*New* INDS Website! The INDS website has a new look! Browse through and let us know what you think!

http://www.umbc.edu/inds/
]]> The INDS website has a new look! Browse through and let us know what you think! http://www.umbc.edu/inds/ http://www.umbc.edu/inds/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/13187/guest@my.umbc.edu/ca28fc6973a0d20ffb35e5a614755334/api/pixel Individualized Study https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/inds https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xsmall.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/original.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xxlarge.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xlarge.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/large.png?1749573645 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/medium.png?1749573645 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/small.png?1749573645 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xsmall.png?1749573645 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xxsmall.png?1749573645 Interdisciplinary Studies 0 2 true Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:15:40 -0400 Researcher of the Week: David Sweigart Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! Where did you do your research this summer? When were you there?
I conducted research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland as a summer student. I was part of the University of Michigan (UM) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). My stay at CERN was for a total of 9 weeks starting in mid-June.

How did you learn that physics students could do research away from UMBC in the summer?
Before attending UMBC, I had two summer internships at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration researching implant materials for medical devices. Therefore, I already knew that research opportunities existed away from UMBC, but I did not learn about the REU programs until my freshman year from one of my professors.

Did you already know that undergraduates could work at a place like CERN? How did you find out?
I had no idea that undergraduates could work at CERN until I saw the UM REU program on the NSF’s website. The UM REU program is in fact the only program that allows Americans to be official CERN summer students. This is because the United States is not a Member State of CERN.

What did you do at CERN?
In the mornings, I attended a series of lectures specially designed to teach us about a wide range of topics in theoretical and experimental particle physics. In the afternoons, I worked on my summer-long project to study single and diboson Z production at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) using data collected from the ATLAS detector. To do this, I ended up spending most of my time writing code in a programming language called ROOT. The goal of my project was to understand how data analysis is used in high energy physics.

Did everyone speak English?
Geneva is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. However, everyone at CERN spoke English except for the workers in the restaurants. I do not speak any French, but I still found it easy to get around and order food by just learning a few useful phrases.

Where did you live while you were there?
I lived in one of the CERN hostels. This was very convenient for me because it was located close to most of the main facilities including the building where I worked as well as the restaurant.

Did you have time to travel in Switzerland or around Europe during your program?
Yes! While the program did not organize any traveling, the summer students formed groups to go places each weekend. Being my first time in Europe, I was very adventurous and went on a tour of Europe. In Switzerland, I visited Geneva, Zermatt, and Bern which were all very beautiful places. I also traveled to Paris and Lyon in France as well as other large cities including Barcelona, London, Rome, and Berlin.

What experience did you have before you went?
I have actually never taken a course in particle physics since one is not offered at UMBC. Before going to CERN, I only had a junior-level knowledge of general physics. However, I was able to learn everything that I needed to know for my project with the help of my supervisors.

Were there other undergraduates at CERN? How many?
The UM REU program was composed of 15 undergraduates including myself, but the entire CERN summer student program was made up of over 200 undergraduates from all over Europe.

Who did you work with most directly? Other students? Full-time researchers?
I worked each day at a table with other summer students, and we would frequently help each other debug our code or talk out any problems we had. I met with my supervisors only once or twice a week to discuss the progress of my project, but we would still correspond often via e-mail.

Was it expensive to do this?
The UM REU program covered the cost of my plane tickets and my travel insurance. I also received a per diem of 90 CHF to pay for my hostel and food which turned out to be more than enough. Furthermore, the program gave me a stipend of $2,500 which I used to help pay for all of my traveling.

Do you want to go back?
Yes! It was amazing to participate in our universal quest for knowledge during these very exciting times at CERN, especially with the first of many results now coming from the LHC. This experience has extremely enriched my cultural and academic knowledge!

What are your goals after UMBC?
After graduating from UMBC, I plan to attend graduate school for a Ph.D. in physics with the ultimate goal of becoming a research scientist. However, I am still keeping my options open regarding my specific sub-field of concentration. Who knows? I might even find myself back at CERN one day!

What should other UMBC students know about summer research opportunities?
There are plenty of research opportunities in all different fields if you know where to look for them. The NSF maintains an updated list of their REU programs which can be accessed by going to their web site: National Science Foundation. These programs offer an incredible chance to experience the day-to-day work of research groups across the United States and abroad. I strongly encourage applying to anyone thinking about going to graduate school.
Read more about David's research at CERN at the link below.
]]> Where did you do your research this summer? When were you there? I conducted research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland as a summer student. I was... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/davidSweigartsProfile.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/13181/guest@my.umbc.edu/f140725deb648f081d9c83b5ea6fe7ee/api/pixel Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/181/b999a556e5f6186b8cba2dd848c22711/xxlarge.jpg?1332771777 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/181/b999a556e5f6186b8cba2dd848c22711/xlarge.jpg?1332771777 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/181/b999a556e5f6186b8cba2dd848c22711/large.jpg?1332771777 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/181/b999a556e5f6186b8cba2dd848c22711/medium.jpg?1332771777 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/181/b999a556e5f6186b8cba2dd848c22711/small.jpg?1332771777 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/181/b999a556e5f6186b8cba2dd848c22711/xsmall.jpg?1332771777 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/181/b999a556e5f6186b8cba2dd848c22711/xxsmall.jpg?1332771777 24 0 true Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:39:00 -0400 Biomedical Sciences Programs Campus Preview Weekend University of Minnesota

What is the Preview Weekend?
The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs Preview Weekend is an all expenses paid visit to the University of Minnesota campus for prospective graduate students interested in one or more of the following Ph.D. programs:

When will the Preview take place?
The campus preview weekend will be September 27th - 30th, 2012.

Who is eligible to attend?
Those who will be invited to the Preview must be US citizens or permanent residents who will be applying for entry into graduate school in Fall of 2013. The program is most interested in students enrolled at institutions outside the upper midwest who may be unfamiliar with the outstanding training environment provided by the University of Minnesota. Students from under-represented racial and ethnic groups, low-income family backgrounds, first-generation U.S. citizens, and students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

What are the benefits of attending?
The Preview activities will provide opportunities for students to meet informally with the directors of graduate study, faculty and current graduate students of the six biomedical sciences doctoral programs. There will be tours of campus that will let students gain a feel for the research and laboratory environments where they would work. There will be time for the attendees to learn about the graduate programs so that they can decide which one might best meet their career goals and interests. There will also be activities to introduce you to the quality of life in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis - St. Paul. Any participants who apply to one of the biomedical sciences graduate programs will have their application fee paid. They will also be invited to participate in the admission interview weekend for the program they apply to.

What is the Cost to Attend?
All visit expenses (including travel, lodging, and on-campus meals) are provided for those who are selected to attend. Slots for talented students to preview the University of Minnesota PhD graduate programs are limited to 15 so be sure to apply early.

Application & Selection Timeframe
The online application will be available in spring 2012 and the application deadline is August 20, 2012. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applicants will be notified by early September if they have been selected to attend the Preview weekend.

]]> What is the Preview Weekend? The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs Preview Weekend is an all expenses paid visit to the University of Minnesota campus for prospective graduate students... http://orbs.umn.edu/BiomedPreview/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/13105/guest@my.umbc.edu/c04a09e329fd00fdda38a07e18ac7b8d/api/pixel biomedical sciences Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/105/0d49ad6dce45e97bf25d1ce3d2b93041/xxlarge.jpg?1332358358 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/105/0d49ad6dce45e97bf25d1ce3d2b93041/xlarge.jpg?1332358358 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/105/0d49ad6dce45e97bf25d1ce3d2b93041/large.jpg?1332358358 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/105/0d49ad6dce45e97bf25d1ce3d2b93041/medium.jpg?1332358358 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/105/0d49ad6dce45e97bf25d1ce3d2b93041/small.jpg?1332358358 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/105/0d49ad6dce45e97bf25d1ce3d2b93041/xsmall.jpg?1332358358 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/105/0d49ad6dce45e97bf25d1ce3d2b93041/xxsmall.jpg?1332358358 6 0 true Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:32:53 -0400 After 5 Session for Returning/Working Learners Feeling overwhelmed? Find out how the Library can help you. Are you a returning or working student? Feeling overwhelmed? Want to learn more about what our library has to offer?

You are invited to this one hour after five session that will cover basic and advanced research tips for successful research. This hands-on workshop will offer an overview of the library’s homepage and show you how to locate electronic/print resources on specific topics.

Please bring your research topics to this session.

► Where: Library, Room 259      
► When: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 5:15 – 6:15 pm

Questions? Contact Simmona E. Simmons simmons@umbc.edu or phone 410 455-3587 ]]> Are you a returning or working student? Feeling overwhelmed? Want to learn more about what our library has to offer? You are invited to this one hour after five session that will cover basic and... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/13017/guest@my.umbc.edu/0bbce25cfb2112fec54efc1e8bab67ed/api/pixel library-workshops Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/library https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/original.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/large.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/medium.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/small.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxsmall.png?1279120404 Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/017/ddbec3bd380a444ace1e4206072a0085/xxlarge.jpg?1331827712 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/017/ddbec3bd380a444ace1e4206072a0085/xlarge.jpg?1331827712 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/017/ddbec3bd380a444ace1e4206072a0085/large.jpg?1331827712 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/017/ddbec3bd380a444ace1e4206072a0085/medium.jpg?1331827712 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/017/ddbec3bd380a444ace1e4206072a0085/small.jpg?1331827712 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/017/ddbec3bd380a444ace1e4206072a0085/xsmall.jpg?1331827712 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/017/ddbec3bd380a444ace1e4206072a0085/xxsmall.jpg?1331827712 2 2 true Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:11:23 -0400 Undergraduate Outreach Day- Meharry Medical College March 20, 2012, Nashville, TN. The newest addition to Meharry’s Research Week, Undergraduate Outreach Day (UGO) is an opportunity for prospective students to network with Meharry graduate students and faculty, and learn not only about our current research focuses, but also about the graduate student experience at Meharry. Undergraduate Outreach Day is a student-led event designed to encourage prospective students, especially underrepresented minorities and women, to pursue careers in health-based research careers. Undergraduate Outreach Day will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2011 in the West Basic Sciences Building on Meharry's campus. 

During UGO, students will have the opportunity to attend workshops about the different programs and career tracks in basic research and health services administration in the public and private sector; experience a graduate level lecture; receive a tour of Meharry; apply to either of Meharry’s programs (if eligible and they have the necessary paperwork); and speak one-on-one with current Meharry students and faculty.
]]> The newest addition to Meharry’s Research Week, Undergraduate Outreach Day (UGO) is an opportunity for prospective students to network with Meharry graduate students and faculty, and learn not... http://ugo2012.eventbrite.com/?ref=enivtefor&utm_source=eb_email&utm_media=email&utm_compaign=invitefor&utm_term=readmore&invite=MTc2Mjg3OS9saW5kYWhsQHVtYmMuZWR1LzA= https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/13003/guest@my.umbc.edu/f5887504ea9db09e70098cee34ac0cd0/api/pixel meharry outreach Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/003/cbb686245ece57c9827c4bc0d0654a8e/xxlarge.jpg?1331817996 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/003/cbb686245ece57c9827c4bc0d0654a8e/xlarge.jpg?1331817996 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/003/cbb686245ece57c9827c4bc0d0654a8e/large.jpg?1331817996 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/003/cbb686245ece57c9827c4bc0d0654a8e/medium.jpg?1331817996 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/003/cbb686245ece57c9827c4bc0d0654a8e/small.jpg?1331817996 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/003/cbb686245ece57c9827c4bc0d0654a8e/xsmall.jpg?1331817996 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/013/003/cbb686245ece57c9827c4bc0d0654a8e/xxsmall.jpg?1331817996 5 0 true Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:27:15 -0400 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:28:52 -0400 Researcher of the Week: Christina Briscoe Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! When and how did you learn that you could do research abroad as a UMBC undergraduate?
After my sophomore year, I went to Peru to take a class in medical Spanish and indigenous medicine in Cusco, Peru. When I returned, I knew I wanted to go back to South America to pursue studies in medical anthropology with the marginalized groups there in order to better understand them. With this goal in mind, I went to Dr. Brian Souders, the director of the UMBC Study Abroad office, to see if UMBC could help me make it a reality. Sure enough, he was aware of a study-abroad program that included a heavy focus in hands-on research in my area of research interest (Brazil: Public Health, Race, and Human Rights) Dr. Souders helped me to apply and enroll. The director of the program in Brazil was even a physician-anthropologist, who helped to orient my research.

How did you decide on your research project and methods?
I went to Brazil with the intention of studying HIV/AIDS and the universal health care system. However, in the first days of the program, the director mentioned quilombos. Before arriving in Brazil, I had never heard the word before. But as she began to describe the origins of the isolated groups of the escaped slaves’ descendants, my interest was automatically piqued. Two weeks later, when the program took us to quilombo communities on the island Ilha de Maré, I fell in love with the people and the place. Moreover, the inequalities and structural violence that I saw there inspired me to use the research as a catalyst to increase the understanding and awareness of others back in the United States of quilombosand the difficulties they continue to face. The topic of my research, adolescent motherhood, was chosen after I read the description of one of the graduate student researchers working on the island, Jovânia de Silva. She was working to construct an ethnographic account of the experiences of pregnant adolescent women. However, I wondered about the characteristics and experiences of adolescent mothers themselves on the island.

Who were they? What did they think about motherhood?
My methodology was chosen after deliberations with the community health worker. She was absolutely fundamental to everything I did there: finding the documents of the island families to have a full count of the adolescent mothers there, earning the trust of the women to do interviews, aiding in the creation of surveys, guiding the life history, and baking the cake for the group meeting of the mothers. Her advice and deep knowledge of the community dynamics guided the methods I used and my ability to carry them out.

Who was your faculty mentor? How did you find him/her? What help did he/she give you?
My first semester of freshman year, I took Dr. Bambi Chapin’s Anthropology 211 course. Often after class, I found myself speaking with her about topics and readings of the class. When I decided to change my major from Biology to Interdisciplinary Studies, I asked her to be one of my two faculty advisers. Throughout my time at UMBC, she was a tremendous source of support and mentorship. Among other things, Dr. Chapin wrote me a countless number of letters of recommendation and mentored me through an independent study my senior year. The independent study familiarized me with the anthropological literature I needed to write about my Capstone and that I will use in my Fulbright research in 2012. I found my faculty mentor in Brazil (Dr. Climene de Camargo) through my study abroad director, who knew her personally and professionally through the Afro-Brazilian movement.

What was the most interesting or exciting thing that happened in your research? What about the most frustrating or disappointing?
I think it’s easiest to begin with the most frustrating. In the beginning of my research, I expected to have many participants in my research. I had estimated 50 to 60 young women (community size was 1200). Everyone had hinted or directly stated to me that there were a large number of adolescent mothers in the community; yet, in my first weeks of research, I had only encountered fifteen. The problem was not their willingness to participate but the apparent lack of women under 20 years old with children. Given the study I had designed with my research mentor, which was primarily epidemiological in nature, I was worried that I would not be able to find the minimum of 30 research subjects necessary to do statistical analysis.
What became most interesting and exciting to me was how the study evolved to fit the reality of the community. Although I had originally constructed the epidemiological methodology in order to avoid communication errors in Portuguese, I quickly found myself having conversations with the young women without difficulty. As the study progressed and I verified through documentation that there were only 19 adolescent women in the community who fit the study criteria, these informal interviews and conversations became the basis of my research. In particular, the group encounter of the young mothers was particularly successful, as it brought out subjects from informal abortions to their views on public transportation.Though the content and nature of the study results differed greatly from what I had originally hoped and expected, the ultimately ethnographic character of the study taught me much more than the simple enumeration of number of children and first menarche.

When did you realize that you could apply for a Fulbright award to continue your research after graduating from UMBC? How did you learn about this?
I learned about the Fulbright award from my faculty mentor, Dr. Bambi Chapin, in an advising encounter. During the time I spoke with her, I was struggling with my life-long dream of becoming a doctor in face of the realities of poverty that I had seen in Guatemala and Peru. She herself had won the award as a graduate student. She suggested that I apply to the program in order to explore some of the themes about poverty and marginalization around which my questions revolved in greater detail.

Was the application difficult? How long did it take you?
The application is not long, but it certainly involved. It requires only two two-page essays: one a personal statement and the other a proposal for research. I began to work on both statements in June 2010 in order to turn in by October. The most grueling part of the process for me was waiting from October until April to hear if I had been accepted!

Did you have help from people at UMBC while you were applying? How did they help you?
UMBC faculty and staff undoubtedly helped me a great deal. For example, in September, I was ready to desist from the process as a result of frustrations in trying to obtain a form from the university in Brazil. Dr. Souders helped me to think of another route to obtaining the necessary documentation and convinced me to “hang in” the process. In addition, a panel of UMBC professors interviewed me and turned my essays upside down. Their critical commentary and suggestions fundamentally changed and refined much of my grant proposal and personal statement.

What does the Fulbright award mean? How does the Fulbright program support your research?
The Fulbright Award is a research grant to conduct an overseas study for nine months to a year. While most of the research is done independently, the Fulbright supports visa, living, traveling, and study expenses in order to enable the student to conduct the project. Most of the academic work is done between the research adviser at the university and the student.
Equally important, Fulbright provides a community of scholars interested in the same region or country with whom it is possible to network and learn. The other Brazil 2012 scholars and I have already connected through Facebook (cliché I know); three of the other scholars are also studying aspects of the African diaspora communities and slavery in Brazil and have recommended some books for me to read!

How is your research going now?
I graduated from UMBC in May 2011. During the summer, I have been taking time to spend time with my friends and family, who I had left a little on the wayside during my travels, volunteer work, and packed academic schedule. They have been infinitely supportive of all of my efforts, and I could not have accomplished anything without them. My research through the Fulbright begins in March 2012.

What will happen next for you?
I am in the process of applying to M.D./Ph.D. programs, with the Ph.D. in anthropology. If accepted, I will begin the program in 2013 after my Fulbright grant ends.

Read more about Christina's research abroad at the link below ]]> When and how did you learn that you could do research abroad as a UMBC undergraduate? After my sophomore year, I went to Peru to take a class in medical Spanish and indigenous medicine in Cusco,... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/christinaBriscoesProfile2.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/12908/guest@my.umbc.edu/6cc398deac9a1951d7d1eab69e45feae/api/pixel of researcher the week Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/908/2134556f9140640adff936306ce87a24/xxlarge.jpg?1331566218 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/908/2134556f9140640adff936306ce87a24/xlarge.jpg?1331566218 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/908/2134556f9140640adff936306ce87a24/large.jpg?1331566218 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/908/2134556f9140640adff936306ce87a24/medium.jpg?1331566218 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/908/2134556f9140640adff936306ce87a24/small.jpg?1331566218 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/908/2134556f9140640adff936306ce87a24/xsmall.jpg?1331566218 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/908/2134556f9140640adff936306ce87a24/xxsmall.jpg?1331566218 24 4 true Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:23:05 -0400 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:53:25 -0400 Fall 2012 Registration Registration for Fall 2012 starts when we return from spring break! The schedule is online now - make an appointment with your INDS advisor to be cleared to register and come prepared.

1. Check your degree audit online. What GEPs do you have remaining?
2. If you have a passed degree proposal, review your course list. If your degree has not been passed, be ready to have a conversation about the classes you want to include in your themed degree plan.
3. Make a list of courses and have back-up options if your first-choice courses are filled before you register!
4. Consider other questions you may have - tutoring, math placement scores, transfer credits, etc. Write these down!
5. Are you planning on taking any summer classes?
6. How are you doing in your spring classes? Estimate your grades and consider how that effects your GPA.

Registration appointment times:
http://www.umbc.edu/registrar/Pages/calendars/miscDates/F12regSchedule.html
]]> Registration for Fall 2012 starts when we return from spring break! The schedule is online now - make an appointment with your INDS advisor to be cleared to register and come prepared. 1. Check... http://my.umbc.edu/go/schedule https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/12637/guest@my.umbc.edu/1c439db4e22e8e5da04d0eb12bb125ed/api/pixel Individualized Study https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/inds https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xsmall.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/original.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xxlarge.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xlarge.png?1749573645 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/large.png?1749573645 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/medium.png?1749573645 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/small.png?1749573645 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xsmall.png?1749573645 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/208/71578eb02269555f8596fc8e5f50261b/xxsmall.png?1749573645 Interdisciplinary Studies 0 0 true Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:16:54 -0400 Summer Research Opportunity in Biophysics University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill The Biophysical Society Summer Course, an 11-week scholarship program hosted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, introduces undergraduate minority students, disadvantaged students and students with disabilities to the field of biophysics.* The program includes lectures, seminars, lab work, team-building activities and field trips. Upon successful completion of the Course, students receive three course credits toward an undergraduate degree. The Course is designed to reflect a graduate-level research program. Students who are US citizens or permanent residents and who have a strong quantitative background in basic or applied sciences are encouraged to apply.


]]> The Biophysical Society Summer Course, an 11-week scholarship program hosted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, introduces undergraduate minority students, disadvantaged students... http://www.biophysics.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/SummerCourseinBiophysics/tabid/898/Default.aspx https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/12833/guest@my.umbc.edu/3567eae72851a8487e3189e54001e255/api/pixel carolina chapel hill north research summer Undergraduate Research https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/undergradresearch https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/original.jpg?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xlarge.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/large.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/medium.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/small.png?1600355057 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xsmall.png?1600355057 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/006/875606ced2b629148af4caa1a4e8dd3c/xxsmall.png?1600355057 Undergraduate Research https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/833/89da20a8a13c626a8d548921efab2754/xxlarge.jpg?1331232916 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/833/89da20a8a13c626a8d548921efab2754/xlarge.jpg?1331232916 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/833/89da20a8a13c626a8d548921efab2754/large.jpg?1331232916 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/833/89da20a8a13c626a8d548921efab2754/medium.jpg?1331232916 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/833/89da20a8a13c626a8d548921efab2754/small.jpg?1331232916 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/833/89da20a8a13c626a8d548921efab2754/xsmall.jpg?1331232916 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/833/89da20a8a13c626a8d548921efab2754/xxsmall.jpg?1331232916 2 0 true Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:55:46 -0500 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:56:55 -0500 eHRAF Archaeology - Trial Database trial ends March 31, 2012 UMBC now has access to the eHRAF Archaeology database through the end of March.

eHRAF Archaeology is an online cross-cultural database containing descriptive information on archaeological traditions of the world and is modeled after eHRAF World Cultures.

eHRAF is unique because each archaeological tradition contains a variety of full-text source documents (books, articles, and dissertations) that have been indexed and organized according to HRAF's comprehensive tradition and subject classification systems: the Outline of Archaeological Traditions (OAT), and the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM). These retrieval systems extend search capability well beyond keyword searching thus allowing for precise tradition and subject retrieval, even in a foreign language.

eHRAF Archaeology provides researchers and students access to archaeological materials for comparative studies within and across regions.

The trial runs through March 31, 2012. Feedback on the usefulness of this database is appreciated. Leave us a comment to let us know what you think.
]]> UMBC now has access to the eHRAF Archaeology database through the end of March. eHRAF Archaeology is an online cross-cultural database containing descriptive information on archaeological... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/12701/guest@my.umbc.edu/18311bf7e5097f8b35e1e9e2822b4ad8/api/pixel database-trials Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/library https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/original.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/large.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/medium.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/small.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxsmall.png?1279120404 Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/701/5b685c54b72bac34e7b56feb9f7be2c5/xxlarge.jpg?1330971741 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/701/5b685c54b72bac34e7b56feb9f7be2c5/xlarge.jpg?1330971741 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/701/5b685c54b72bac34e7b56feb9f7be2c5/large.jpg?1330971741 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/701/5b685c54b72bac34e7b56feb9f7be2c5/medium.jpg?1330971741 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/701/5b685c54b72bac34e7b56feb9f7be2c5/small.jpg?1330971741 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/701/5b685c54b72bac34e7b56feb9f7be2c5/xsmall.jpg?1330971741 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/701/5b685c54b72bac34e7b56feb9f7be2c5/xxsmall.jpg?1330971741 0 0 true Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:24:23 -0500 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:57:32 -0400 eHRAF World Cultures - Trial Database trial ends March 31, 2012 UMBC now has access to the eHRAF World Cultures database for the month of March.

The eHRAF World Cultures is an online cross-cultural database containing descriptive information on cultures and ethnic groups from around the world. eHRAF is unique because each culture contains a variety of full-text source documents (books, articles, and dissertations) that have been indexed and organized according to HRAF's comprehensive culture and subject classification systems: the Outline of World Cultures (OWC), and the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM).

As a multicultural database, eHRAF appeals to many academic disciplines in the social sciences, humanities, medicine, and any other area with an interest in cultural diversity.

The trial runs through March 31, 2012. Feedback on the usefulness of this database is appreciated. Leave us a comment to let us know what you think.
]]> UMBC now has access to the eHRAF World Cultures database for the month of March. The eHRAF World Cultures is an online cross-cultural database containing descriptive information on cultures and... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/12700/guest@my.umbc.edu/cd52a1c4d3f6196650dd0ca0e2175989/api/pixel database-trials Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/library https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/original.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xlarge.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/large.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/medium.png?1279120404 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/small.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xsmall.png?1279120404 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/016/854d6fae5ee42911677c739ee1734486/xxsmall.png?1279120404 Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/700/ebcc54f79222a80f49b949532df637c4/xxlarge.jpg?1330970992 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/700/ebcc54f79222a80f49b949532df637c4/xlarge.jpg?1330970992 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/700/ebcc54f79222a80f49b949532df637c4/large.jpg?1330970992 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/700/ebcc54f79222a80f49b949532df637c4/medium.jpg?1330970992 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/700/ebcc54f79222a80f49b949532df637c4/small.jpg?1330970992 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/700/ebcc54f79222a80f49b949532df637c4/xsmall.jpg?1330970992 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/012/700/ebcc54f79222a80f49b949532df637c4/xxsmall.jpg?1330970992 0 0 true Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:16:01 -0500 Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:57:54 -0400