Sahar Souizi, Marylia Duarte Batista (Environmental Engineering Ph.D. students with Dr. Blaney), and Dr. Blaney attended the AEESP 2025 Research and Education Conference at Duke University from May 20-22. With over 1,000 attendees, the event featured oral presentations, poster sessions, plenary talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. Marylia presented her research titled “Development of hybrid anion-exchange resins with enhanced selectivity and capacity for (ultra)short-chain PFAS” in the “Advances in PFAS Treatment and Destruction” session. Sahar shared her work on “Sustainable nutrient recovery from poultry litter using an enhanced tube-in-tube Donnan dialysis system” during the “Resource Recovery from Waste Streams Towards Circular Economy” session. Both students enjoyed the opportunities to connect with fellow PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and professors in the field.

The conference also offered opportunities for reconnections, such as with Ouriel Ndalamba, a former undergraduate lab member now a PhD student at Princeton.

Additional details and links to Sahar and Marylia's submitted abstracts: https://lee-blaney.squarespace.com/news

Excerpt from from UMBC News: Finding The Harmony Within Art And Science - UMBC: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County

At UMBC, undergraduate students are redefining the boundaries of scientific and artistic pursuits. From a chemical engineer who graces the stage with his cello to a bioinformatician who paints and a biochemist who ignites the dance floor with Latin rhythms, these scholars thrive in an environment that celebrates their diverse passions.

This spring, several U-RISE Scholars—NIH’s Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement—shared their multidisciplinary interests with their U-RISE advisors. As a result, the advisors started asking how the arts and science blend in these students’ lives, and presented the findings at an academic conference this spring. What they learned was that here, rigorous research and creative expression intertwine, fostering a vibrant community where students explore every dimension of their talents.

For Joshua Dayie, a senior chemical engineering major, both discipline and creativity are required for his research and his art—playing the cello. “You really have to strike a balance between them to make any meaningful progress,” he says. Practicing cello requires hours of repetition, until technical passages flow out of his fingers from muscle memory alone. In the lab, sometimes experiments must be repeated many times before they’re successful—that’s the discipline. 

Dayie applies that discipline to his research with Mark Marten, professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering, on characterizing signaling pathways in fungi that activate in response to environmental stressors.

Then comes the creativity. Only after someone masters the fundamentals can they explore nuance in the tone or emotion conveyed on the cello, Dayie says. Similarly, in science “a lot of the innovation that you generate is really only meaningful after you’ve spent a lot of time understanding the core scientific concepts behind everything.”

“I think that’s been the most surprising thing: The creativity that comes from a very sound foundation of discipline is something that is translatable pretty much anywhere,” Dayie reflects. 

As an added bonus, “Music has been a really nice outlet for me to use a different part of my brain, just to express myself in a different way,” he adds. “I feel like it makes me a little bit more whole.”

Reposted from UMBC News:https://umbc.edu/stories/cider-program-hilltop-medicaid-study/ 

UMBC’s CIDER program supports new Hilltop Institute-led Medicaid study, other cross-collaborative projects

UMBC researchers are collaborating on a study that takes a closer look at specific diagnosis coding patterns that focus on societal factors that potentially influence the health of Maryland’s Medicaid recipients. 

Morgan Henderson, director of analytics and research at UMBC’s The Hilltop Institute, and Jun Chu, assistant professor of public health, are among the five cross-collaborative teams selected to receive funding from UMBC’s Center and Institute Departmentally-Engaged Research (CIDER) program. Henderson and Chu’s CIDER-supported project will investigate potential “z code” patterns of the state’s Medicaid recipients. Z codes are a set of diagnosis codes that refer to factors influencing a patient’s health status beyond diseases or injuries, called social determinants of health. 

“These specific diagnosis codes indicate certain social determinants of health-related factors, not just traditionally medical things,” explains Henderson, principal investigator of the study. Z code data indicates if a patient has an issue that’s related to social risk factors, such as unstable housing, lack of food, hazardous living environments, and employment status.

“There hasn’t been much analysis of z code patterns and we aim to lay a good foundation for better understanding these diagnosis codes within Maryland’s Medicaid data,” says Henderson. 

A deeper look into z code diagnosing could be a useful identification “to bring extra resources to Medicaid recipients who are in need,” says Chu. 

Analyzing Medicaid data

The study coincides with recent news of potential billion-dollar federal budget cuts to Maryland’s Medicaid program, which currently supports about 1.7 million Maryland residents. The Hilltop Institute specializes in working with the state’s Medicaid data. According to the institute’s Maryland Medicaid DataPort, two in five of those in Medicaid are children and Medicaid pays for 60 percent of nursing home stays. 

Chu’s research has largely focused on social determinants of health with a particular focus on immigrant communities and Medicaid recipients who are children. Henderson helped to develop and currently manages Hilltop’s predictive modeling portfolio. These predictive models, which also utilize z code data, use a variety of risk factors derived from Medicare and Medicaid claims data to estimate the probability that a given patient incurs certain outcomes in the near future.

The pair’s project will include two studies: one study will focus specifically on the patients ascribed z codes to determine what patterns arise based on patient-specific factors such as demographics, health care utilization, or geography. 

The second study will focus on analyzing the characteristics of the healthcare providers that indicate the z codes on Medicaid claims. 

“Patient claims are the engine that so much of health analysis relies upon. It’s the decision of the provider on which coding diagnoses to include—it’s not a completely standardized process,” says Henderson. 

CIDER 2025 recipients

The CIDER program’s goal includes supporting and promoting collaborative research between scholars based in one of UMBC’s affiliate centers and institutes and the university’s faculty researchers. Selected proposals are awarded up to $50,000 in seed funding for 18 months. 

The 2025 CIDER program recipients include: 

• Anin Puthukkudy, Earth and Space Institute, and Vanderlei Martins, professor of physics
• Jessica Sutton, Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) II, Tejas Gokhale, assistant professor of computer science and electrical engineering, and Thomas Stanley, GESTAR II
• Kaur Kullman, the Center for Space Sciences and Technology, Alan Sherman, Roberto Yus, and Enis Golaszewski, professors of computer science and electrical engineering
• Morgan Henderson, The Hilltop Institute at UMBC, and Jun Chu, assistant professor of public health
• Venkatesh Srinivasan, Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Tyler Josephson, assistant professor of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering

Don Engel, associate vice president for research development, shares that the CIDER program was created to foster collaborations that draw on the full range of UMBC’s strengths in research and creative achievement. 

“CIDER helps connect faculty in our research centers with colleagues in degree-granting departments to pursue work with real impact—work that informs policy, advances knowledge, and ultimately serves the public good,” says Engel. 

Ariel Willson-Gray and Zorah Williams, CBEE undergraduates, participated in the ACS Spring 2025 Conference in San Diego, CA at the end of March. They each presented the innovative research they have been working on while at UMBC.

Ariel Willson-Gray is a Chemical Engineering undergraduate student on the Biotechnology and Bioengineering track who works in Dr. Almodovar’s lab. Ariel’s project explores how a layered surface of collagen and heparin can influence the properties and production of extracellular vesicles from living cells. 

Ariel shared, “Although ACS is a chemistry-focused meeting, I had insightful conversations and connected with amazing researchers in biomedical engineering, who shared valuable insights about research and career paths in the field. I also had the pleasure of meeting Dr. John Macklin, from the University of Washington, whose background is in chemistry. He generously offered thoughtful advice and guidance on navigating STEM as a Black scientist, which I deeply appreciated.”

Zorah Williams is a Chemical Engineering undergraduate student on the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Track. Zorah presented her summer research on behalf of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) which focused on the role of filter-feeding organisms in improving water quality by reducing excess nutrients. 

Zorah shared, “Throughout the conference, I had the chance to connect with students, researchers, and professionals from across the country and the world. It was an amazing experience getting to engage with other researchers, exchange ideas, and gain feedback on my work. I also had the chance to reconnect with a friend from high school who was also presenting, and we had a chance to see each other's work and catch up. This was also my first time visiting San Diego, and I really enjoyed trying local restaurants and exploring the city with other students. This was all made possible by the support of the Meyerhoff Program and UMBC. I highly encourage students to consider attending next year, as it's a valuable chance to grow professionally, make connections, and explore somewhere new!”

Read more about these students’ research below.

Poster Title: Production of Extracellular Vesicles from Mammalian Cells Modulated by a Biomimetic Surface

Authors: Ariel Wilson-Gray, Melanie Nelson, and Jorge Almodovar

Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized compartments secreted by cells as part of cellular signaling. Encased in a lipid bilayer, they carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, making them promising candidates for drug delivery, diagnostics, and immunotherapy. However, conventional isolation methods face challenges due to EV variability. This study compares EV production from three cell types—NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, human Schwann cells, and human mesenchymal stem cells—using two isolation techniques: chemical isolation alone and in combination with centrifuge filtration. Findings show that integrating centrifuge filtration enhances purification, yielding smaller EVs associated with intercellular communication. Additionally, we investigate EV production on a biomimetic surface composed of heparin and collagen. Collagen facilitates sustained miRNA release, potentially improving EV therapeutic applications, while heparin inhibits EV transfer between cells, allowing for accumulation and improved isolation. Leveraging heparin’s affinity may provide an additional purification strategy. Future research will explore a collagen/heparin multilayer surface to further optimize EV isolation and composition, complementing existing methods. These advancements could enhance EV-based therapies, broadening their potential impact in medicine.

Poster Title: Evaluating the Impact of Suspension Feeders on Nutrient Levels in the Chesapeake Bay

Authors: Zorah Williams, Ronita Sequeira, Dr. Eric Schott

Abstract: This study assessed the ability of suspension-feeding communities to reduce chlorophyll levels in Baltimore Harbor by filtering out phytoplankton. The project explored the potential of filter-feeding species and whether these communities could positively impact water quality through phytoplankton uptake. The experimental setup consisted of two rafts: one with nylon straps that became populated by a biofouling community of mussels, barnacles, and other suspension feeders and a control raft with nylon straps but without biofouling. Both rafts were located in a part of Baltimore Harbor with high phytoplankton levels due to nutrient-rich urban runoff. Water samples were collected from within and adjacent to the two rafts, and phytoplankton were filtered onto glass fiber filters. Filters were extracted with ethanol, and chlorophyll levels were measured using fluorometry.

To ensure accuracy in chlorophyll measurements, we compared the performance of two fluorometers—a benchtop device and a handheld model—by analyzing their variance levels. This was achieved through a series of rhodamine standards where multiple samples of varying dilutions were measured in triplicate, and their coefficients of variance were calculated. The handheld fluorometer, with its lower variance, was confirmed to provide reliable readings for assessing chlorophyll readings of Chesapeake Bay samples. The extracted chlorophyll from the biofouling community and control rafts were measured, and the findings were statistically compared.

This research is part of a larger initiative to explore the ecosystem services provided by biofouling communities in urban estuaries. By assessing their role in particulate and nitrogen removal and investigating the potential for composting harvested biofouling organisms, this study creates valuable knowledge that may be used to use nature-based methods to better improve water quality.

On April 16, 2025, over 300 undergraduate students shared their research and achievements through oral presentations, poster presentations, artistic exhibits, performances, films, interactive games, and more in the University Center.

Congratulations to all CBEE students who participated in the event!

Oral Presentations

Evalynn Ellison | Ultrasound-Responsive Phospholipid-Coated Microbubbles for Controlled Drug Delivery Across Mucosa | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Canan Dagdeviren

Poster Presentations

Shashane Anderson | Formal Verification of Thermodynamic Models With Lean 4 | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Tyler Josephson

Alvin Bett | Detecting PFAS in Baltimore Harbor Using Novel Passive Samplers | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Jacob Craft | Measuring the Selectivity Coefficients of 19 PFAS With Four Anion-Exchange Membranes | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Joshua Dayie | Engineering CRBN for Improved Assay and Structural Enablement Using DeNovo Protein Scaffolds | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Nicole LaRonde

Trevor Gibson | Hybrid Anion-Exchange Resins Improve the Uptake and Selectivity for (Ultra)Short-Chain PFAS in Drinking Water | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Elias Gilotte | Uncovering The Relationship Between Oxygen Availability and Energy Sources in Cell-free Protein Synthesis | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Govind Rao

Alexander Haibel | GraphARC: An AI Benchmark for Chemical Reasoning | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Tyler Josephson

Sydney Hofstetter | Sucrose Density Gradient Centrifugation Versus Anion Exchange for Exosome Sample Purification | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Jorge Almodovar

Jasmine Ives | Polychlorinated Biphenyl Monitoring in Maryland Fish | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Upal Ghosh

Tonderai Kodzwa | Effect Of Temperature On Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Ozgur Capraz

Peter Lombardo | Percent Viability Screens To Confirm Integral Cell Wall Signaling Kinases In Aspergillus Nidulans | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Terra Miley | Optimization Of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Bioreactors With the Use of a Fluorescent Magnesium Biosensor | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Govind Rao

Meredith Morse | Characterizing The Aspergillus Nidulans Kinase Deletion Library | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Tithi Prajapati | Noninvasive Wearable Device For Transcutaneous CO2 Based Early Detection Of Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Venkatesh Srinivasan

Matthew Quintanilla | Characterization Of Transmembrane Transporters Linked To Cell Wall Stress Response | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Jessica Slaughter | Suite Of Bioinformatic-Analysis Apps For Better Understanding Dynamic Omics Data | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Maaike Swaters | Measuring Ion-exchange Membrane Properties That Control Nutrient Recovery By Donnan Dialysis | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Lee Blaney

Greeshma Tarimala | Using Gene Editing And Fluorescent Microscopy To Characterize The PrkA Kinase In Aspergillus Nidulans | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Mark Marten

Julia Van Der Marel | Monitoring Of NADH Concentrations In Cell-Free Systems | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Govind Rao

Benjamin Welling | Fabrications Of An Autonomous Chemically Powered Vehicle: (AIChE Chem-E Car) | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Neha Raikar

Zorah Williams | Utilizing Manganese-Oxide As An Electrode Material For Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries. | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Ozgur Capraz

Ariel Wilson-Gray | Production Of Extracellular Vesicles From Mammalian Cells Modulated By A Biomimetic Surface | Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering | Jorge Almodovar

Azmat Naseem, Environmental Engineering PhD student with Dr. Ghosh, was awarded the best poster presentation for COEIT and Sahar Souizi, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Ph.D. student with Dr. Blaney, won the runner-up award for the 3 Minute Thesis competition (3MT). Congratulations!

GEARS GSA proudly hosted the 2025 Research Symposium and Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, celebrating the innovation, passion, and dedication of our student researchers across disciplines.

Research Symposium Winners
Each awarded $500 for excellence in research:

• Best of CAHSS: Diane Placide

• Best of CNMS: Lekan Ajiboye

• Best of COEIT: Azmat Naseem

• People's Choice Award: Navya Sree Manikonda

3MT Competition Winners

• Winner: Prajna Bhandary ($500)

• Runner-Up: Sahar Souizi ($250)

• People's Choice Award: Seraj Mostafa ($250)

Congratulations to all participants for showcasing the power of research and storytelling. Your work continues to inspire and elevate the UMBC community.

See you all next year!

To access all pictures of the events, go to the following links:

Research Symposium Pictures

3MT Pictures

Original Post: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gsa/posts/149026