Over the last few months, UMBC has launched many new exciting programs and partnerships, while celebrating continued success as a workplace.
To read more about these and other campus news stories, visit UMBC news.
Professor Lei Zhang brings futuristic computing concepts into the classroom
In recent years, the tech industry has begun to see the emergence of a second quantum revolution, with quantum computers poised to solve complex problems and disrupt traditional internet security methods. Lei Zhang, an assistant professor at UMBC, is preparing students for this future by developing educational modules and a new summer program in quantum information science and technology, starting in 2025. This program aims to address the potential challenges of quantum computing on internet security and will provide students with hands-on experience through internships. Collaborating with various faculty and institutions, Zhang seeks to create a diverse and skilled workforce capable of navigating the evolving landscape of quantum technology.
Read more about Zhang’s work here.
UMBC Poll, new election website, affirms UMBC commitment to civic engagement
UMBC has introduced two new initiatives to enhance civic engagement ahead of the 2024 elections. The Institute of Politics (IoP), launched in August to provide research and insights on Maryland elections, recently released UMBC Poll, a website aiming to assess voter attitudes on key election issues. UMBC Poll has since been covered by multiple state and national news outlets, including the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, the Washington Post, and Fox News. Additionally, the university launched Election Central, a comprehensive website offering resources for voter registration, guidelines for exercising free speech, and tools for civic engagement. Developed by UMBC’s Center for Democracy and Civic Life, the website also offers resources for news media.
Read more about both initiatives here.
UMBC announces partnership with national nonprofit to promote inclusive academic success
UMBC has partnered with College Track, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting first-generation and underprivileged students, to enhance academic and personal growth for these individuals as they transition through high school and college. This collaboration follows a $20 million commitment from the Baltimore Ravens and other organizations to establish a College Track center in Baltimore, aiming to assist Baltimore City Public Schools. The partnership will guarantee admissions for eligible College Track Scholars from Maryland, prioritizing those from Baltimore, and will cover their full financial needs for up to five years, along with providing access to a Summer Bridge program. UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusion and equity, stating that the partnership aims to empower promising students to achieve their educational goals and positively impact their communities.
Read more about the new partnership here.
For 15 consecutive years, UMBC‘s faculty and staff shine in the Great Colleges to Work For survey
For the 15th consecutive year, UMBC has been recognized on ModernThink’s Great Colleges to Work For list, earning a spot on the Honor Roll for its. The 2024 survey highlighted the fulfillment of employees across ten categories, reflecting their commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment where personal growth and professional development thrive. UMBC’s outstanding workplace culture, which emphasizes faculty and staff wellbeing, collaboration, and a shared vision earned it a spot on the list of the top 10 institutions with an enrollment exceeding 10,000 students in 2024. President Valerie Sheares Ashby noted that this dedication enables staff and faculty to see the impact of their work on students and the broader community, reinforcing the transformative power of education.