Title: Supermassive Black Hole Growth in Local Low-Mass Mergers

Katherine Carver, Ashlyn Wright
Mentor: Adi Foord, Physics

Come see Kat's oral presentation in RAC 050 | 11 – 11:15 a.m.

Most massive galaxies host a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at their centers, whose feedback and growth impact the galaxy’s evolution. Such periods of activity, observed as active galactic nuclei (AGN), are thought to arise when gas is efficiently funneled toward the galactic center, fueling black hole accretion and growth. Extensive studies of major mergers have suggested a link between merger activity and the incidence of AGN. However, the precise role mergers play in triggering AGN activity remains unclear. This uncertainty is greater in the low-mass galaxy regime, where observational challenges make it difficult to identify merging systems and assess their AGN activity. Understanding AGN activity in low-mass mergers is especially important, as these systems are far more common and represent fundamental building blocks in the overall process of galaxy formation.
We present an X-ray study based on new XMM-Newton observations of six nearby (0.015 < z < 0.021) dwarf–dwarf galaxy merger systems. Out of the twelve galaxies analyzed, six show X-ray detections. Notably, two of the mergers exhibit X-ray emission from both galaxies, suggesting possible dual AGN candidates. These findings suggest that low-mass merging systems may significantly contribute to SMBH growth, playing a role comparable to that of major mergers.

This work was funded, in part, through an Undergraduate Research Award from the UMBC Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC:

URCAD.umbc.edu

Get ready for the most exciting night of Graduate Student Appreciation Week! Join us for Grad Bingo Night on Wednesday, April 8 from 5–8 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. 

This is your chance to take a break from the books and compete for some MASSIVE prizes. If you win BINGO then go home with a coffee machine, a TV, and even BIGGER prizes!

Make sure you GRAB YOUR TICKET now for a chance to win big and enjoy a night of fun with your fellow graduate students. See you there!

1:30- 2:00pm, RAC Stage

Come rock with us, 90s style with the Down and Dirty Dawg Band!

Founded in 1998, DDDB is UMBC’s pep band. The name was given to the band by the members to reflect the music and attitude of the group. DDDB plays popular and jazz funk tunes and has grown into a core membership of highly motivated performers led by a student organization. They support the Retrievers Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams and perform at other spirit events. They will be playing a selection of 90s tunes to celebrate URCAD's 30th anniversary! Band members: Jamie Bates, Charlie Blocher, Rose Bodie, Aidan Cohen, Jean Diaz, Julieta Marin, Daniel Pellerano, Michael Riddle, Anastasia Sartain, Ben Yoder.

Director: Bentley Corbett-Wilson

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC:

URCAD.umbc.edu

Lama Mohamed's exhibit of illustrations explores how using creative methods can inspire greater thought and wonder in younger viewers’ first exposure to elementary science.

Special Exhibit, 10 – 11 a.m., RAC Upper Track, First Floor

Title: Imagining Science

Mentor: Chung-Wei Huang, Media and Communication Studies

Abstract:

Art has not been utilized nearly enough to visualize the complex relationships that exist within the broad disciplines of life sciences. The separation of creativity from science, and the rigidity of science within the arts has minimized the future possibilities of both fields. These illustrations explored how using more creative methods can inspire greater thought and wonder in younger viewers’ first exposure to elementary science. This was attempted through use of experimental art techniques such as collage, mixed media, and a focus on artistic appeal rather than strict accuracy of anatomy or scale. There are a total of three pieces: Scale, Unity, and Balance; all created with the intention of centering young audiences, but also the innate curiosity present in all people, regardless of age. Each illustration is centered around that inborn desire to understand and make meaning of the vast yet intricate world around us, and how it manifests in everyday life.

URCAD is Wednesday, April 22 in the RAC:

URCAD.umbc.edu

Kick off Graduate Student Appreciation Week by actually putting yourself first. Whether you’re looking for wellness hacks or want to get your hands a little messy with a creative project, we’ve cleared the schedule for you.

THE BEST PART: We’re giving away wellness goodies all afternoon! Snag some face masks, hydrating hand lotions, and more to keep the spa vibes going at home.

Join us for a full afternoon of slowing down and recharging:

• 1–3 PM | Wellness Tabling: All the resources you actually need. (Main Street)

• 3–5 PM | Candle Making: Pour some light into your week. (Room 329)

• 4–6 PM | Break the Mold: Pottery, networking, and zero talk about your thesis. (Fireside Lounge)

The Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Dresher Center for the Humanities, and UMBC Department of English invite you to celebrate National Library Week and UMBC BookFest, April 19-25, 2026

Monday, April 20

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Banned Books Read-In | Library Rotunda

Exercise your freedom to read! Learn more about book challenges and bans in the United States, spend some time reading books that have been banned or challenged, and find out which 10 books were most frequently banned or challenged in 2025.

