Design and build Assistive Technology with Dr. Amy Hurst Undergrad and grad students in IS, CS, EE, ME, and Design Assistive technology is expensive, hard to get, and often doesn’t meet user needs. This project explores how we can empower people to build, customize, and modify their own assistive technology.

Students working on this project will design, build and/or evaluate new Assistive Technologies. Depending on student interest, they may write software, build hardware, or use other prototyping methods. Interested students may learn User-Centered Design methods by working with people who rely on Assistive Technology to identify problems and design appropriate solutions.

Undergraduate students can do this research for credit as IS400 or 469; Masters students can register for IS/HCC 700; and PhD students can register for IS/HCC 801.

Skills: No required skills, but experience or interest in Arduino, 3D modeling, User-Centered Design and  crafting a plus. Depending on the project, students will have access to 3D printers, Laser Cutters, and other rapid prototyping tools.

Deliverables: Students will be required to post their progress on this project to a blog, write a 4-page paper at the end of the semester, and make all of their designs open-source.

Time Commitment:  Students interested in working on this project should be willing to commit 10 hours a week. Work time will be flexible, but the student will be expected to attend group meetings and meet with the advisor once a week.

Expected Duration:  This project will take place during the Fall 2011 semester, and may continue into the Spring semester. IF interested, contact Dr. Hurst at once: amyhurst@umbc.edu ]]> Assistive technology is expensive, hard to get, and often doesn’t meet user needs. This project explores how we can empower people to build, customize, and modify their own assistive technology.... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/8083/guest@my.umbc.edu/62afd3fa39e91af3b91c51a2d4a8f02b/api/pixel assitive is research technology 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://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/083/8beca3817318ec14b010b1e4a39b4380/xxlarge.jpg?1314367928 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/083/8beca3817318ec14b010b1e4a39b4380/xlarge.jpg?1314367928 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/083/8beca3817318ec14b010b1e4a39b4380/large.jpg?1314367928 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/083/8beca3817318ec14b010b1e4a39b4380/medium.jpg?1314367928 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/083/8beca3817318ec14b010b1e4a39b4380/small.jpg?1314367928 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/083/8beca3817318ec14b010b1e4a39b4380/xsmall.jpg?1314367928 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/083/8beca3817318ec14b010b1e4a39b4380/xxsmall.jpg?1314367928 15 0 true Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:20:12 -0400 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:48:46 -0400 Bio Students preparing for grad school Deadline Sept. 1 to apply for this UW-Madison visit weekend The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be hosting their second Biosciences Opportunities Preview (BOPs) Weekend on October 20-23, 2011. This is a great opportunity for prospective students to have an all expenses-paid visit to learn about opportunities in biological science graduate programs at UW-Madison. For more information please see the attached flyer and announcement, or visit the program website at: http://www.biopreview.wisc.edu/ ]]> The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be hosting their second Biosciences Opportunities Preview (BOPs) Weekend on October 20-23, 2011. This is a great opportunity for prospective students to... http://www.biopreview.wisc.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/8073/guest@my.umbc.edu/392addc64490d31a6ecc4a1569b83a00/api/pixel biology 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 0 0 true Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:51:09 -0400 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:28:32 -0400 Undergraduate Research Workshop Interested in Research, but don’t know how to get started? Opportunities for Student in all majors!
Wed. Sept. 7 12:00-12:50p.m.
Administration Building
Room 911 ]]> Opportunities for Student in all majors! Wed. Sept. 7 12:00-12:50p.m. Administration Building Room 911 http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/8042/guest@my.umbc.edu/73bbfa214081bb45f8192d48a7fce1b1/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://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/042/6f46dd176364ccec308c2760189a4605/xxlarge.jpg?1314193896 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/042/6f46dd176364ccec308c2760189a4605/xlarge.jpg?1314193896 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/042/6f46dd176364ccec308c2760189a4605/large.jpg?1314193896 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/042/6f46dd176364ccec308c2760189a4605/medium.jpg?1314193896 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/042/6f46dd176364ccec308c2760189a4605/small.jpg?1314193896 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/042/6f46dd176364ccec308c2760189a4605/xsmall.jpg?1314193896 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/042/6f46dd176364ccec308c2760189a4605/xxsmall.jpg?1314193896 20 0 true Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:52:27 -0400 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:53:47 -0400 Researcher of the Week: Brandon Young Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! When and how did you find out that you could do independent research work as a UMBC undergraduate?
Well, coming to UMBC I knew that there were plenty of undergraduate research opportunities for interested students. All it was going to take was sifting through the opportunities and pursuing the ones that were extremely enticing. I began looking for research laboratories in my freshman year and eventually I found the perfect fit.

How did you find a mentor and decide on a project? How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
My principal investigator Dr. Janice Zengel has been one of my most influential mentors here at UMBC and it is thanks to her that my ambition was able to turn into actual research. When I first joined Dr. Zengel’s laboratory she helped me to develop my own project that I would be able to work on during my undergraduate research career. I currently work on this project independently with the guidance of Dr. Zengel.

What academic background did you have before you started on this research?
I started working in this laboratory the second semester of my freshman year so my class background was just really some introductory science classes. However, I believe my excitement and ambition towards science really helped me to solidify my spot in this research laboratory.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
I believe that anything can be achieved through hard work and if you truly feel that getting involved in research is something that you want to do then you should pursue the opportunities that are offered. It is never too early to position yourself for an even better future.

What are your career goals?
I eventually plan on receiving my MD/PhD and I am particularly interested in the fields of cardiology and oncology.

Read more about Brandon's research, "The Functional Analyses of a Mutated Tentacle within the L4 Protein" at the link below.
]]> When and how did you find out that you could do independent research work as a UMBC undergraduate? Well, coming to UMBC I knew that there were plenty of undergraduate research opportunities for... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/BrandonYoungProfile.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/8008/guest@my.umbc.edu/c4000f4c700bff46235aba3dc481df11/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://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/008/c291b01517f3e6797c774c306591cc32/xxlarge.jpg?1314029141 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/008/c291b01517f3e6797c774c306591cc32/xlarge.jpg?1314029141 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/008/c291b01517f3e6797c774c306591cc32/large.jpg?1314029141 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/008/c291b01517f3e6797c774c306591cc32/medium.jpg?1314029141 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/008/c291b01517f3e6797c774c306591cc32/small.jpg?1314029141 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/008/c291b01517f3e6797c774c306591cc32/xsmall.jpg?1314029141 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/008/008/c291b01517f3e6797c774c306591cc32/xxsmall.jpg?1314029141 37 8 true Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:07:09 -0400 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:08:17 -0400 Researcher of the week: Jacob Keener Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! When and how did you find out that you could do independent research or creative work as a UMBC undergraduate?
I was told by my academic advisor, Dr. Hody (who is also my research advisor) about POLI 409, which is a class that prepares students to do research. My professor in that class, Dr. Forestiere, encouraged me to apply for the URA.

How did you find a mentor and decide on a project? How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
I knew that I wanted to do a project in political science since that is what I've been studying the longest. Additionally, since I was already in POLI 409 planning to do a Poli Sci honors project, it made sense to do stay in this field. I decided on democratic peace theory as my topic because, as part of International Relations, it has interested me since my very first semester at UMBC. I have taken two International Relations courses with Dr. Hody and I also know her from advising, so she seemed a natural choice for advisor.

What academic background did you have before you started on this research?
I have been a political science for all three years that I have been at UMBC so far, and I have taken numerous classes on the subject both within the department and through the Honors College, where I am also a student. I have taken two classes specifically on International Relations, though the subject has come up in other classes as well.

How did you learn about applying for the Undergraduate Research Award? Was the application hard? Did your mentor help you?
I learned about the URA through Dr. Forestiere in the Political Science Department. I was taking POLI 409 with the idea of doing an honors research project within the department, and Dr. Forestiere encouraged me to apply for the URA. The application was difficult, particularly in that it was unlike any other application I had filled out before, but I received help from both Dr. Forestiere and my mentor on the project, Dr. Hody.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Start early and keep your plans in mind at least a semester in advance of starting the actual process. Find a good advisor early and meet regularly to discuss your project and your plans for how to complete it. Having a strong start and support from a mentor will enable you to have a sense of what you need to do. Then follow through! In that vein, it is a good idea to have a comprehensive schedule early on.

What are your career goals?
I am not sure what I want to do beyond college and (eventually) graduate school, but I am interested in the possibility of working in a library or museum, and studying either library sciences or museum studies in graduate school.

For more information on Jacob's research:
"Rethinking the Liberal Democratic Peace Hypothesis" see his link below.
]]> When and how did you find out that you could do independent research or creative work as a UMBC undergraduate? I was told by my academic advisor, Dr. Hody (who is also my research advisor) about... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/jacobKeenerProfile.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/7937/guest@my.umbc.edu/ad91740b567e8ac46c974006775d33c1/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://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/937/b43500a3d5362c75c3b893ca2d8a3c0f/xxlarge.jpg?1313431531 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/937/b43500a3d5362c75c3b893ca2d8a3c0f/xlarge.jpg?1313431531 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/937/b43500a3d5362c75c3b893ca2d8a3c0f/large.jpg?1313431531 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/937/b43500a3d5362c75c3b893ca2d8a3c0f/medium.jpg?1313431531 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/937/b43500a3d5362c75c3b893ca2d8a3c0f/small.jpg?1313431531 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/937/b43500a3d5362c75c3b893ca2d8a3c0f/xsmall.jpg?1313431531 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/937/b43500a3d5362c75c3b893ca2d8a3c0f/xxsmall.jpg?1313431531 13 13 true Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:08:06 -0400 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:10:12 -0400 Sign up for spring break trip to Italy March 16 to 24, 2012

Visit some of the most spectacular Greek and Roman sites in the world! 

Drive along the Amalfi coast and travel in comfort in your own cabin on a boat from Italy to Sicily. 

The trip leaders are Richard Mason and Robert Rivkin.

This study/travel tour can be taken for winter session credit (ANCS 301).

Sign up now (by e-mailing abigail3@umbc.edu) to reserve your place on the list and receive final details as soon as they are ready.


]]> Visit some of the most spectacular Greek and Roman sites in the world!  The Greek temples of Paestum and Agrigento.   The Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum The famous theater at... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/7847/guest@my.umbc.edu/bb06e8b7c4ec4b6a662547ea54093601/api/pixel abroad study 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://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/847/fb9d433088a21464e7d634c4e190b31a/xxlarge.jpg?1312665150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/847/fb9d433088a21464e7d634c4e190b31a/xlarge.jpg?1312665150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/847/fb9d433088a21464e7d634c4e190b31a/large.jpg?1312665150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/847/fb9d433088a21464e7d634c4e190b31a/medium.jpg?1312665150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/847/fb9d433088a21464e7d634c4e190b31a/small.jpg?1312665150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/847/fb9d433088a21464e7d634c4e190b31a/xsmall.jpg?1312665150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/847/fb9d433088a21464e7d634c4e190b31a/xxsmall.jpg?1312665150 36 18 true Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:14:14 -0400 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:11:58 -0400 Researcher of the Week: Ugonna Ohiri Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! What is your background in research?
After my two successful research experiences combined with the research I am doing this summer, I was very confident of my capabilities to do research on-campus. I was able to complete both solo and group research projects as each summer presented a newer opportunity.

How did you find a mentor and decide on a project? How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
My roommate is currently a returning URA Scholar and fellow Meyerhoff Scholar. He linked me up with his mentor to pursue a project that was in my realm of research interests. After meeting with him about the potential project, I was even more excited for his vision, direction, and contributions into real-world applications.

What academic background did you have before you started on this research?
This past semester, I successfully completed three Computer Engineering courses for my major. I plan to use the knowledge I gained from these courses to help develop my research. In addition, I plan to use the concepts learned from my courses this semester.

Was the application hard? Did your mentor help you?
As a whole, I found the URA application to be moderately easy. I was able to get assistance from my mentor to help formulate the abstract and some of the additional details of the project.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Have patience! In the process, there are times where it can and will become frustrating. Sometimes getting some fresh air or even setting mini leisure-time can help clear one's thoughts and open up the mind more.

What are your career goals?
Post-undergraduate education, I would like to obtain my PhD in Electrical Engineering. I plan to either teach in academia and/or continue to do research. I will take each day one step at a time.

About my research:
In this research we propose an innovative method for standoff chemical detection, using the techniques of photo-acoustic sensing and high sensitivity microphone arrays for acoustic beam-forming and noise rejection. Acoustic beam-forming is a technique used to detect signals along the formed beam while rejecting and filtering surrounding noise outside the regions covered by the beam. Similar to phase array antenna characteristics, we can form receiving beams using a 2D microphone array. The more microphone elements in the array, the narrower the receiving beam becomes (higher directivity). Our plan will be to use an array of four microphones and collect their signals simultaneously using a multi-channel A-to-D unit. The collected signals will be processed in real time with a delay time constant training section and will also achieve ambient noise cancellation and signal enhancement.

]]> What is your background in research? After my two successful research experiences combined with the research I am doing this summer, I was very confident of my capabilities to do research... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/UgonnaOhiriProfile.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/7785/guest@my.umbc.edu/588fad13eab0688a204c5d0a55f31001/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://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/785/47cefde4d32b696264277d017d91875c/xxlarge.jpg?1312210937 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/785/47cefde4d32b696264277d017d91875c/xlarge.jpg?1312210937 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/785/47cefde4d32b696264277d017d91875c/large.jpg?1312210937 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/785/47cefde4d32b696264277d017d91875c/medium.jpg?1312210937 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/785/47cefde4d32b696264277d017d91875c/small.jpg?1312210937 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/785/47cefde4d32b696264277d017d91875c/xsmall.jpg?1312210937 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/785/47cefde4d32b696264277d017d91875c/xxsmall.jpg?1312210937 38 9 true Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:06:25 -0400 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:21:21 -0400 Is Grad School in your Future? Free visit weekend at Vanderbilt The Vanderbilt University Graduate School’s Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (VU-EDGE) Program will host a Ph.D. Pre-VU Recruitment event from Thursday, November 3, 2011 through Saturday, November 5, 2011 to provide an opportunity to visit our university, interact with our graduate community and learn more about our university.  The VU- EDGE Program will reimburse travel and provide both lodging and food for all students selected to participate.

Selected students will arrive in Nashville on Wednesday, November 2, 2011.  The event will open with a tour of Vanderbilt and Nashville on Thursday morning to welcome students. In the afternoon, students will participate in a series of workshops that address the graduate school application process and the events of the next day.  Afterwards, students will dine with members of the Vanderbilt community at a local restaurant.

On Friday, participating Graduate School Ph.D. programs will hold departmental/program Open Houses for students who have expressed an interest in their Ph.D. programs and/or faculty research projects.  That evening, students will be joined by Graduate School students for dinner and provided an opportunity to enjoy a bit of the Nashville social scene with our graduate students.  On Saturday, all students will attend additional workshops designed to provide them with additional insights and strategies for success in graduate studies. The event will conclude with lunch on Saturday afternoon.

Juniors and seniors who are from a diverse background,  are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in a discipline offered at Vanderbilt are eligible to participate in this event.  STEM majors are especially encouraged to apply.  Students must have earned a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their major.   The application deadline for the Vanderbilt recruitment event is MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011 at 6 AM central time.    ]]> The Vanderbilt University Graduate School’s Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (VU-EDGE) Program will host a Ph.D. Pre-VU Recruitment event from Thursday, November 3, 2011 through Saturday,... http://www.vanderbilt.edu/edge/visit.php https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/7735/guest@my.umbc.edu/de819b9041977a578d99e95108141f19/api/pixel graduate school 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 16 3 true Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:03:13 -0400 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:02:58 -0400 Researcher of the Week: Dalton Hughes Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! How did you find a mentor and decide on a project? How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?
Around the time I was entering UMBC as a freshman, I was deeply interested in the field of regenerative medicine. I came across Dr. Leach’s research on the Chemical Engineering Department website and immediately started reading publications and reviews. I found every single research topic interesting and after meeting with Dr. Leach, we found the perfect project.

What academic background did you have before you started on this research?
My experience in several summer research internships as well as knowledge from my science courses definitely helped in understanding my research project.

What has been the hardest part about your research?
As with all research experiences, it is easy to get caught up in all the experiments and freak out when you hit a roadblock. However, this is easily managed by taking two seconds to realize that everyone goes through some sort of frustration in research.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
Research is exciting. No matter what your interests or major may be, there is always a question that needs an answer. If a student has the opportunity to conduct research, they should give it a shot.

What are your career goals?
I plan to pursue a PhD in biomedical engineering and conduct research in either an industrial or academic setting.

Neurons grow and develop in the three-dimensional (3D) environment of the developing embryo. Previous work from our group has demonstrated that culturing embryonic neurons in 3D matrices allows the cells to respond in a way that more closely resembles natural development than traditional 2D culture. Cells interact with their extracellular matrix and sense the dimensionality of their surroundings via integrin receptors on the cell surface that bind to matrix molecules, initiate intracellular signaling cascades and affect changes in cell shape and function. My work focuses on elucidating the signaling events that regulate these changes in cell response. We hypothesize that 3D environments impose changes in matrix-ligand organization and alter neuronal behavior by modulating β1-integrin cytoskeleton signaling. To test this hypothesis we culture PC12 cells, a neuronal cell model, on 2D and within 3D collagen substrates and probe the signaling response by inhibiting several key signaling molecules involved in regulating neuron morphology: β1-integrin, Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), and an activated form of FAK that is phosphorylated at tyrosine 397. Immunocytochemistry techniques and fluorescent microscopy will be used to analyze the effect of inhibiting these signalingN molecules on neuronal behavior. The results of this experiment will identify the key signaling mechanisms in 3D neuronal culture and provide a biological basis for testing new biomaterial-based therapeutics. ]]> How did you find a mentor and decide on a project? How did you know this was the project you wanted to do? Around the time I was entering UMBC as a freshman, I was deeply interested in the field... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/daltonHughesProfile.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/7671/guest@my.umbc.edu/479a7f767b125d3152e1cb54fecc0421/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://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/671/02d35f682ff59f1acc13065dec46fe25/xxlarge.jpg?1311602526 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/671/02d35f682ff59f1acc13065dec46fe25/xlarge.jpg?1311602526 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/671/02d35f682ff59f1acc13065dec46fe25/large.jpg?1311602526 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/671/02d35f682ff59f1acc13065dec46fe25/medium.jpg?1311602526 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/671/02d35f682ff59f1acc13065dec46fe25/small.jpg?1311602526 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/671/02d35f682ff59f1acc13065dec46fe25/xsmall.jpg?1311602526 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/671/02d35f682ff59f1acc13065dec46fe25/xxsmall.jpg?1311602526 32 6 true Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:04:24 -0400 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:39:27 -0400 Researcher of the Week: Aleeza Abbasi Undergraduate researchers explore their interests! The central dogma of molecular biology states that DNA is “transcribed” into RNA, which is then “translated” into protein. Proteins are made by linking together a series of units called amino acids; errors can occur when the information in the RNA is misinterpreted leading to the incorporation of the wrong amino acid. This phenomenon, termed “misreading” is our laboratory’s main interest. A small RNA called a transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for decoding the RNA. Our laboratory has developed an enzyme-based reporter system to measure misreading rates. The lacZ gene encoding the enzyme beta-galactosidase was mutated to produce an enzyme lacking significant activity. Misreading of the mutant gene can restore activity. The rate of misreading is equal to the ratio of the mutant enzyme activity to wild type activity. In bacteria, misreading occurs at a rate of about 1 in 1000 to 1 in 10,000. This research seeks to determine what the error rate is in human cells using this system. We propose to insert the lacZ gene from bacterial plasmids into plasmids that can be used in HeLa cells, which are immortal human tissue culture cells. A similar method of misreading analysis will be applied to the human cells’ beta-galactosidase activity in order to understand errors in cell machinery during the process of protein production. ]]> The central dogma of molecular biology states that DNA is “transcribed” into RNA, which is then “translated” into protein. Proteins are made by linking together a series of units called amino... http://www.umbc.edu/undergrad_ed/research/ResearcherProfiles/AleezaAbbasiProfile.htm https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/7592/guest@my.umbc.edu/a73db4687a4ee37063626e1f59efacb8/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://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/592/e8c6ba1577afdf09f6ca0ea7fb987590/xxlarge.jpg?1310998243 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/592/e8c6ba1577afdf09f6ca0ea7fb987590/xlarge.jpg?1310998243 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/592/e8c6ba1577afdf09f6ca0ea7fb987590/large.jpg?1310998243 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/592/e8c6ba1577afdf09f6ca0ea7fb987590/medium.jpg?1310998243 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/592/e8c6ba1577afdf09f6ca0ea7fb987590/small.jpg?1310998243 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/592/e8c6ba1577afdf09f6ca0ea7fb987590/xsmall.jpg?1310998243 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/007/592/e8c6ba1577afdf09f6ca0ea7fb987590/xxsmall.jpg?1310998243 35 9 true Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:12:43 -0400