Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records

• Minor in Sociology 
• Minor in Biological Sciences

Degree Mentors 

• Aubrey Jackson-Soller, Associate Professor, UMBC Department of Sociology Anthropology and Public Health
• Kelly Talebian, U.S. Government
• Steven McAlpine, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I entered UMBC as an undecided major, participating in the STEM Living Learning Community. I was interested in both forensic science and biology, and decided to major in Biological Sciences, along with minoring in Sociology. However, I always had a more dedicated interest in forensic science than biology, and after realizing that I did not enjoy UMBC’s biology track as much as I desired, I decided to look into INDS. I have found that INDS allowed me to utilize my established background in Biology, and enthusiasm for Forensic Science to create a customized forensics major that has a biological focus, aka Bio-Forensic Science.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I was offered a job with the federal government in December of 2024, so after graduation I am planning to work as a forensic scientist or generally in the STEM field with the government. Different from other Forensic Science degrees offered at various universities, my Bio-Forensic Science degree strongly incorporates specific Biology, Sociology and Political Science courses. I believe that the courses that I selected to make my degree (ex. human genetics, international relations, ethics in scientific research, etc.) will all prepare me to be a well-rounded, ethical scientist that works on analyzing evidence from cases across the U.S. or around the world.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

I am graduating as the President of Curl P.W.R., the natural hair care club on campus that teaches African, African-American, and any other students with curly and coily hair textures how to maintain, care for, and style their hair. I've previously served as the Vice President, Treasurer, and Co-Treasurer of the club. Additionally, from sophomore to senior year I worked as a Peer Leader for the STEM Living Learning Community, where I supported 2-4 students per year, helping them adjust to college life and learn organizational and time-management skills. Finally, I worked as a science and technology intern for the federal government for two consecutive summers, which is what solidified my interest in working in the bioforensics field on a more expansive scale than just one police station.

For More information on Sara's INDS journey please click here:

The Department of American Studies presents

Slow and Sudden Violence: Why and When Uprisings Occur Discussion on the 10-year Anniversary of the Baltimore Uprising

In conversation with:

Derek Musgrove, Associate Professor, History, UMBC
Nicole King, Associate Professor, American Studies, UMBC

Upon the ten-year anniversary of the 2015 Baltimore Uprising, we are hosting a panel discussion based on Prof. Derek Hyra’s recent book Slow and Sudden Violence: Why and When Uprisings Occur (University of California Press, 2024) To confront American unrest, Hyra urges that we end racialized policing, stop Black community destruction and displacement, and reduce neighborhood inequality. Hyra will be in conversation with UMBC Professors Derek Musgrove (History) and Nicole King (American Studies) on the issues the book addresses and the future of U.S. cities.

Derek Hyra is a professor in the Department of Public Administration and Policy within the School of Public Affairs at American University. His research focuses on processes of neighborhood change, with an emphasis on housing, urban politics, and race. Dr. Hyra is author of Slow and Sudden Violence: Why and When Uprisings Occur (University of California Press, 2024), Race, Class, and Politics in the Cappuccino City (University of Chicago Press, 2017), and The New Urban Renewal: The Economic Transformation of Harlem and Bronzeville (University of Chicago Press, 2008). He is also co-editor of Capital Dilemma: Growth and Inequality in Washington, DC (Routledge, 2016).

Charm City Books is offering a promo code for 10% off pre orders using their website. Pre-ordered books will be available for pick-up at the event.

PROMO CODE: HYRA10

Organized by the Department of American Studies.  Cosponsored by the Center for Social Science Scholarship; the Dresher Center for Humanities; the Department of History; the Orser Center for the Study of Place, Community, and Culture; the Department of Political Science; and the School of Public Policy.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.