Interested in getting a graduate degree at UMBC? Learn about the UMBC Master's Degree in Public Policy (MPP) at an information session on Monday, March 10 at 7:00 pm in Room 438 of the Public Policy Building. Enjoy a light dinner and talk with faculty and current students about the field of public policy, career opportunities, and how to apply to our MPP and combined BA/MPP program. Those interested in the PhD degree are also welcome to attend.

This event is open to prospective students on and off campus. To register, e-mail your name, year and major to Sally Helms (helms@umbc.edu).

Most scientist accept the RNA world hypothesis, which states that RNA was the first biological molecule due to its ability to copy itself and pass along genetic traits. However, Nicholas Hud, a chemist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, wasn’t convinced.

A recent article in WIRED, courtesy of Quanta Magazine, discusses Hud’s experiment with the building blocks of RNA. The experiment made a breakthrough with the discovery of a chemical recipe that points to the existence of a molecule that might pre-date RNA.

Quanta interviewed Stephen Freeland, director of UMBC’s interdiscipinary studies program, for the article. “In my opinion, nothing like this has been seen before,” Dr. Freeland said, before going on to say that the experiment leads to conceptual progress, even if it did not use the exact components of the unknown molecule.

Summer 2014 - Research Experience for Undergraduates

Sensors and Sensing: From Molecules to Applications
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Florida International University
The main objective of the REU program is to expose undergraduate students to interdisciplinary research in the field of sensing, monitoring and detection.

During the 10 week program (5/19/14-7/26/14) the participants will closely work with faculty and graduate students on cutting edge research projects that bridge traditional chemistry disciplines. Beside full time research, participants will be involved in weekly seminars and workshops focused on modern problems in the chemistry of sensing, monitoring and detection, ethics in science, professional growth, and the role of the scientist in modern society.

The REU program provides a $ 5,200 summer stipend. In addition, housing and travel, (including travel for presentation of work in conferences) is provided by the program . Sophomore, junior, and rising senior students are encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2014

Fostering Advancement & Careers through Enrichment Training in Science (FACETS)

FACETS (Fostering Advancement & Careers through Enrichment Training in Science) is a school-wide 4-week summer program set to begin June 16, 2014.

The program provides participants with exposure to the range and applicability of public health.  Participants will receive introductory coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics, formal lectures from different faculty within HSPH. Participants will also engage in a group research project with an assigned HSPH faculty member. These faculty members will be based in the Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health, Nutrition, or Genetics and Complex Diseases. Students have the opportunity to select areas of interest on the FACETS application.

For more specific training, HSPH currently offers 3 department-based summer programs, which include the Summer Program in Epidemiology (Department of Epidemiology), Summer Program in Quantitative Sciences (Department of Biostatistics), and the Summer Program in Biological Science in Public Health (Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases).

FACETS participants will receive summer salary, housing, and funded travel.

Please find the online application here!

The application deadline is March 15, 2014

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