Date and Time: Mon, 3/31, 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Location: PHYS (physics building) room 107
Are you a student looking to build hands-on social science research skills? Join SOCY 497/698: Interdisciplinary Social Science Research Training – an online synchronous, 4-week course from July 7 - Aug 1! Gain experience in data literacy: qualitative & quantitative methods, and managing social science literature & grant databases—all in a workshop-style setting. No prerequisites!
For permissions, contact Dr. Christine Mair: christine_mair@umbc.edu
UMBC Campus Life will hold workshops on Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Commons 331. The workshop is aimed at students, but faculty and staff are welcome to attend as well. To accommodate schedules, the 90-minute workshop will be held starting at 10 am, Noon, and 2 pm.
The workshop will address what it means to engage with AI systems in an increasingly digital world and cover the principles of ethical leadership, AI challenges and governance, ethical dilemmas with AI, and more.
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UMBC Campus Life will hold workshops on Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Commons 331. The workshop is aimed at students, but faculty and staff are welcome to attend as well. To accommodate schedules, the 90-minute workshop will be held starting at 10 am, Noon, and 2 pm.
The workshop will address what it means to engage with AI systems in an increasingly digital world and cover the principles of ethical leadership, AI challenges and governance, ethical dilemmas with AI, and more.
Name: Katelyn Kelly
Pronouns: She/Her
Semester of Internship: Spring 2024
Major: Political Science & Media and Communications Studies
Current Class Level: Junior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): World Service Authority
Location of the Organization (City, State): Washington, DC
Title of position: Communication Manager
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
As an intern with the World Service Authority, I contribute to the organization’s mission of promoting global human rights and world citizenship. My role primarily involves research, writing, and advocacy efforts that support refugees, stateless individuals, and those seeking international legal protections. On a day-to-day basis, I draft articles and updates for the organization’s newsletter, focusing on topics such as refugee assistance and legal identity documentation. I also assist with outreach efforts, communicating with individuals and organizations to raise awareness about human rights issues. Additionally, I conduct legal and policy research to help support the organization’s initiatives and advocacy strategies.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
Intrigued by the organization’s mission, I researched its work and decided that the role aligned with my academic background and career interests. I submitted my application in late fall, which included my resume and a statement of interest detailing my passion for global justice and media advocacy. Shortly after, I was invited to interview with a representative from the organization. The interview focused on my writing and research skills, as well as my understanding of human rights issues. After discussing how my experience in political science, media, and communications could contribute to the organization, I was offered the position. I eagerly accepted, excited for the opportunity to engage in meaningful work at the intersection of policy, media, and advocacy.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
LinkedIn or other social media.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I’ve enjoyed most about my position at the World Service Authority is the opportunity to engage in meaningful human rights advocacy while applying my skills in writing, research, and media. Working on the organization’s newsletter has been particularly rewarding, as it allows me to inform and inspire others about critical issues like refugee assistance and statelessness. I appreciate the organization's global perspective and commitment to helping individuals who often fall through the cracks of traditional legal systems. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed the flexibility and independence of the role, which has allowed me to take initiative on projects and deepen my understanding of international law and advocacy.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Through my work at the World Service Authority, I believe I have made an impact by helping to amplify the voices of refugees, stateless individuals, and those seeking international legal protections. By writing and curating content for the organization’s newsletter, I have contributed to raising awareness about human rights issues and connecting people with vital resources. My research on international law and policy has supported the organization’s advocacy efforts, helping to inform strategies for assisting individuals in need. Additionally, my outreach efforts have helped strengthen relationships between the organization and other human rights groups, fostering collaboration in the fight for global justice.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My biggest piece of advice for students seeking an internship, especially in advocacy or human rights, is to be proactive and intentional in your search. Look for opportunities that align with your academic background and personal interests, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professors, advisors, or professionals in the field for guidance. When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills—whether it’s research, writing, or public outreach—and emphasize your passion for the work. Networking is also key; engaging with organizations through events, social media, or informational interviews can help you stand out. Once you secure an internship, take initiative, ask questions, and seek out projects that challenge you. Lastly, treat every experience as a learning opportunity, even if it’s outside your comfort zone, because those moments often lead to the greatest personal and professional growth.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
"I've loved the opportunity to use my writing and research skills to support human rights advocacy at the World Service Authority. This internship has allowed me to engage with global justice issues in a meaningful way. The Career Center was instrumental in helping me refine my application materials and feel confident throughout the process."
CSST 345: Unruly Bodies
Kate Drabinski, Lecture TuTh 10-11:15, Fine Arts 011
Drawing on feminist, queer, social, and critical race theory, this course examines the status of the body in both historical and contemporary debates about identity, representation, and politics. We tend to take the body for granted as the ground of experience and knowledge, but this course challenges that common sense, asking how the body is produced, managed, and deployed in various ways to discipline and manage populations. We will also investigate the political possibilities of body work to resist and reshape these same disciplinary practices, paying particular attention to "queer" forms of embodiment. Recommended Preparation: CSST 210, GWST 100, or permission of instructor.
EDUC 388: Inclusion and Instruction
Zoe Fritz, Lecture Mo 4:30-7, Information Technology 241
This course introduces students to strategies for differentiating instruction within general education classrooms. The course examines the legal, philosophical and programmatic underpinnings of instructional inclusion, especially in the areas of reading, writing and math. The course emphasizes approaches for adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of socio-culturally, linguistically, cognitively (e.g., dyslexic, dyscalculic) and behaviorally diverse student populations, including students identified traditionally as having special needs (e.g., gifted and talented, physically challenged). A weekly field experience is required. Department Consent Required
IS 303: Fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction
Sidas Saulynas, Lecture Tu 1-2:15, Physics 101, Discussion time varies, Information Technology 237
This course provides a survey of human factors and human computer interaction relevant to the design and use of information systems. It describes the contributions of information systems, computer science, psychology, sociology and engineering to human-computer interaction. Emphasis is placed on human factors theories, human information processing concepts, interaction design approaches and usability evaluation methods. Application areas and current research are also reviewed.Prerequisite: IS 202, IS 300, or IS 300H with a grade of 'C' or better.
AGNG 200: Aging People, Policy and Management
Lauren Price, Lecture TuTh 10-11:15, Physics 201 (Variety of online options)
Based in the life-course perspective, this course blends academic analysis of human aging in social context with more experiential learning, including exposure to literature on older adults, awareness exercises about aging in the news and talking with older adults in and out of class to debunk common myths and stereotypes regarding aging and older adults. Academic content is broadly social, in terms of understanding family and community contexts of aging, the individual experience of aging including productivity, spirituality and typical engagement, normal changes and diseases common in physical and psychological health, and a focus on how society views aging. Finally, students will be encouraged to identify themselves as aging individuals, on a trajectory toward later life.Prerequisite: ENGL 100 with a grade of 'C' or better.
AGNG 440: Diversity in Aging Services
Robin Majeski, Online asynchronous
Providing services to older people involves the diversity of the clients and, increasingly frequently, the diversity of the service provision staff. Including aspects of cultural diversity, socioeconomic diversity, gender diversity and age diversity, this course provides students with information regarding aspects of diversity that may influence the expectations and satisfaction of both groups in the service delivery system. Examples include variations in family systems, expectations about later life and illness, issues related to eligibility for services, and problems of communication and comfort in cross-age, intercultural or interclass interactions.Prerequisite: AGNG 200 with a grade of 'C' or better.
PBHL 350: Public Health Ethics
Andrea Kalfoglou, Lecture TuTh 11:30-12:45, Sondheim 101
This course serves to introduce central concepts and key issues in public health ethics. Students will learn various proposed frameworks for analyzing ethical issues in public health, and how public health ethics differs from traditional medical ethics. Students will use a case-based approach to analyze ethical issues in public health, and practice applying the frameworks to real and fictitious cases through class discussions and written assignments. Recommended Course Preparation: HAPP/SOCY 354; PHIL 350; PHIL/HAPP 355. Prerequisite: PBHL 100 with a grade of 'C' or better.
PBHL 358: Bioethics
Daniel Jenkins, Lecture MoWe 1-2:15, PAHB 229
A survey of the ethical constraints on the practice of medicine, biomedical research using human and nonhuman animals, and the delivery of health care. Specific topics will include doctor-patient confidentiality; autonomy, competence, and medical decision-making; ethical issues at the beginning and end of human life; and controversial biomedical technologies such as cloning and stem cell research. Recommended Preparation: PHIL 150, PHIL 152, HAPP 350. Prerequisite: One PHIL course with a grade of 'C' or better
SOCY 351: Sociology of Health, Illness, and Medicine
Karon Phillips, Lecture We 7:10-9:40, Public Policy 105
This course explores how health, illness, and the field of medicine are shaped by social and cultural forces. It examines the changing role of physicians and other providers; medicine as a social institution; the nature of healthcare organizations; and the experience of health and illness. Special attention is given to the doctor-patient relationship, and factors that shape individuals' interactions with their health providers, as well as analyzing the role of persistent sociocultural inequalities across health and health care. Recommended Preparation: SOCY 101 or ANTH 211.