Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
After my first semester at UMBC, I didn't feel like my major at the time was allowing me to pursue my goal. So after conversations with advisors I was referred to INDS. At first I was skeptical about the idea of making a new major and how it can translate to the work after graduation. Ultimately, I decided on INDS because it allowed for a platform to expand and build on your path. I felt like I am deciding how my life is going to unfold rather than going to set paths that lead to a certain destination.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
My plans after graduation is to attend Graduate school in either Orthopedic and Prosthetics engineering or in Certified Prosthetics and Orthotics. As I am writing this I am yet to hear from some places I have applied to and also finishing up some applications so hoping for good news. The vision I have for applying my INDS degree is allowing an out of the box mindset on how to develop prosthetics. Engineers tend to get very technical and very limited thinking based on what is possible technologically and Prosthetist rely only on their training of fabrication only based on the materials provided and the patient. I would like to use my Degree to introduce new ways of thinking when it comes to making prosthetics.
EXTRACURRICULAR
For more information on Mohammed's INDS journey please click here:
]]>Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I graduated high school knowing that I wanted to combine my interests in architecture and meteorology, as well as my academic skills in engineering-related sciences, to major in something similar to architectural engineering. I had no plans on moving out of state, so when I came for freshman orientation at UMBC, I met with Dr. Kenneth Baron to discuss my aspirations, and he advised me to major in INDS to craft my own degree that would incorporate all of these disciplines as none of the existing majors encapsulated my interests fully. It was so interesting to hear that was possible, and I am fortunate to this day to have had that opportunity at UMBC.
Since that day, the INDS department has supported me and helped guide me to refine my degree to include not only architecture, meteorology, and engineering, but also the crucial component of social science, which helps address how to meet communities’ needs when making structures, and the community itself, more resilient. I strongly feel my current comprehensive understanding of the field was only possible because I was able to take an interdisciplinary path through different departments’ courses. The overall experience contributed to my confidence and passion in this field, so I am always excited to talk to others about both my degree and the INDS program overall.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
I originally sought to immediately obtain a Master of Architecture in graduate school, but am now instead planning on working at a location that will assist in paying for graduate school as I want to utilize that degree to assist with licensure and other future career opportunities. In the long term, I aspire to work for either a state or federal agency, such as FEMA, and provide a perspective that better incorporates communities’ needs when preparing them for natural disasters, and especially assisting after disasters, by making the structures and community more resilient.
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For more information on Yeva-Kristina's INDS journey please click here:
Indicate any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation records
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I chose to major in INDS because I knew that it would give me the opportunity to learn and study all of my interests while preparing for a degree based on physical therapy. It allowed me to take courses based on children ( as a pediatric physical therapist), fulfill my prerequisite courses for DPT school, and to take some business courses in case I ever want to switch to the business side of physical therapy or run my own practice someday.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
After graduation, I will be attending a Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Marymount University in the fall. I see myself using this degree to remember that physical therapy isn't just about physical needs but mental, social and spiritual needs as well. I plan to utilize this mindset with my patients as a DPT and even during my clinicals (in the DPT program) as I prepare to become a DPT.
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For more information on Mia's INDS journey please click here:
Indicate any other major, minor, certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation record:
B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Degree Mentors
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I first heard about INDS during an information session at a campus visit when I was initially touring UMBC. One of the example topics the tour guide mentioned was Neuroscience, and at the time I was very interested in pursuing a Neuroscience degree.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
I hope to be pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology after graduation. My INDS degree is focused on the area of research I am interested in pursuing in my future career, and has been a way for me to pursue coursework that will prepare me for my graduate degree. My work for my degree and my capstone project have also been a good talking point in interviews that have helped me stand apart from my peers during the application process.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Meyerhoff Scholars Program (M32), USM Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Chemistry and Biochemistry Council of Majors (PR Officer, Vice President), Neuroscience Club (Founding Member, Vice President), Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority (Member, Sisterhood Chair, Senior Programming Chair, Vice President of Operations, Director of Finance), STEM Living Learning Community (Peer Mentor (3 years)), Chemistry Department Learning Assistant (6 semesters), Academic Success Center Tutor (2 semesters), Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Vonhoff Lab (Department of Biological Sciences) (URCAD 2022, 2023, 2024 presentations, URAs in 2022-2023, 2023-2024), Summer 2023 NSF BRAVe Internship (San Antonio, TX).
For more information on Francesca's INDS journey please click here:
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