vanderbilt University
Sydney Lewis, University of Maryland, College Park
Please join us in congratulating Chelsea on reaching this significant milestone!
]]>By: Isy Davy
Photo Credit: Malik Gay
Meet Malik Gay, a 2023 graduate of UMBC’s Media and Communication Studies program. After transferring from the University of Hartford, Malik searched for a school that aligned with his athletic and academic goals. What he found at UMBC wasn’t just a degree; it was a supportive, tight-knit community that helped him sharpen his voice, expand his perspective, and explore media as a tool for connection, creativity, and change.
Today, Malik is a Junior Media Buyer at WHITE64, a full-service advertising agency based in Northern Virginia. His role places him at the forefront of campaign execution, collaborating with clients across the DMV area to help them meet strategic advertising goals. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced space where Malik thrives, bringing together data-driven insight and creative thinking to help brands tell the right stories to audiences.
His interest in media didn’t begin after graduation; it was strengthened throughout his time at UMBC. He credits the MCS program for helping him understand the broader impact of media in society and encouraging critical thinking through collaboration and mentorship. “Learning alongside talented peers and being taught by professors who genuinely cared about our success beyond the classroom was invaluable,” Malik shares.
One of the most memorable projects from his time in the program was a media literacy class competition that challenged students to gain as much traction as possible on TikTok in one week. “I may or may not have won!” he jokes. But the real takeaway wasn’t just winning, it was learning how platform algorithms work, creating engaging content, and tapping into trends that resonate with audiences. These are the exact skills he now uses every day in the world of digital media.
That hands-on experience also speaks to a deeper pattern in Malik’s journey: a consistent sense of intention. Malik approaches his work purposefully when managing a group project or strategising with clients. For him, it’s not about producing content just to keep up, it’s about understanding who it’s for, why it matters, and how it can impact.
After graduating, Malik continued to grow personally and professionally by enrolling in UMBC’s Community Leadership Graduate Certificate program. The experience deepened his connection to the Baltimore community and broadened his view of what it means to lead with empathy. “It gave me a fresh perspective on the Baltimore community and reinforced the importance of supporting those around me,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Malik has his sights set on continued growth, not just within the advertising industry but also in his personal development and community involvement. In the next five years, he hopes to keep evolving in his career, stay curious about new technologies, and give back to others navigating early career challenges. His balance of ambition and community-mindedness makes him a powerful example for current students looking to make a meaningful impact in media.
Malik’s advice is simple but powerful for those still figuring out their path: “Build and nurture relationships within the UMBC community, especially in the MCS department. Your peers and professors are incredible resources, so engage with them, learn from each other, and maintain those connections long after graduation.”
Though still early in his career, Malik has already proven what’s possible when intention meets action. His story reminds us that when used thoughtfully, media can do more than inform or entertain; it can improve lives, build communities, and inspire meaningful change.
The Language, Literacy, and Culture Program is pleased to announce that Kyle Goehner of LLC Cohort 18 successfully and skillfully presented his dissertation research proposal on May 5, 2025.
Kyle’s project is titled Ten Years On: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study of the Accelerated Learning Program.
After his presentation, Kyle had a substantive discussion with his committee about the next stages of his work.
Many thanks to Kyle’s committee members:
Chair:
Christopher Rakes, Education
Members:
Ramon Goings, Language, Literacy, and Culture
Pamela Bennett, Public Policy
Amy Tondreau, Educcation
Glenda Breaux, Community College of Baltimore County
Please join us in congratulating Kyle on reaching this significant milestone!
]]>Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I chose INDS because I wanted to join a program that would help foster my drive to assist the handicapped and disabled communities. INDS understood my perspectives as a disabled student and helped me integrate that into my studies, while also teaching me how to view things from the perspectives of different disciplines. It was a program recommended to me by a family member.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
I plan to look for work in the health field and gain more experience working directly with disabled patients. I would also like to continue researching and contribute to developing guides to help people improve and take charge of their health.
Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?
For More information on Ebony's INDS journey please click here: