• James Thomas|  Associate Teaching Professor of Philosophy 
• Dr. Jose Arenas Gomez| Assistant Teaching Professor of INDS 

B.A.: Video Game Narrative Design

Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records

• Biological Science (B.A.)
• Minor in Psychology
• Certificate in Spanish 

Degree Mentors 

• Dr. Fernando Jaime Vonhoff, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, UMBC 
• Dr. Thania Muñoz Davaslioglu, Director of the M.A. Program in Intercultural Communication
• Eric Brown, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because it allowed me to design a degree that truly reflects both my academic and career goals. Before coming to UMBC, I knew I wanted to study Neuroscience, but at the time it wasn't offered as an official major. While planning my courses, I realized that a traditional Biological Sciences B.S. with a Psychology minor wouldn't provide the depth in neuroscience that I was looking for. Around that same time, I attended UMBC's Involvement Fest, where I learned about the INDS program from the Neuroscience Club president and then through an information session with Ms. Carrie Sauter. Through those conversations, I discovered that INDS would give me the flexibility to integrate my passion for Neuroscience with my interest in Spanish intercultural communication—something no single major could offer. This path allows me to prepare for my long-term goal of becoming a bilingual neurosurgeon that addresses the need for culturally competent healthcare.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, my plan is to pursue a Master's in Medical Science to strengthen my academic foundation and prepare for the rigor of medical school. From there, I intend to matriculate into medical school and ultimately pursue a career in neurosurgery. My INDS degree—integrating Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, and Spanish—has prepared me to approach medicine from both a scientific and cultural perspective. By combining research training in neuroscience with intercultural communication skills, I will be able to contribute to advancing neurological research while also breaking down language barriers in healthcare to provide more equitable and compassionate care.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

Clubs/Organizations:

• Social Media & Events Coordinator| Pre-Veterinary Society
• Event Planner| Retriever Essentials Student Leadership Board

Volunteer: 

• Retriever Essentials Free Grocery Store
• Hearts 4 the Homeless
• Neuroscience Club
• American Red Cross
• Pre-Medical Society
• Pre-Law Society
• Caribbean Student Union
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science  (SACNAS)
• Students of Applied Behavior Analysis Society  (SABAS)
• Biology Council of Majors
• Black Student Union 

• Undergraduate Research Assistant| FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health: Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories
• Undergraduate Researcher| The Vonhoff Lab
  
  

For More information on Kayla's INDS journey please click here

Degree Mentors 

• M Valle Pease | Pre-Licensed Clinician; PhD Candidate in Counseling Psychology, UMD; MS Counseling Psychology, UMD; Director of Research and Assessment at Trans Maryland; American Psychological Association’s Advocacy Coordinating Committee; 2025 Vice Chair of the Mary- land Commission for LGBTQIA+ Affairs
• Jose Arenas Gómez | Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study at UMBC
• Steven McAlpine | Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

INDS offered the opportunity for me to curate and claim my education, blending my passions for creativity, social change, and entrepreneurship. Now, as a creative director, artist, and leader, INDS represented a stable platform to prepare me for a career in creative entrepreneurship, aligning my education with cultivating community. 

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

My vision, informed by my INDS journey, is to design and contribute towards systems of care that empower emerging voices while reimagining how arts infrastructure can serve the cultivation of communities. Following graduation, I'm looking to continue working on my non-profit organization that aims to facilitate and advocate for participatory action through creativity and the arts. 

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

• Founder & Presenter, Retriever's Gallery

• Academic Peer Advocate, ASC
• Researcher, Undergraduate Research & Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) 
• Qualitative Researcher, Pedagogy Study Hall, led by Tomashi Jackson & Nia Evans, "Trans People in Maryland and Social Connection," led by M Valle Pease, and my own capstone "Thinking Thru the Lens: Investigating Community With Artistic Practice."
• Vice President, UMBC Photographer Org. 
• Workshop Leader, College Choice Night, Choice Program at UMBC
• Ambassador, UMBC Education Abroad Ambassador 

• Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation-Awardee November 2024
• Idea and Innovation Competition — Awardee, November 2024
• College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Dean's Scholarship— January 2025
• UMBC Affinity Award: Asian Excellence Graduate— May 2025

• Prove It! Grant Competition — Finalist, May 2025
• UMBC Arts+ Grant — Awardee, June 2025
• Zainab Damji Memorial Scholarship Endowment— September 2025
• La Noue Memorial Award for Research and Travel— October 2025

Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records

• PRAC-098 Research Experience
• Dean’s List
• President's List

Degree Mentors 

• Dr. Fernando Jaime Vonhoff, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, UMBC 
• Dr. Tara LeGates, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, UMBC
• Eric Brown, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I transferred to UMBC as a public health major after previously studying neuroscience, a field I was passionate about, at my former college. I initially chose public health under the assumption that UMBC did not offer neuroscience as a major. However, during my initial advising appointment, I discovered that neuroscience could be pursued through the Interdisciplinary Studies (INDS) program, which broadened my academic options and allowed me to consider returning to my preferred field of study. 

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, I'm excited to take the next step by attending Physician Assistant school. My INDS degree in neuroscience has been incredibly valuable, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the brain and nervous system, along with a strong foundation in research and critical thinking. I'm looking forward to applying these skills in a healthcare setting, where I can make a positive impact on patients' lives. The interdisciplinary approach of my degree has not only prepared me well for PA school but also given me a unique perspective on how different fields intersect in healthcare. I'm eager to continue learning and growing in this field, and I'm confident that my background will serve me well as I work towards becoming a compassionate and effective healthcare provider.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

• Vonhoff Lab
• Neuroscience Club
• American Red Cross
• Intern, Centennial Medical Group

For More information on Melissa's INDS journey please click here:

Any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records

• Minor in Sociology 
• Minor in Biological Sciences

Degree Mentors 

• Aubrey Jackson-Soller, Associate Professor, UMBC Department of Sociology Anthropology and Public Health
• Kelly Talebian, U.S. Government
• Steven McAlpine, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I entered UMBC as an undecided major, participating in the STEM Living Learning Community. I was interested in both forensic science and biology, and decided to major in Biological Sciences, along with minoring in Sociology. However, I always had a more dedicated interest in forensic science than biology, and after realizing that I did not enjoy UMBC’s biology track as much as I desired, I decided to look into INDS. I have found that INDS allowed me to utilize my established background in Biology, and enthusiasm for Forensic Science to create a customized forensics major that has a biological focus, aka Bio-Forensic Science.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I was offered a job with the federal government in December of 2024, so after graduation I am planning to work as a forensic scientist or generally in the STEM field with the government. Different from other Forensic Science degrees offered at various universities, my Bio-Forensic Science degree strongly incorporates specific Biology, Sociology and Political Science courses. I believe that the courses that I selected to make my degree (ex. human genetics, international relations, ethics in scientific research, etc.) will all prepare me to be a well-rounded, ethical scientist that works on analyzing evidence from cases across the U.S. or around the world.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

I am graduating as the President of Curl P.W.R., the natural hair care club on campus that teaches African, African-American, and any other students with curly and coily hair textures how to maintain, care for, and style their hair. I've previously served as the Vice President, Treasurer, and Co-Treasurer of the club. Additionally, from sophomore to senior year I worked as a Peer Leader for the STEM Living Learning Community, where I supported 2-4 students per year, helping them adjust to college life and learn organizational and time-management skills. Finally, I worked as a science and technology intern for the federal government for two consecutive summers, which is what solidified my interest in working in the bioforensics field on a more expansive scale than just one police station.

For More information on Sara's INDS journey please click here:

Degree Mentors

• Steven McAlpine, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 
• Carrie Sauter, Assistant Director, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because I knew I wanted to got to physical therapy school after graduation and become a doctor. However, UMBC does not offer degrees in exercise science or kinesiology so the best routes for me to take were to major in biological sciences or psychology. I tried both and neither seemed to fit well. INDS was the perfect way for me to take the classes I enjoy, with intent to get as much out of it as I could to prepare me best for the next steps in my education and future career.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I am attending the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Emory University. I believe my INDS degree helped me stand out against other candidates during applications and interviews.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

• Intern, Rehab2Perform in Columbia, MD
• UMBC's Pre-Physical Therapy Society
• UMBC Softball: Appeared in eight games, starting five behind the plate, Had an RBI walk at Maine on 4/20, Recorded 30 putouts and three assists with a near perfect fielding percentage

Abby has been Accepted into Emory University Doctor of Physical Therapy program! Congrats Abby!

For more information on Abby's INDS journey please click here: