After the Key Bridge collapse, UMBC students gained hands-on rebuilding experience, learning on-site and leading a workshop for local youth.
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Building the Future: UMBC Students Join Key Bridge Rebuild Effort
After the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge in March 2024, UMBC students Emily DiMarzio, Cristian Mena, and William McConnell joined a new internship program supporting the bridge’s rebuild. Over the summer, they gained hands-on experience in environmental review, geotechnical analysis, and community outreach. Their work included site visits, data analysis, and leading a bridge-building workshop for Baltimore middle schoolers. For McConnell, a Baltimore native, the project was especially meaningful. The internship, a partnership between MDTA and MHEC, will continue through the bridge’s expected completion in 2028—offering students a chance to contribute to one of Maryland’s most significant infrastructure efforts.
Read more about the Key Bridge effort here.
Tech Talent Locally: UMBC Interns Power Innovation at T. Rowe Price
UMBC students Wonder Akpabio and Gabriel Farmer gained valuable hands-on experience this summer interning at Baltimore-based investment firm T. Rowe Price. Working on software projects supporting investment reporting and communications, they benefited from strong mentorship and networking opportunities. Their internships highlight the diverse career paths available to computer science students beyond traditional tech hubs, emphasizing the value of local industry connections and real-world learning.
Read more about the T. Rowe Price internship here.
Freeman-ASIA Scholarship Launches UMBC Student Toward Career in Linguistic
Ayra Sangi, a senior majoring in Asian studies, has received the prestigious 2025 Freeman-ASIA Award to study intensive Mandarin at National Taiwan University this fall. Inspired by Chinese web novels in high school, Sangi chose UMBC for its strong Asian studies and education abroad programs. With support from faculty mentors, including Professor Meredith Oyen, she has pursued immersive global learning experiences in Morocco, Spain, and Italy. Sangi is the first UMBC recipient of the Freeman-ASIA Award and plans a career in Chinese linguistics, building on her academic and international experience.
Read more about Ayra’s scholarship journey here.
Four UMBC Scholars Receive Prestigious Fulbright Awards
Four UMBC faculty and staff members have been selected for 2025 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards, a nationally competitive program that promotes international academic exchange. This year’s recipients represent all three UMBC colleges: Augusto Casas (Colombia), Cynthia Wagner (Kyrgyzstan), Irene Chan (Romania), and Tom Penniston (Croatia). Their projects span curriculum development, scientific research, artistic creation, and learning analytics. UMBC has produced 18 Fulbright Scholars over the past decade. This new cohort continues the university’s tradition of global engagement, bringing back experiences that enrich teaching, research, and cross-cultural understanding across campus.