Grand Challenge Scholars gather in Rome at annual meeting
UMBC students and faculty recently participated in the
2026 Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) Annual Meeting at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, an event dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s engineers to address society’s most pressing global challenges. Nearly 300 students representing 25 countries and more than 70 universities attended February 13–16, 2026, celebrating this year’s theme: “Community, Technology, and Grand Challenges: Together for Global Impact.”
Asantewaa Nyanteh, a mechanical engineering junior, earned first place in the Innovation Award competition for her poster, “Efia: A Wearable Robotic Glove for Hand Rehabilitation After Paralysis.” Her work in the lab of Ramana Vinjamuri, an associate professor in computer science and electrical engineering, advances the development of a lightweight wearable device designed to help users participate more fully in daily activities.
Grand Challenge Scholars participants also represented COEIT and UMBC in other poster presentation categories:
Ini Olaniyan, a chemical engineering junior, presented “Investigating the Effects of Estradiol on Platelet Traction Forces.”
Jessica Thomas, a mechanical engineering junior, received third place in the Service Learning category for her poster presentation, “MagneSense: A Tactile Puzzle.”
Caroline Wehinger, a psychology sophomore presented “Toy Choice: Does Gender Matter?”
Grand Challenge Scholars Program Director
Maria Sanchez, who also serves as director of the Engineering and Computing Education Program (ECEP) in COEIT, and
Petra Janka, a master’s student in human-centered computing and program coordinator for the Grand Challenge Scholars Program, travelled with the student team.
Black and Gold Rush is here! On March 4 and 5, our UMBC community will come together for 36 hours of giving.
Be part of UMBC's future and show the strength of Retriever pride and generosity. Give today and help amplify support for our students and programs. 🖤💛 Support the College of Engineering and Information Technology and donate today! 🐾
Last year, the College of Engineering and Information Technology raised over $10,000 in support of departments, scholars programs, and student organizations.
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- Spread the word: talk it up with friends, post and share on social using #BlackAndGoldRush.
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Your voice, your Retriever pride, and your participation matter. Together, we can make this the best Black & Gold Rush yet!
Thank you!
The UMBC Faculty Development Center recently announced the fall 2025 recipients of the Hrabowski Fund for Innovation awards. This competitive funding program supports innovative approaches that enhance teaching and learning across the university. Awards are granted in four categories: Seed Grants, Adaptation (ADAPT) Grants, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Grants, and Implementation and Research (IR) Grants.
This year, four College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) faculty and staff were recognized for their projects designed to promote student success and advance educational excellence at UMBC. Information about the fall 2025 awards is shared below.
Fall 2025 COEIT Awardees
- SPACES: Learning by Making UMBC Smarter – A Reusable Framework for Interdisciplinary, Service-Learning Projects (IR); Lead: Roberto Yus (Computer Science and Electrical Engineering)
- Expanding CWIT’s K-12 Ambassador Program: Empowering UMBC Students Through Applied Leadership in Tech Outreach (ADAPT); Lead: Jess Myers (Center for Women in Technology)
- Unlocking Unique Professional Growth for Graduate Students: Collaborations with the Summer Enrichment Academy and CIRTL Program (SoTL); Lead: Jamie Gurganus (Engineering and Computing Education Program)
- Student-Driven Sustainable Material Innovation for 3D Printing (SEED); Lead: Fiona Bell (Information Systems)