4:00 - 7:00 PM: Our Stories Matter: Books, Arts, and Community | Library 7th Floor

Make a mosaic that celebrates individual and community stories, embracing and amplifying all voices. This program is part of a series that will continue through 2026.

Tuesday, April 21

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: BookMarkIt | Library Plaza

Celebrate all things books with letterpress printing, zinemaking and swaps, a book drive, giveaways, and more!

3:00 - 5:00 PM: Find the Library at Transfer-Palooza! | UC Ballroom

Hey, transfer students! We will be at Transfer-Palooza with information about library services, plus stickers and swag!

5:00 - 6:30 PM: One Maryland, One Book: An Evening with Lawrence Burney, Author of No Sense in Wishing | UC 302

The author of the 2026 One Maryland One Book selection will join Assistant Professor of English Chris L. Terry to reflect on his essay collection, growing up in Baltimore, and his deep relationship to music. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, April 22

4:00 - 5:00 PM: A New Model: The Barack Obama Presidential Library with Dr. Kenvi Phillips, Barack Obama Presidential Library Director | Library 7th Floor

With approximately 95% of its records created digitally, the Obama Presidential Library is the first digital repository among the 16 presidential libraries stewarded by the National Archives and Records Administration. The library is constantly developing new pathways to process and make records available to the public. This talk will explore how the library is bridging the gap between traditional brick-and-mortar library needs and expectations and digital possibilities. Refreshments will be served.

4:00 - 6:00 PM: BCPL Mobile Services Visit | Library Plaza

Learn about the various mobile services offered by the Baltimore County Public Library - available for free to all UMBC community members!

Thursday, April 23

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Lunch and Learn: Library Advocacy Workshop | Library Room 259 

Join the Maryland Library Association to learn how everyone can be an advocate for library access and services. Lunch will be provided.

4:30 - 6:00 PM: Freedom to Read: A Panel on Libraries and Democracy | Library Gallery

Book challenges and censorship efforts are on the rise across our state and nation. What can we do to protect the right to read and ensure access to library services? Join this timely conversation with Maryland librarians, the Maryland State Library Agency, and Citizens for Maryland Libraries. Refreshments will be served.

Friday, April 24

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Decorate a Library Tote Bag | Library Atrium

You need something to carry all those books! Stop by the library atrium to decorate your own totebag. All supplies will be provided.

All Week

Monday-Friday 12-4: Drop-in button-making | Alan and Wendy Wilson Innovation Lab

Use old book pages and covers to create one-of-a-kind buttons!

All library open hours: Drop-in blackout poetry | Library 1st Floor

Upcycle an old book page into a new piece of literature.

Kick off Graduate Student Appreciation Week by actually putting yourself first. Whether you’re looking for wellness hacks or want to get your hands a little messy with a creative project, we’ve cleared the schedule for you.

THE BEST PART: We’re giving away wellness goodies all afternoon! Snag some face masks, hydrating hand lotions, and more to keep the spa vibes going at home.

Join us for a full afternoon of slowing down and recharging:

• 1–3 PM | Wellness Tabling: All the resources you actually need. (Main Street)

• 3–5 PM | Candle Making: Pour some light into your week. (Room 329)

• 4–6 PM | Break the Mold: Pottery, networking, and zero talk about your thesis. (Fireside Lounge)

ADS and CRSP welcomes Rabbi Lauren Tuchman, the first blind Rabbi ordained in the United States, to campus to share about critical religious pluralism, her experiences and helping our campus community think about resiliency in difficult times.

Join Rabbi Lauren for a lunch and learn to dive into your own cultural and religious resources and come to the public conversation to hear more about her story.

This post is for Signing Up for the Lunch & Learn. Sign up for the Public Talk, too! 

These events and all events are 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.

Kick off Graduate Student Appreciation Week by actually putting yourself first. Whether you’re looking for wellness hacks or want to get your hands a little messy with a creative project, we’ve cleared the schedule for you.

THE BEST PART: We’re giving away wellness goodies all afternoon! Snag some face masks, hydrating hand lotions, and more to keep the spa vibes going at home.

Join us for a full afternoon of slowing down and recharging:

• 1–3 PM | Wellness Tabling: All the resources you actually need. (Main Street)

• 3–5 PM | Candle Making: Pour some light into your week. (Room 329)

• 4–6 PM | Break the Mold: Pottery, networking, and zero talk about your thesis. (Fireside Lounge)

Share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with your peers and leadership. Your input can help shape the future of CNMS. Stop by on Monday, April 6, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in Meyerhoff 120.  There will be pizza provided for all attendees.